Nicknamed the Music City, Nashville is far more than just country and blues. Did you know the infamous music destination known for its Tennessee barbecue is also a fast-emerging tech hub? There’s a reason huge companies like Google, Lyft, Eventbrite, and Postmates have a presence in Nashville. The sizable metropolitan city is home to many thriving industries and continues to grow rapidly - it was crowned one of the top 10 cities to live in after the pandemic.

Whether you’re considering starting a business or relocating employees to Tennessee’s capital city, here’s what you need to know:

Nashville fast facts

• Nashville has the second-fastest growing metro economy in the country
• The city has a robust tech ecosystem
• Nashville is within 600 miles, or a day's drive, of 50 percent of the U.S
• Hot chicken was invented in Nashville!
• Nashville uses a metropolitan government system
• Industry giants Amazon, Facebook, NTT Data and Oracle choose to locate major operations there
• Nashville airport (BNA) is one of the fastest-growing top 50 airports and the 33rd busiest in the US
• The city is home to numerous universities, including Vanderbilt University and Fisk University

Traveling to and around Music City

Traveling to and from Nashville is fairly straightforward. Nashville airport (BNA) is around 20 minutes from downtown Nashville and 15 minutes from the Opryland area, and serves major airlines including Air Canada, British Airways, Alaska, and Delta.

The city sits at the center of three major highways, so accessing various neighborhoods by car is straightforward. Other transportation options include the city bus system and the rail network, which are easy to use. City bus services based downtown at Music City Central include the free Music City Circuit, whose two routes hit most Nashville attractions.

A fast-growing tech sector

The NTC (Nashville Technology Council) established a goal in 2018 to double the size of Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s tech workforce by 2025. The tech sector has been building steadily in the city for many years - out of 50 tech hubs in the United States, Nashville is considered one of the top 10 most affordable locations to start a technology business.

What draws tech companies from all over? Firstly, a successful tech company needs access to a reliable talent source - and Nashville certainly has plenty to offer. Nashville is home to 125,000 students from 20 different universities, including the prestigious Vanderbilt University. The city is also home to several tech giants leading by example, including Asurion, Vanderbilt, and Deloitte. A haven for start-ups

Nashville is known to have plenty of business-friendly amenities to get start-ups on their feet, making it a smart choice for young entrepreneurs. Finding investors, building networks, and obtaining funding are far from difficult in Music City. You’ll likely find that people within the corporate industries are open to helping you navigate the local economy and community, and access top talent.

Tennessee consistently ranks as one of the lowest-cost states to do business. The tax landscape is one area in which Nashville has a great competitive advantage over other big cities; with no state income tax, the city is a haven for both budding businesses and established companies.

High quality of life coupled with low living costs - not to mention the great job market - makes Nashville a sought-after business destination for start-ups.

Working in Nashville

Whether you’re considering a permanent business relocation or simply sending a few employees for the networking opportunities Nashville offers, business travelers won’t be short of places to work, network and collaborate. The city boasts two award-winning convention centers – the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center and the Nashville Music City Center, both of which hold regular events, conferences and conventions.

There are plenty of coworking spaces to work alongside like-minded individuals, including coffee shops, restaurants, and even craft cocktail bars. If it’s a more permanent office space you’re looking for, there are many options to choose from, with a range of workspace options available to meet your specific business needs.

So, will the city of country, blues and hot chicken be your next business destination? Whether you need employee housing options for a relocation or you’re heading over for a brief business meeting, we think it’s a top destination to keep on your radar - particularly if you’re in the tech sector.

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