What should I know before moving to Nashville?

Three things most out-of-state movers underestimate: (1) Nashville is geographically large — your commute will depend heavily on where you settle vs where you work; (2) Tennessee has no state income tax, but property taxes vary materially county by county; (3) the metro is built around 20+ distinct neighborhoods and a dozen surrounding cities, each with a different feel. The single biggest mistake is picking based on a Zillow search radius. Walk the areas first (virtually if you have to).

How long is the commute in Nashville?

Downtown-area commutes in the city core run 15–30 minutes off-peak, 30–60 minutes at rush hour. Suburban commutes from places like Brentwood, Franklin, or Hendersonville commonly run 25–45 minutes to downtown depending on the route. There's no rail transit; almost everyone drives. Tell us where you work and we'll map realistic commute windows from each area you're considering.

Can I tour Nashville homes virtually before relocating?

Yes. Our team films home walkthroughs on FaceTime, Zoom, or pre-recorded video at your request, and we also film neighborhood tours so you can see the area before you ever land. Most of our out-of-state buyers do a virtual round first, then fly in for a final 2–3 day in-person trip to make a decision.

Where do most out-of-state movers buy in Nashville?

It depends on what you're optimizing for. Families moving from large coastal cities commonly evaluate Brentwood, Franklin, Nolensville, and Hendersonville for the space-per-dollar math. Buyers prioritizing walkability and a strong food scene commonly evaluate East Nashville, Germantown, 12 South, and The Nations. There's no universal answer — your tribe depends on your day-to-day, and that's exactly what we help you map out.

What's the cost of living in Nashville compared to other cities?

Nashville's cost of living is currently below most major coastal metros (NYC, SF, LA, Boston, DC) but higher than the U.S. median. The biggest single variable is housing — median home prices vary by 3–5x across Middle Tennessee depending on the area. Tennessee's no state income tax is a meaningful offset versus high-tax states; sales tax (~9.25%) is on the higher side. We'll model your full cost of living against a real address you're considering when you're ready.

Who will I be working with when I relocate to Nashville?

You'll work directly with Will Johnson and The Will Johnson Team at eXp Realty. Will has been licensed in Tennessee since 2013 (license #330494) and was named RealTrends Verified in 2026. Before real estate he served 14 years in the U.S. Army, rising to Major, and worked as an ICU nurse and CRNA — a background built on getting high-stakes decisions right the first time. The team specializes in Hendersonville, Gallatin, and Sumner County and closes 60–100 homes a year across Middle Tennessee. Call 615-265-1000.

Do you help out-of-state buyers with new construction in Sumner County?

Yes — it's our specialty. We've personally toured 80+ new-construction communities across Sumner County (Hendersonville, Gallatin, and beyond) firsthand, so out-of-state buyers get straight answers on builders, floor plans, and which communities fit before they fly in. A builder's on-site agent works for the builder; we represent you — at little or no cost in most transactions, which we disclose up front. Call 615-265-1000 to start with a discovery call.

Relocating to Nashville

Find Your NeighborhoodBefore You Pack a Box.

We've helped hundreds of families move to Middle Tennessee from every state. In the last 12 months The Will Johnson Team at eXp Realty sold roughly $27.7 million in homes across about 64 transactions (as of 2026), closing 60–100 homes a year — and most of our relocation clients find their home without ever driving a U-Haul into the wrong neighborhood.

Start with a Discovery Call Watch Neighborhood Tours

12+

Years Helping Movers

States Served

Middle TN Markets

Verified

RealTrends 2026

How Relocation Works

A Proven 5-Step Process

Most out-of-state buyers waste their first visit on the wrong neighborhoods. We make sure you don't.

Discovery Call (30 min)

We start with a phone call. We learn where you're coming from, what you do, your family situation, your budget, and what matters most in your next home.

Neighborhood Matching

We send you personalized neighborhood video tours matched to your lifestyle — commute, vibe, value, daily life. No generic lists. Every recommendation is specific to you.

Virtual Market Preview

Before you ever fly in, we send curated listings with honest commentary on each — what's overpriced, what's a steal, and what's hiding a problem.

The Nashville Visit

When you visit, every minute is optimized. We drive you through your top neighborhoods, show you 6–10 matched homes, and give you a feel for daily life here.

Offer & Close — Remotely

We handle offer negotiations, inspections, appraisals, and closing logistics. You can close on a Nashville home without setting foot here again — and many of our clients do.

Why People Move Here

The Nashville Magnet

Nashville has ranked in the top 5 U.S. cities for in-migration for over a decade. The reasons are consistent — and they still hold.

No state income tax

Tennessee has zero personal income tax — a meaningful shift in your monthly math when coming from CA, NY, IL, or NJ.

Strong, diverse job market

Healthcare (HCA, Vanderbilt), tech (Oracle, Amazon), finance, and entertainment — Nashville's economy is diversified and growing.

Cost-of-living advantage

Housing still trades at a meaningful discount vs. coastal metros, especially once you factor in no state income tax.

Culture & climate

Live music on every corner. Four real seasons without brutal winters. Southern hospitality is real here, not a cliché.

Room to spread out

Parks, greenways, youth sports, and space to breathe. Middle Tennessee pairs quieter suburbs with the city close by when you want it.

Growing, not crowding

Nashville continues to attract talent and investment without losing its character. The momentum is here, but so is the breathing room.

“The biggest mistake out-of-state buyers make is choosing a neighborhood off a map. I've personally toured 80+ new-construction communities across Sumner County and greater Middle Tennessee, so before you ever fly in, I can tell you which areas actually fit your commute, your budget, and your day-to-day — not just which ones photograph well.”

Will Johnson

The Will Johnson Team at eXp Realty · Licensed in TN since 2013

Where Relocation Clients Land

Popular Relocation Areas

Depending on your lifestyle, these are the most common Middle Tennessee destinations for relocating families.

Hendersonville

25-30 minutes

Sumner

Nashville's Favorite Lakeside Suburb

Guide to Hendersonville

Brentwood

20-30 minutes

Williamson

Tennessee's Most Prestigious Address

Guide to Brentwood

Franklin

25-35 minutes

Williamson

Historic Charm Meets Modern Luxury

Guide to Franklin

Gallatin

35-45 minutes

Sumner

Sumner County's Hidden Gem on the Rise

Guide to Gallatin

Murfreesboro

35-45 minutes

Rutherford

Tennessee's Fastest-Growing City

Guide to Murfreesboro

Mount Juliet

25-35 minutes

Wilson

East Nashville's Best-Kept Suburban Secret

Guide to Mount Juliet

Germantown East Nashville Downtown SoBro The Gulch Midtown

Decision tool

Stuck between 2 or 3 areas?

Pick any of the 21 Nashville neighborhoods or 12 surrounding cities and see them side-by-side: median price, drive time, walk score, lifestyle character. Built for the relocator who needs to stop second-guessing.

Compare areas →

Free Mover's Checklist

Your First 30 Days in Nashville

The logistics nobody warns you about — license and registration deadlines, utilities, the DMV reality, and the practical to-do list for your first month. Built for out-of-state movers so nothing slips through the cracks.

Get the Checklist

Start Your Move

Tell Us Where You're Coming From.

Share your timeline, family situation, and what you're looking for. We'll respond personally — usually the same business day.

100% confidential, zero pressure
Personalized neighborhood-match plan
Vendor referrals: movers, inspectors, lenders

Want the Guide First?

Nashville Insider's Guide

Download our free PDF: 21 Nashville neighborhoods + 12 surrounding cities, side-by-side.

Get the Free Guide

Start Your Nashville Relocation

Tell us about your move — we'll be in touch personally.

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Out-of-State Clients Welcome

Most Clients Find Their HomeBefore They Ever Move.

We've closed deals for clients in California, New York, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and beyond. The playbook is proven — and it starts with a 30-minute phone call.

Call 615-265-1000