Moving to Nashville? Here’s What to Do in Your First 30 Days
If you just moved to Nashville or you’re about to, the first few weeks can feel a little disorienting.
You probably have a list of places you’ve heard about. Broadway. The bars. The music.
And don’t get us wrong, those are fun.
But they’re not the whole picture of what living in Nashville is like.
Broadway is a huge part of the city’s identity, but it’s also a very tourist-heavy experience. Most locals aren’t spending their weekends there.
So if you want to actually get a feel for Nashville, your first 30 days should look a little different.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Nashville isn’t one cohesive city in the way people expect.
It’s more like a collection of very different neighborhoods, each with its own personality.
If you only stay in one area, you’re going to get a very limited view of what the city has to offer.
Here are a few worth exploring early:
East Nashville
More artsy and creative.
Great local spots, coffee shops, and access to Shelby Bottoms Greenway for running, biking, or just getting outside.
Germantown
One of the most walkable areas in Nashville.
A little more polished, great restaurants, and home to the Nashville Farmers’ Market.
The Gulch
More urban, high-rise living.
Walkable, centrally located, and close to a lot of restaurants and nightlife.
Each of these areas feels completely different.
That’s the point.
Your experience in Nashville is going to be heavily shaped by where you spend your time.
Get Outside More Than You Think
A lot of people don’t realize how much nature access Nashville has.
You don’t have to leave the city to find great places to walk, run, or hike.
A few of our favorites:
Radnor Lake State Park
Percy Warner Park
Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Whether you’re into running, lifting, walking, or just getting some fresh air, these spots make it easy to build that into your routine.
And honestly, that makes a big difference in how you experience the city.
Build a Routine (This Is Huge)
This is probably the most important one.
Nashville is a city of transplants. People are moving here every single day. Which means most people are in the same position you are.
Trying to figure out:
where they fit
who they’ll meet
what their life looks like here
The best way to break through that is simple: Get out of your apartment and build a routine.
That might look like:
joining a gym
becoming a regular at a coffee shop
attending events at your apartment community
finding a local spot you go to consistently
You don’t need a big plan. You just need repetition.
That’s how you start to meet people and feel like you actually live here.
Take Advantage of the Food Scene
Nashville’s food scene is way deeper than most people expect.
Yes, there’s hot chicken.
But there’s also:
hidden local spots
unique cuisines
really solid brunch places
new restaurants opening all the time
One of the best ways to get to know the city is just by trying different places in different neighborhoods.
It’s simple, but it works.
Rent Before You Buy
We see this all the time.
People move to Nashville and immediately start thinking about buying.
Our advice is almost always the same:
Rent first.
Not because buying is bad, but because Nashville is so neighborhood-driven.
You can live ten minutes apart and have a completely different experience of the city.
Renting gives you time to:
explore different areas
figure out what fits your lifestyle
make a more informed long-term decision
Thinking About Moving to Nashville?
Helping people relocate to Nashville is what we do every day!
And honestly, a big part of that isn’t just finding an apartment.
It’s helping you figure out:
which neighborhoods actually fit you
what your day-to-day life will look like
and how to make a confident decision without wasting weeks searching
We’re licensed agents, and our apartment locating service is completely free for renters!
We’ll guide you through the process, narrow things down to the best options, and help you find the right place quickly.
If you’re planning a move, we’d love to help!
