Thinking of Trading Rain Boots for Cowboy Boots?

Did you know 86 people PER DAY moved to Nashville in 2023? It's still one of the top cities to move to in 2024. With stats like that, we had to check it out for ourselves and see how it stacks up for our fellow Washintonians considering the move. 

1. Weather

We left Seattle in the morning, with a crisp 46 degrees and the usual gray sky giving the airport streets a cozy, damp charm. Arriving in Nashville in the afternoon, we were greeted by a wall of humidity so thick you could swim through it. Don, who sees humidity as a plague, started sweating instantly. It was like Nashville said, "Welcome! Here, have some instant perspiration!"

Nashville had just endured a week of thunderstorms and flooding, and we arrived just in time for the grand finale of storms. The next day, the skies cleared, and we enjoyed a few sunny days with temperatures soaring to 88-90 degrees, paired with  a little humidity, Locals told us summer temps can hit 115-118 degrees on some rare summer days.

Our weather adventures didn’t stop there. We witnessed a rare event: the simultaneous emergence of two broods of cicadas, a phenomenon that hadn't occurred in over 220 years. One brood follows a 13-year cycle, and the other a 17-year cycle. Don had a few of them fly into his mouth while using the city scooters to get around. Their sound can be intense if you're near a large community of them—you can even hear them with your windows up on the interstate. It really was an incredible sight--you could see pedestrian walking down the street swatting at the air to get them out of their hair and off their body.

From Seattle’s cool drizzle to Nashville’s steamy vibe, we learned to laugh and sweat it out!

2. Coffee Culture

Seattle is the holy grail of coffee culture. Home to Starbucks and countless independent coffeehouses, Seattle takes its caffeine seriously. While the current #1 Barista might be in Los Angeles, it doesn't mean we don't know our jitter juice. In fact, we rank among the top three cities for most coffee drinkers in the United States.

Nashville, on the other hand, makes you work a bit for that perfect cup. Great coffee isn’t on every corner downtown, so coffee lovers might need to hunt for their favorite spot. However, once you find it, you’ll be welcomed by friendly locals eager to help you feel at home. Everywhere we went, people couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful.

3. Music Scene

In Nashville, live music spills out of every honky-tonk on Broadway. Country music reigns supreme, but you’ll find rock, blues, and jazz if you know where to look. Everyone’s a musician, from your Uber driver to your wait staff to the farmer's market. Locals say, "You need to do Broadway once," and we did, but we discovered smaller bars like The Station Inn for nightly Bluegrass, and Skulls Rainbow Room in Printer's Alley for jazz that allowed us to enjoy the creativity of the musicians.

Seattle, the birthplace of grunge, offers a diverse and vibrant music scene. Known as the "City of Music," Seattle boasts more than 80 clubs and venues. From sizzling Jazz Alley to the latest indie bands, there's something for everyone.

Though different in style, music is the heartbeat of both cities, creating energy and fostering creativity throughout the streets.

4. Architecture

5. Cuisine Contrasts

Nashville is famous for its Hot chicken, barbecue, and Southern comfort food. Meals are hearty, and sweet tea flows like water. Smashburgers, bourbon, and shrimp and grits are worth taking the time to find. Don't miss going to The Butter Milk Ranch. The pastries are must-tries. We faced a 2.5-hour wait at this bakery on a Sunday--I know, DUMB to go that day, so we decided to get some to-go items and then start a Sunday drive, and they were fantastic (as you can see from the photos above).

In Seattle, we know seafood, especially salmon and Dungeness crab—there's even a city named after the crab. The farm-to-table movement thrives here, with farmers markets in almost every neighborhood. Seattle's rich cultural diversity offers a plethora of Asian and Pacific Island cuisine, introducing a whole new palette to our taste buds. 

6. Outdoor Adventures

In Nashville, the Cumberland River weaves it way through the city's streets and bridges and whether you take a kayak out and get some exercise or sit on a paddle boat, it is the perfect river to enjoy the view. Once out of the city, the rolling hills immediately greet you and there are some amazing hikes and trails to experience. If you are a history buff, just wandering the hills will take you back centuries to the beginning of our country. Want a little challenge hike a 60 foot waterfall that is so beautiful.

In Seattle where we are surrounded by mountains and water, Seattle is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Kayaking on Lake Union, hiking in the Cascades, and skiing in the winter are just a few of the options. Oh an don't forget the incredible beaches and coastline. As they say in Seattle, ski in the morning, lunch in a kayak and dinner on the coast. We really can do it all here.

7. Tech vs. Traditions

Nashville's work scene is a dynamic blend of traditional industries and innovative startups, fostering a vibrant and diverse job market. The city is experiencing booming growth in sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology. We visited a candy shop where the owner, a former Cordon Bleu chef, returned to Tennessee to launch his business, creating amazing chocolate flavors. If you have a chance, check out his store, Oliver and Sinclair.

Seattle: Home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, Seattle is a hub of innovation and progress. The pace is faster, and the skyline dotted with cranes is a testament to its rapid growth. We also have some amazing food created just here like Korean BBQ and philippino and portugese bakery items. An amazing place to find pastries is 85 C Bakery cafe. 

Conclusion: Finding the Sweet Spot

After visiting both cities, it's clear that each has its unique charms and quirks, yet shares some similarities. Whether you're soaking up the sun at a country music festival in Nashville or sipping a handcrafted espresso on a rainy Seattle morning, it's all about embracing the differences and finding joy in the journey. Each city has so much to offer.

If you're considering making the move to Nashville or Seattle, we are here to assist with all your real estate needs. Whether you're looking to sell or buy in Seattle, or need expert advice for a smooth transition to Nashville, we've got you covered. We can even suggest some great spots in either city. At Rethinking Real Estate, we’re dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Let's make your next move your best move