Potential Move to Nashville After College (Portland, Charlotte: student loans, private schools, universities)

[darrenlamb45]

Hi all,

I'm currently a second semester junior at a public university in Illinois. I will graduate in the Spring of 2018 with an Adult & Community Education degree with a Spanish minor and Latin American Studies minor (it was only two more classes). I know mentioning my student loan burden is important to include in terms of budgeting, ect. That said, I will have approximately $35,000 is student loans once I graduate.

That said, my degree is very human service-oriented. Anticipated job placement ranges from non-profits (not on the top of my list), workforce development, student success centers at college/universities, and community efforts for non-English speaking individuals (hence, my chosen minors). My take-home income will probably be around the same as my student loans, which isn't not great. However, that's also based off central Illinois economy and cost of living.

I have done previous research and I know that Nashville is somewhat cheaper than other cities its size. Does that hold true for those of you more familiar with the area? If it's not and it is too expensive, I'll find another option. I think that's a pretty simple formula for success.

1. Where could a human services worker live relatively comfortable if I had a spouse or a few roommates? I mentioned my anticipated income. I do plan to get a second job for nights and weekends to supplement my income. Are there any cheaper suburbs that you'd suggest, 20-30 minutes away? I don't really plan on living in the thick of the city by any means (even though it would be cool).

2. What's the weather like? I've heard it's pretty humid in summer but what about winter? Does it balance out at all?

3. I know that Nashville is roughly 10% Hispanic. That's a decent percentage that coincides well enough with my degree. However, is Nashville's human services sector well-funded/supported? I know in Illinois, human services are constantly facing budget cuts.

4. Is Nashville easily adaptable? I mean that in the most literal sense. I come from a small farming town of 4,400 people. After getting my feet wet, some experience and know-how, is Nashville is a pretty easy place to commute in? Driving vs. public transportation, specifically.

5. This really is not as important to others as it is to me, but what's the music scene like? I know Nashville is known for being really country (I don't mean that with any negative connotation) but it can't all be country. I'm an avid concert goer and I know that Nashville is a must-stop for a lot of acts. That said, what are some of the cooler record stores, venues, and bars that support music (local acts and up-and-coming acts specifically)? What are some of your favorites?

6. I've heard that Nashville has a cool microbreweries "scene" which is a really cool. However, what is their local business, restaurant, and retail "vibe" like? Plenty of options? I imagine there are being so big but that's why I ask!

7. Lastly, this isn't specific just to Nashville, but what colleges/universities are close by? Graduate school is a definite possibility, and I know Vanderbilt and Belmont are actually in Nashville but are there any other options? Preferably less expensive than two private schools?

I can't really think of anything else at the moment. If you have any more information, suggestions, hints, tips, or fun facts, please let me know! I genuinely appreciate your help! Thank you so much!

[N.Cal]

I have done previous research and I know that Nashville is somewhat cheaper than other cities its size.

What cities are you comparing it to and where did this research come from?

[darrenlamb45]

Originally Posted by N.Cal

What cities are you comparing it to and where did this research come from?

Hello,

Compared to a lot of the coastal cities (Boston, Portland, Seattle) of the same size, Nashville appeared to be more reasonable in terms of cost of living. Even Denver has been explained, to me at least, as somewhat expensive.

Thanks for your time!

[N.Cal]

Originally Posted by darrenlamb45

Hello,

Compared to a lot of the coastal cities (Boston, Portland, Seattle) of the same size, Nashville appeared to be more reasonable in terms of cost of living. Even Denver has been explained, to me at least, as somewhat expensive.

Thanks for your time!

You can't compare Nashville to BPS and not even Denver really. More like Austin, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham. Austin is more expensive, but Nashville is quickly catching up.


1. Unanswerable without a budget number.

2. Hot and humid to very cold with ice storms and everything in-between.

3. IMO, human services are definitely not a priority of the state of Tennessee.

4. Public transportation is nearly nonexistent.

5. All kinds of music. Singer-songwriter heaven. Music | Nashville Scene is a good source.

6. Your Complete Guide to Nashville's Breweries or
http://nashville.eater.com/maps/best...ies-craft-beer

7. Google is your friend. https://www.google.com/#q=nashville+...versities+list