We Love Nashville — But Here's Why We Chose to Live Outside the City

Full video here: https://youtu.be/8J7wGL7vX1M

When people think about moving to Nashville, they picture Broadway, live music, and the energy of a city on the rise. And honestly, we get it. We love all of that about Nashville too. But when it came time to choose where we actually wanted to live and raise our four kids, the suburbs won without a second thought.

We're Kyle and Casey Wallace with Wallace Group, and we've lived in the Franklin area for over 10 years now — about 30 minutes south of downtown Nashville. In that time, we've helped hundreds of families relocate to Middle Tennessee, and the same question always comes up: Should we live in Nashville, or just near it?

Our answer, every time, is near it. Here are the ten reasons why, straight from our own experience living it every day.

1. You Get a Lot More House for the Money

Let's start with the numbers, because they tell a compelling story. If you want to live close to the heart of downtown Nashville, you're looking at a starting price point of around $700,000 for a modern condo — and that gets you a relatively small footprint. Step outside the city into communities like Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, or Nolensville, and that same budget — or even less — gets you a significantly larger home, a real yard, and a much lower price per square foot.

It's not a close comparison. Suburban Middle Tennessee gives families a genuine upgrade in living space and land without blowing the budget to get there.

2. Taxes and Everyday Costs Are Noticeably Lower

Housing is only part of the equation. Property taxes in Williamson and Maury Counties run meaningfully lower than what you'd pay inside the city. And it's not just taxes — food, gas, dining out, and childcare all come in below what you'd pay at city prices. For families, those savings compound quickly. Living outside the city limits of Nashville often means you're actually upgrading your lifestyle and staying within budget at the same time. Your dollar just stretches further here.

3. The Pace of Life Is Completely Different — in the Best Way

We have four kids. Safety and community were non-negotiables for us. When you step outside the city, life slows down in a way that's hard to put into words until you've experienced it. Less traffic. Quieter streets. Neighbors who actually know each other. You can send your kids outside to play and not think twice about it.

Whether it's Franklin, Brentwood, or Nolensville — all of these places have that small-town feel and genuinely family-friendly neighborhoods. You trade the city sirens for the sound of crickets and summer cicadas. We've never once regretted that trade.

4. World-Class Healthcare Is Right There When You Need It

This is one of the most underrated benefits of living in the Nashville metro area, and it surprises a lot of people who are relocating from outside the region. Nashville is a legitimate medical hub. Vanderbilt, St. Thomas, and Tristar are all nationally recognized systems — and the depth of specialization here is remarkable. Specialists, pediatricians, cardiologists, psychiatrists, therapists — whatever your family needs, Nashville has it at the highest level.

We have friends who specifically chose to move to this area because of their child's medical needs. They didn't want to live in the middle of the city, but they needed fast access to the best doctors in the region. Living 20 to 30 minutes out gave them both. That combination of proximity and quality is genuinely rare.

5. Shopping That Covers Every Need

One thing people wonder before they move is whether suburban living means sacrificing good shopping. The answer here is a hard no. Living in the suburbs around Nashville gives you the best of both worlds. You have everyday conveniences close by, boutique shopping experiences in Franklin, Brentwood, and Nolensville, the Cool Springs Galleria just minutes away — and when you want something more upscale, Green Hills Mall is only 15 to 20 minutes from most of the suburbs we work in.

Whether you want a designer handbag or you just need to grab back-to-school clothes on a Tuesday afternoon, everything is accessible without fighting city traffic to get there.

6. The Schools Are a Genuine Differentiator

One of the top reasons families choose Williamson County over Nashville proper is the school system — and it's hard to overstate how strong it is. Franklin, Brentwood, and Spring Hill are home to some of the best schools in Tennessee, with several earning national recognition. You'll find award-winning academics, strong athletic programs, and teachers who are genuinely invested in their students.

What we hear from families after they've been here a while: people move for the schools, and stay because of the community. The two go hand in hand in Williamson County in a way that's hard to replicate.

7. Professional Sports, Live Music, and Entertainment — All Within Reach

Living in the suburbs doesn't mean giving up the big-city experience. Nashville has you fully covered on the entertainment front. You can catch a Titans game, feel the energy of a Predators game at Bridgestone, watch the Nashville SC in MLS, or take in a minor league baseball game — with rumors of a major league team potentially on the way. The Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry are Nashville institutions that never get old. Rooftop bars, local festivals, date nights — there is genuinely something happening every single weekend.

And here's the part that surprises people the most: you don't always have to drive into the city for a great night out. Franklin and Brentwood have some of the best restaurants, local coffee shops, and even music venues in the region. You get the atmosphere without the crowds.

8. You're Not Living in a Tourist Destination 24/7

Nashville is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the entire country. Bachelorette parties, corporate conferences, music festivals — the city draws massive crowds year-round. And while that's genuinely fun to visit, it's a different thing to live in it every day. The suburbs give you easy access to all of that energy when you want it — and a quiet, peaceful home to come back to when you don't. That balance is something you can't put a price on.

9. Nashville International Airport Is Better Than You'd Expect

For families relocating from major coastal cities, airport access is often a real concern. Nashville International has been expanding rapidly — adding non-stop flights to Los Angeles, New York, and even international destinations like London. We travel frequently for work, and one of our favorite things about this airport is that you can arrive, get through TSA, and be at your gate in about 15 minutes. It's a large, well-run airport that somehow still manages to feel small and manageable. That's a genuinely rare thing.

10. The Best of Both Worlds — Every Single Day

At the end of the day, this is the one that matters most. Living near Nashville — but not in it — gives you big-city access paired with small-town peace of mind. You can be on Broadway for dinner on a Friday night and back home watching the fireflies in your backyard by 10. The suburbs of Middle Tennessee aren't a compromise. They're an upgrade.

We've lived this for over a decade now, and we couldn't be happier with the decision. The community, the space, the schools, the lifestyle — it all adds up to something that the city, for us, just couldn't offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far are Franklin and Brentwood from downtown Nashville?

Franklin is approximately 30 minutes south of downtown Nashville. Brentwood is closer — roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Spring Hill, Nolensville, and College Grove range from about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and exactly where you're headed.

Is it better to live in Nashville or the suburbs?

It depends on your priorities. If you want nightlife, walkability, and an urban environment, Nashville proper delivers that. But for families who value space, safety, top-ranked schools, lower costs, and a quieter pace of life — while still being close to everything Nashville offers — the suburbs of Williamson County are hard to beat.

What are the best suburbs of Nashville for families?

Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Nolensville, and College Grove are all excellent options depending on budget, lifestyle, and school zone preference. Each has its own character — from Franklin's walkable downtown square to Brentwood's custom estate homes to College Grove's wide-open land and luxury communities.

Are the schools better in Franklin and Brentwood than in Nashville?

Williamson County Schools is consistently ranked among the top school districts in Tennessee and earns regular national recognition. Many families relocate specifically for these schools. Nashville's Metro school district serves a wider range of communities and varies more by zone.

Is Nashville International Airport convenient from the suburbs?

Yes. From Franklin or Brentwood, Nashville International Airport is typically a 20 to 30-minute drive. The airport has expanded significantly in recent years, adding non-stop flights to major cities including Los Angeles, New York, and international destinations. It's large enough to offer real options, but still manageable enough to navigate quickly.

What is the cost of living difference between Nashville and its suburbs?

Housing costs in the Nashville suburbs, particularly Williamson County, are often lower on a price-per-square-foot basis than comparable downtown Nashville properties. Property taxes are also lower outside the city. Everyday costs like groceries, childcare, and dining also tend to run below city prices. For many families, moving to the suburbs means meaningfully stretching their budget without sacrificing quality of life.

Thinking About Making the Move to Middle Tennessee?

We've put together a relocation guide to help families start the discovery process — figuring out which community fits your lifestyle, how close you want to be to Nashville, what matters most in schools and activities. If you're considering a move to the area, we'd love to be part of your story.