Goodbye From a Native
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11/18/2019
Nashville used to be pretty okay, but in the past several years it has turned into total crap. The rapid growth with no change to infrastructure has caused traffic to become the worst in the country. The things you see on the road here will make your jaw drop, and it may cost you your life. Road rage is not uncommon here either.
The type of people that have flocked to "new Nashville" are the worst. They are obnoxious, aggressive, low brow, and ignorant. They are caricatures of "southern, country living" and bring every stereotype associated with that dialed up to 11. Big ridiculous trucks, blind support to Trump, obesity, pop country music blaring, open air racism, an alcohol problem, in your face evangelism, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, dip chewing, all come to mind when I consider the new residents that are hyped to be here. If they don't fall into this camp, they tend to be the artsy fartsy type living off their parents money.
The sense of entitlement with both parties is off the charts. People moving here tend to come from a backwoods county in the midwest or south and see themselves as hot stuff for moving up and getting out, or they come from a bigger more expensive city they couldn't hack it in, so they think they are better than Nashville and see themselves as hot stuff too. What this has resulted in, is a city full of stuck up assholes. It used to be chill here, and people were rather down to earth and approachable. Now it's the opposite, and people only seek to see how you will be an advantage to them.
Out of towners actively try to exploit the hospitality of locals. So many local people have been pushed out by this new wave of people. Nashville is getting whiter and whiter every day, and to some they love that and it is by design - but to others who value a diverse community see it is as a very sad thing. The traits that used to make Nashville (somewhat) desirable are all dissolving away. Your new neighbor is probably 2 tall and skinny Airbnbs. Homeless people beg on every single corner and will bother you while getting gas and groceries. Cost of living has gotten out of control here and is on pace to rival California - especially when you consider the much lower salaries here. The sense of community that once was present is dissolving as transplants seem to stick around for about 2 years and then head out to the next hot city when they inevitably get bored here.
Which brings another point - there really is not a lot to do here. You can get drunk at the plethora of country themed bars or eat a 3000 calorie meal at mediocre restaurants. There are normal amenities you would expect of any city over 500,000 people, but nothing that stands out as a main attraction other than Broadway. There are no mountains, there is no beach. There is a lake which is nice in the summer so I will give that. The weather completely sucks for a third of the year - either by pouring down rain, being freezing cold, or being hotter than hell. The allergies here rank among the top worst in the entire country year over year. The school systems are underfunded and few kids are able to get a college degree with what they learn in high school. The local government has completely bent over to big business and has given nothing back to people that made Nashville what it was. The police force is comically understaffed and criminals take advantage of this.
If you are considering moving here - don't. You will find yourself bored and disappointed within a few years. This native is off to greener pastures, hope Nashville can fix the mess it's become someday.
Todd | Nashville, TN