Moving to Nashville
 

I'm a 22 year old female moving from London to Nashville.
Originally I'm from Baton Rouge, studied at an art school in Georgia, and moved to London temporarily after graduation. My visa is running up and I've been offered a good job in Nashville. I hear good things about the city, but I'm a little hesitant on the move because I'm so unfamiliar with the area.
Is there a big arts and culture scene?
From what I've come across online, East Nashville is more of the artsy area. Is this correct? Any suggestions on areas to live? It would be great to be walking/biking distance to areas with galleries, music venues, night life, bars, shops, etc. I'm young so I still like to have fun, but I'm also starting a career, so I would rather a young adult scene rather than college life.
Also, is there a street art culture in Nashville? Not graffiti in terms of tagging, but well done art work.
Any and all advice is helpful.

Thanks!

I am not sure why you have tagged all of those unrelated states, but I will tell you that relocation threads often get deleted here because this is a travel website.

http://www.city-data.com/is a website you might find helpful also.

Here is the forum section of that website
http://www.city-data.com/forum/

Try reposting this in the Fodor's lounge.

<i>Is there a big arts and culture scene?</i>
"Arts and culture" is pretty general, but without knowing if you're talking about specific types, I'd say absolutely. TONS of music (not just country at all - most of the live shows around town are rock or Americana). In addition to club sorts of shows, we have a performing arts center, ballet, opera, a fantastic symphony, an art museum (rotating exhibits), and quite a few art galleries. Does that get at what you're asking?

<i>From what I've come across online, East Nashville is more of the artsy area. Is this correct?</i>
East Nashville is an area that was pretty rough about 10-15 years ago. Parts of it still are, so be aware - if it sounds really cheap, there's probably a reason! However, around that time, people started moving in and renovating the historic homes, and in the last decade or so it's gotten a lot of new restaurants and shops, mostly places that take pride in being local and independent. It's an interesting mix in that there are housing projects half a mile from some of the priciest (most renovated) homes in the area. It has a reputation for being very indie/hipster/artsy/crunchy/choose your adjective. :)

<i>Any suggestions on areas to live? It would be great to be walking/biking distance to areas with galleries, music venues, night life, bars, shops, etc.</i>
East Nashville is great for that *if* you're mostly interested in walking/biking to restaurants and bars. There are a few small clubs there for music, but not that many. Most of the clubs are around downtown or near the Vanderbilt area. You might look at the Gulch area as well - there are several brand-new buildings there which were meant to be condos, but they overestimated the condo market and now a lot of them are apartments. The Gulch is more yuppie than East Nashville. In general, Nashville is a car city. What general area would your job be in? Traffic isn't horrendous here, but where I'd be commuting to would make a difference in where I'd look for a place.

<i>Also, is there a street art culture in Nashville? Not graffiti in terms of tagging, but well done art work.</i>
Not that I've noticed - it's not prevalent if there is.

I'm 31 and have lived here since I was 24. I love it - there's always something to do. It's a laid-back vibe, people are really friendly, and generally welcoming to creative people. I have a lot of friends who are graphic designers, web designers, musicians, other creative professionals. It sounds like from your post that you might like it here.

I agree with the previous poster's thoughts. But I have to add that personally, I would be afraid to live in East Nashville. I would not feel safe walking in the evening -- or even getting home late and walking from my car. It's the area with the highest crime.

I think the "primo" area is Green Hills. That's where the iconic Bluebird Cafe is located. There are terrific restaurants and shopping -- but it's definitely more upscale. Nothing "funky" or artsy about it.

Other areas to check out are Sylvan Park and Hillsboro Village.

For me, much of the decision would be based on the location of your job.

Nashville's not London -- or NYC ... but there's more than enough to keep you busy.

Are you there, HannahK? :) Totally agree with Songdoc that a lot of it depends on where you'll be working.

I have a lot of friends who live in East Nashville, walk in their neighborhoods, get home at all hours of the night and have never had any problems - BUT they're familiar with the area and know where not to be. If you're smart about being aware of your surroundings and do your research, it's an area a lot of people love, but a lot of it does come down to personal comfort level. I do get a little nervous when I'm over there late at night, just because I don't know my way around.

Green Hills is a really nice area, but expensive and traffic can get crazy. I lived in Hillsboro Village for a year and loved it, mostly because I could walk to work, coffee shops, and restaurants.

>>Are you there, HannahK? <<

Perhaps she felt shoo'd away by the first response which told her that her post would get deleted for being a "relocation" question. Someone should notify the editors that the archives are rife with well populated relocation threads.

On a slightly related note, I have some possible business in Nashville this summer. Is East Nashville the sort of neighborhood a visitor interested in the arts and funky creative stuff would seek out to wander around?

obxgirl, it might be. There are a few pockets of retail areas in the neighborhood, which is mostly residential. As said above, it's not the kind of area you want to be wandering aimlessly, so I'd have a bit of a plan. But there are a few small art galleries and shops and quite a few local restaurants (Marche is one of my favorites, especially for weekend brunch; Margot next door is supposed to be great, but it's a bit out of my usual price range so I haven't tried it myself! The Silly Goose is also good).

When exactly is your trip? East Nashville has the Tomato Fest every year around early August. It's a fun day, especially if the weather isn't heinous (we got lucky last year - it was only 80 or so).

There are some art galleries downtown as well, and I *think* it's the first weekend of every month when they have an art crawl around the Arcade. Other neighborhoods you might check out might be 12 South and Hillsboro Village.

Thanks, jent. Right now the trip is scheduled during the second half of July and I am just starting to take notes on all the good fodorite advice. Much appreciated.

Looks like you'll miss Tomato Fest, then, which is sad - it's a fun, weird day. :) The web site doesn't have a lot of info yet, but looking at the vendors and sponsors once they get them up might give you a good list of places to check out in the area.

http://tomatoartfest.com/

My top picks of places to live in Nashville would be 12 South, Sylvan Park, Green Hills, Belmont/Hillsboro Village and West End. East Nashville is great as well, but as some mentioned it is still transitional, but offers great value. Here's a guide to Nashville that might be helpful:

http://www.nashvillehomeviewer.com/m...shville-guide/

It's an OLD thread.