Moving from NJ to Nashville in August... Musician! (apartment complexes, rent)

[dakotalovexx]

Hey guys!

I'm really excited to be moving to Nashville, I just want some advice and to make sure I'm on the right track.

I'll be 23 in April, finishing up my degree in June and planning on moving in July/August. I'm a musician so my main goal is to head down there and work on music/take workshops/play out, etc. I'm part of the NSAI too and I plan on taking part in pretty much every musical thing I can down there. I currently waitress up here so I was looking into doing the same thing down there since I love it and it's quick (cash) money. Maybe find something musical to do for work once I get settled.

I do plan on staying at least 6 months-1 year. I've been down there this past summer for NSAI workshops and I fell in love instantly and made it my plan to get there as soon as I was finished with school. I've been looking and seeing a lot of shared apartments/rooms for share for around $400-500 and that's doable for me. I just have some of my belongings and a cat and I'm pretty sure I'll be spending most of my time working or out doing something musical. I'm planning on bringing at least $2000 savings with me god forbid I'm not able to find a job (though I plan on inquiring and applying about a month before I make the move).

I would like somewhere maybe Downtown or East Nashville but I'm banking on still having my car anyway so that's flexible. Am I on the right track? Would just like some input from some of the people who already live there. Thanks!

[BirdieBelle]

Welcome to the forum ~

Why would you waitress if you're about to have a college degree?

And why do you think you'll only stay 6 mos to a year?

[dakotalovexx]

Thanks! I meant that I know I want to stay at least that long.

And because I'll only have an associates in Psychology and most people can't get a decent job with a bachelors. I love waitressing at the moment and would like to take some time to pursue music.

[dakotalovexx]

Also, though I've been looking on craigslist (I also have a friend currently living down there) does anyone know of any apartment complexes or anything for around $500 a month? I think even a studio apt would be fine. Like I said I just have my stuff, me, my guitars, and my kitty.

[BirdieBelle]

On the right side of the main Nashville page, you can type in "Apartments" in the blue "Search this Forum" tab, and many great recent threads will come up.

You might find complexes for $500, but you wouldn't want to live there. That is well below Nashville's average rent of $860/month.

I would see how long your friend would tolerate a roommate until you find a part of town close to your new job.

[CountryGirl2b=]

I doubt very much you'll find an apartment you'd want to live in for $500, on your own. If there is such a place it would probably be found by word of mouth among a circle of friends and family. And I think to share you might have to look in the $500 - $600 price range. I will send you a PM about that. Otherwise, yeah, I think you're on the right track. Being a waitress can pay well and gives you a flexible schedule. Be aware that you'll have some competition for 'summer' jobs like that if you arrive in July. Kids go back to school here in August, I think some colleges start back up mid August, so August might be the better month (although it's HOT!). Also a lot of competition for music type jobs BUT I read an article that said that more people were employed in the music biz, per capita, in Nashville than in any other city in the US. That includes tour bus drivers and caterers but still, a good statistic. Everyone has to start somewhere! And you might make some great contacts at NSAI. Best of luck!