Moving to Nashville? Ask yourself these 7 questions first.
Before you fall for a house, figure out which part of Nashville fits your life. These are the questions I walk every relocating family through, plus a quick quiz to point you to the right neighborhoods.
The guide
7 questions to ask before you move
- 1
What's my real all-in budget?
Clay's take: Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, which helps. But property taxes, HOA dues and insurance vary a lot between Davidson and Williamson counties. Budget the monthly payment, not just the price.
- 2
Where will I work, and how much commute can I live with?
Clay's take: I-65, I-24 and I-440 can turn a 20-minute drive into 50 at rush hour. Drive your commute at 7:45 a.m. before you commit to an area.
- 3
How much do schools drive this decision?
Clay's take: Williamson County Schools draws a lot of families south. Franklin has its own K–8 district in parts of town. Metro Nashville has strong magnet and choice options if you know how to work the system.
- 4
Do I want city energy or a small-town feel?
Clay's take: East Nashville, 12 South and Germantown put you near restaurants and music. Franklin, Thompson's Station and Spring Hill feel like a small Southern town with more room.
- 5
New construction or an established neighborhood?
Clay's take: New builds give you open floor plans and warranties. Older neighborhoods give you mature trees, bigger lots and character. Each comes with different surprises, and I'll tell you what to look for.
- 6
Should I rent first or buy right away?
Clay's take: Renting for six months lets you learn the city before you buy. Buying sooner can make sense if you already know your area. We'll run both scenarios for your situation.
- 7
What does my ideal Saturday look like?
Clay's take: Lake days on Percy Priest or Old Hickory, a walk to coffee, Friday-night football, trails at Radnor Lake. Your weekends tell me more about where you'll be happy than your wish list does.
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Neighborhood quiz · 5 questions
Which part of Nashville fits you?
Bonus · cheat sheet
Nashville-area neighborhoods at a glance
| Area | County | To downtown* | Vibe | Great for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germantown | Davidson | 5 min | Restaurants, brick row homes, condos | Walkable city living |
| East Nashville | Davidson | 10 min | Creative, eclectic, historic bungalows | Food and music lovers |
| 12 South / Belmont | Davidson | 10 min | Polished, walkable, boutique shops | Young professionals |
| Sylvan Park / The Nations | Davidson | 10–15 min | Neighborhood bars, new and old homes | West-side city feel |
| Brentwood | Williamson | 20–35 min | Upscale, wooded, large lots | Families, schools |
| Franklin | Williamson | 25–45 min | Historic Main Street, small-town | Families, Cool Springs workers |
| Nolensville | Williamson | 30–45 min | Growing, newer neighborhoods | Space and schools |
| Spring Hill / Thompson's Station | Maury / Williamson | 40–60 min | Suburban, newer builds, value | More house for the money |
| Mt. Juliet / Hendersonville | Wilson / Sumner | 30–45 min | Lake living, easygoing | Boaters, airport access |
*Typical drive times. Rush hour can double them.
Bonus · the big decision
Davidson vs. Williamson County
Davidson (Nashville)
- Closest to downtown, Vanderbilt and Broadway
- Wide range of home styles and prices
- Metro Nashville Public Schools, with magnet and choice programs
- Walkable pockets with restaurants and music
Williamson (Brentwood, Franklin)
- Williamson County Schools, a big draw for families
- Larger lots and newer subdivisions
- Cool Springs offices and shopping nearby
- Longer commute into downtown
Property tax rates change by county and city. Text me any address and I'll tell you what taxes look like there.
Watch before you move
Nashville, explained on our channel
Best places to live in Nashville: 2026 relocation guide
Top Nashville suburbs people are moving to in 2026
The worst things about living in Nashville
Bonus · your first 30 days
New-to-Nashville checklist
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Why trust us
Every pin is a home we've sold
978 homes sold across Middle Tennessee, with 133 five-star reviews. See where, and read what clients say.
Your guide
Meet Clay
I'm a Nashville native with more than 20 years in Middle Tennessee real estate. I lead The Kelton Group, and our job is to help you get the right home at the right price, in the part of town that fits your life.
Call or text and we'll start with a quick 10-minute call, same day.