Moving from Chicago to Nashville - Benefits, Cost & How To
The distance between Chicago, IL, and Nashville, TN, is just under 500 miles. Yet, relocating to the Music City will see you enjoy a whole new way of life. For starters, the population of Nashville is around 700,000 people, which is significantly less than the 2.9 million living in your current home city. However, the contrasts don’t end there, as Tennessee’s state capital attracts almost 100 new residents every single day. In this guide, we’ll look at the costs, logistics, and benefits of moving to Nashville from Chicago.
Benefits of Moving from Chicago to Nashville
Moving from Chicago to Nashville isn’t only about moving to a city with fewer residents and a smaller population density (roughly 460 per km2 compared to almost 4,500 per km2 in Chicago). You will notice a number of other differences when starting a new life in Tennessee. Some of the most significant contrasts are detailed below:
Affordability
The average salary in Nashville is a little lower than the rate seen in Chicago, but the average cost of renting a one-bed property is more than $150 cheaper per month. Meanwhile, the city offers free public healthcare as well as lower prices for beer, fuel, and a host of other living expenses. Likewise, public transport is significantly cheaper.
In addition to a lower cost of living, Nashville has a lower unemployment rate (6.5% versus 10%), which translates to greater financial stability for residents of working age. Lower living costs additionally make it a brilliant destination for retirement without losing the benefits of living in a city.
Climate
While the latitude of the two cities is almost the same, moving 500 miles south does generate a significant change in the climate. When moving from Chicago to Nashville, you will benefit from a higher average temperature (60°F versus 51°F).
There’s also less snowfall in Nashville, which means less disruption to daily life. Tennessee is cool but not cold in the winter, which is pleasing to most residents. In short, you will feel comfortable in the city of Nashville throughout the year, providing an ideal climate for building a great quality of life.
Natural Beauty
Chicago certainly isn’t short of natural beauty, but the new surroundings of Nashville are a real treat. In addition to the Cumberland River, the city features several elevations, thus creating beautiful landscapes. This is supported by a plethora of trails throughout the city as well as a total of 99 parks, encompassing 3% of the city’s total area.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation’s most frequently visited national park, is close to the city. The Warner Parks is another local attraction. While still delivering the many benefits of city life, the reduced population density allows you to truly embrace the beauty of nature.
Education
Nashville is heralded for its exceptional education system. From its K12 schools through to Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University, the city supports students at every stage of their academic journey. Naturally, this has made Music City a popular choice for families with young children.
As well as the benefits of the Metro Nashville Public Schools system, the city offers great job opportunities for high school and university graduates alike. This adds to the appeal of Nashville as an ideal destination where it is possible for families or individuals to settle for life.
Things To Do
Nashville might not be as big as Chicago, but the Music City is home to a thriving scene for entertainment and the arts. The smaller size means that it is relatively easy to navigate Nashville and enjoy everything it has to offer - extending to its sports teams, including the Titans (NFL) and Predators (NHL).
Some of the most popular attractions in the city include the Ole Smoky Distillery, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Grand Ole Opry. However, events are happening throughout the city on a daily basis. Families, seniors, and young go-getters alike will quickly discover that boredom is never an option.
How to move from Chicago to Nashville
Completing a long-distance move will present several logistical challenges. Quite frankly, the process of relocating your belongings can get a little overwhelming when your mind is already focused on other aspects of preparing for life in a new city. From letting appropriate parties know about your change of address to preparing children for the move or applying for TennCare health insurance, there is a lot of work to do. The last thing you need is the hassle of packing your possessions and transporting them 500 miles south.
Hiring an experienced moving company that specializes in helping clients relocate to new cities is one of the smartest decisions you’ll make through the process. It saves you from the stress of trying to organize and schedule the logistics of moving, as well as the struggle of lifting heavy goods and finding a suitable truck. At Allied, our team can take the weight off of your shoulders by handling every aspect of the move. With over 95 years of experience, we are perfectly positioned to ensure your belongings reach your new home in a safe and timely manner.
Cost of moving from Chicago to Nashville
The average linehaul cost of a move from Chicago to Nashville with Allied is $3,300. However, this is only a ballpark figure as many factors will contribute to the exact costs. The size of your home and the number of belongings have a huge influence as it is more expensive to move the items from a 4-bed house than a studio apartment. Other factors like special items (pianos, for example) and whether you require packing or unpacking services will also influence the costs.
It’s always best to work with a reliable household moving company that offers tailored services rather than a single set fee. To gain a better idea of how much your move from Chicago to Nashville will cost, fill out the Instaquote above.
Most Popular Areas in Nashville
Nashville isn’t as big as Chicago, but the city is still divided into dozens of neighborhoods, creating a diverse backdrop that offers something for everyone, including young families, entrepreneurs, and senior citizens alike. When moving to the Music City, here are some of the most popular places to live:
Antioch
Antioch is one of the city’s most affordable neighborhoods, naturally making it an attractive prospect to families and first-time buyers. In addition to affordable properties, this part of Davidson County has also benefited from a significant increase in job opportunities. It is considered one of the city’s best up-and-coming locations, which makes it an ideal investment as well as a family-friendly place to live.
Downtown
While a little more expensive than some neighborhoods in Nashville, it is not hard to see the attraction of Downtown. Living in the heart of the city means instant access to business opportunities, great nightlife, and family-friendly daytime attractions. It’s also home to Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School, ranked as Tennessee’s #1 public school, which will appeal to families.
East Nashville
The vibrant neighborhood of East Nashville has played a central role in the city’s growing appeal to young professionals. There are plenty of apartments and smaller properties available while the area is blessed with many eateries and entertainment venues. Meanwhile, a plethora of biking and hiking trails, along with views of the Cumberland River provide a great balance for hectic lifestyles.
The Gulch
Once an industrial estate located south of Downtown, the Gulch has been transformed into one of the city’s most prestigious destinations. Since the turn of the century, it has become an urban district with easy access to both I-65 and I-40. Luxury condos are the most common type of real estate asset in this small but thriving neighborhood. Despite being more densely populated than most parts of Nashville, it is noted for low crime rates.
There are plenty of other popular neighborhoods in the city, including Belle Meade, Germantown, Music Valley, and Wedgewood-Houston. As long as you know what type of life you wish to live after leaving Chicago, finding the perfect neighborhood should be easy.
Why Allied Van Lines?
Completing an interstate move from Chicago to Nashville is a challenge but will open the door to a brand new life in the heart of the Volunteer State. Nevertheless, you do not want to be left worrying about your possessions. You deserve a fast, affordable, and highly reliable service underpinned by transparent communication at every stage of the journey - Allied Van Lines is the answer,
Our highly trained, licensed, bonded, and insured professionals are equipped with the right vehicles and moving equipment to provide a smooth move at any time of the year. As one of the country’s top-rated moving companies, we’ve helped thousands of customers with their interstate moves and are ready to help you too. Get in touch to start planning your move to Nashville now.