WELCOME TO NASHVILLE
Music City USA, the Athens of the South, the famous Country Music Capital of the World, Tennessee’s State Capital — Nashville seems to have an endless variety of themes and monikers. Situated between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico, this dynamic metropolitan area harmonizes the finest qualities of the North and South. Diverse and cosmopolitan, it has been named the “friendliest city” in the nation. Probably most famous for its thriving music industry, Nashville is a mecca of recording studios, production companies and music-related museums.
The home of country music, Nashville claims a rich cultural heritage that began with folk music sung by early Anglo-Americans and evolved into country and blues by the 1920s. By the middle of the 20th century, every major record company had built offices or studios in Nashville. The growing popularity of live broadcasting of the Grand Ole Opry intensified the attention on Nashville — a tradition that began in 1925 and has remained constant over the decades. At the same time, the city rivals Los Angeles as the “home” to all genres of music from pop and folk to jazz and blues.
The Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area actually encompasses 13 diverse counties that surround the city. Throughout the region, highly urbanized communities blend with rural towns, farmland, and open countryside for a kaleidoscope of settings and lifestyles. Tennessee’s abundant natural beauty harmonizes with magnificently groomed gardens and meticulous landscaping for breathtaking views at every turn. Stepping boldly into the new millennium, this highly progressive metropolitan area has continually improved its infrastructure and services to keep pace with its phenomenal expansion. The advantages of a centralized location, a favorable climate, and energetic residents keep Nashville at the top of every list of “livable places.”