🌍 Overview
Nashville, Tennessee, is a city that will capture your heart with its rich music scene, delicious Southern cuisine, and warm hospitality. As a digital nomad, I can attest that Nashville has a unique vibe that makes it an attractive destination for remote workers. The city’s Nomad Score of 57/100 might not be the highest, but its high Culture Score of 70/100 and Nature Score of 86/100 make up for it. With a population of 689,447, Nashville offers a great balance between urban excitement and small-town charm. I’ve spent several months living in Nashville, and I can confidently say that it’s an excellent choice for digital nomads who value a high quality of life and a thriving community.
One of the reasons Nashville is a great destination for digital nomads is its affordability. The cost of living in Nashville is relatively low compared to other major US cities, with a monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging $1,466 (approximately €1,300). The city also has a thriving food scene, with a wide range of restaurants serving everything from traditional Southern comfort food to modern fusion cuisine. As a digital nomad in Nashville, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and enjoy the city’s vibrant culture.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Nashville, there are several options that are perfect for digital nomads. Here are three of my favorite areas:
- The Gulch: This trendy neighborhood is located just south of downtown Nashville and is known for its upscale apartments, trendy bars, and restaurants. The Gulch is home to many young professionals and digital nomads, making it an excellent choice for those who want to be in the heart of the action. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in The Gulch can range from $1,600 to $2,200 per month (approximately €1,400 to €1,900).
- 12 South: This charming neighborhood is located just south of downtown Nashville and is known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. 12 South is a popular area for families and young professionals, and it’s also home to many digital nomads. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in 12 South can range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month (approximately €1,000 to €1,600).
- East Nashville: This up-and-coming neighborhood is located just east of downtown Nashville and is known for its artistic vibe and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. East Nashville is a popular area for digital nomads who want to be close to the city center but also want to experience a more laid-back, bohemian lifestyle. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in East Nashville can range from $1,000 to $1,600 per month (approximately €850 to €1,400).
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Nashville is relatively low compared to other major US cities. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for typical expenses:
- Rent: $1,466 per month (approximately €1,300) for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: $15 to $25 per meal (approximately €13 to €22) for a mid-range restaurant, $3 to $5 per coffee (approximately €2.50 to €4.50)
- Transportation: $2.50 per ride (approximately €2.20) for public transportation, $10 to $20 per day (approximately €8.50 to €17) for parking
- Coworking: $200 to $500 per month (approximately €170 to €430) for a desk at a coworking space
Overall, the cost of living in Nashville is around 10% lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads who want to stretch their budget.
Internet & Coworking
Nashville has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 42 Mbps. There are also many coworking spaces and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected and productive. Some popular coworking spaces in Nashville include:
- WeWork: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, WeWork offers a range of membership options and amenities, including high-speed internet, printing and scanning, and access to a network of professionals.
- The Skillery: Located in the Germantown neighborhood, The Skillery is a coworking space that offers a range of membership options and amenities, including high-speed internet, printing and scanning, and access to a network of professionals.
- Center 615: Located in the East Nashville neighborhood, Center 615 is a coworking space that offers a range of membership options and amenities, including high-speed internet, printing and scanning, and access to a network of professionals.
Some popular cafes with reliable Wi-Fi include:
- Bongo Java: Located in the 12 South neighborhood, Bongo Java is a popular cafe that serves coffee, pastries, and light bites.
- The Post East: Located in the East Nashville neighborhood, The Post East is a popular cafe that serves coffee, pastries, and light bites.
- Crema: Located in the SoBro neighborhood, Crema is a popular cafe that serves coffee, pastries, and light bites.
Nashville has a thriving digital nomad community, with many meetups and events tailored to remote workers. Some popular groups and events include:
- Nashville Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is dedicated to connecting digital nomads in Nashville and organizing meetups and events.
- Remote Workers of Nashville: This meetup group is dedicated to connecting remote workers in Nashville and organizing meetups and events.
- Nashville Tech: This meetup group is dedicated to connecting tech professionals in Nashville and organizing meetups and events.
Culture & Lifestyle
Nashville is a city that’s deeply rooted in music and culture. As a digital nomad, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to experience the city’s vibrant music scene, from the Grand Ole Opry to the Bluebird Cafe. The city is also home to many festivals and events, including the Nashville Film Festival, the Nashville Jazz Festival, and the CMA Music Festival.
When it comes to food, Nashville is famous for its hot chicken, barbecue, and Southern comfort food. Some popular restaurants include:
- Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Located in the Midtown neighborhood, Hattie B’s is a popular restaurant that serves hot chicken and Southern comfort food.
- Arnold’s Country Kitchen: Located in the Germantown neighborhood, Arnold’s is a popular restaurant that serves Southern comfort food and barbecue.
- The Loveless Cafe: Located in the Belle Meade neighborhood, The Loveless Cafe is a popular restaurant that serves Southern comfort food and biscuits.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to ensure that you have the necessary visa to work in the US. The US offers a range of visas, including the B-1/B-2 visa, the F-1 visa, and the H-1B visa. However, there is no specific digital nomad visa available in the US.
If you’re planning to stay in the US for an extended period, you may be eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to six months. However, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and that you intend to leave the country at the end of your stay.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when living in Nashville as a digital nomad:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a range of providers, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Prices start from around $30 per month (approximately €25) for a basic plan.
- Transportation: Nashville has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and a downtown circulator. You can purchase a monthly pass for around $90 (approximately €75).
- Safety: Nashville is generally a safe city, but as with any city, you should take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Avoid walking alone in deserted areas at night, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
- Weather: Nashville has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly, and stay hydrated during the summer months.
