The secret to Nashville's success as a city is its quality of life.  Nashville's quality of life goes beyond its seasonally mild climate, rich landscape, laid-back lifestyle and affordable cost of living.  It also encompasses every aspect of the good life, from entertainment and recreational activities to friendly, welcoming neighborhoods.

There are countless opportunities in the area to embrace a healthy lifestyle.  Residents have access to more than 30 hospitals, medical centers, clinics and specialty centers.  And the area's diversity of religious beliefs is evident in more than 800 churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other houses of worship.  Nashvillians also have a wide range of shopping choices, from Opry Mills mega-shopping outlet to the Farmer's Market downtown to eight regional shopping malls with more than 1 million square feet of retail shopping space in each.  Here in Nashville, there really is something for everyone.  Some of Nashville's living advantages include:

• Affordable residential housing in a range of neighborhoods
• Seasonal climate
• Nationally recognized professional and amateur sporting events
• An active nightlife
• Low cost of living 
• Abundant parks, waterways and recreational areas
• Lively cultural base, including a world-class symphony
• Regional hub for health care
• Higher education

History and Statistics

• Nashville was settled in 1779
• Became Tennessee's capital from 1812-1815, permanently in 1843
• Elevation: 550 ft. (168 m.) at lowest point 1,100 ft. (336 m.) at highest point of rim around Nashville basin
• Area: Nashville/Davidson County - 533 square miles; Nashville MSA - 4,004 square miles; Nashville Economic Market - 5,159 square miles
• Time: Central Standard, November – March; Central Daylight, April - October
• Nashville MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) - Eight counties: Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson
• Nashville Economic Market - Ten counties: Nashville MSA plus Maury and Montgomery counties

Average Temperatures

Nashville and its surrounding communities have created a warm, friendly atmosphere for raising a family.  A strong committment to children is evident in the goals set forth by the region's school systems and is carried into other educational venues.  Many museums and historic sites provide a high level of educational programming, which fosters an environment where learning is made easy for even the youngest audiences.  And the city's zoo is in the midst of a five-year expansion that will make it one of the premier facilities in the nation for the study of animal behavior. 
Family Life

The area's warm climate and green, rolling hills invite families to take advantage of the city's many historic sites and educational facilities, such as the Nashville Public Library.  Families can enjoy activities including summerlong reading programs for children up to age 17.  One of 20 branches, the city's new main library located downtown also offers many educational tools for families.  Open-air patios and garden areas offer new environments for young people to explore and learn, and story hours are dedicated to help them read and open their imaginations. 

The Nashville area is truly committed to providing children access to the creative arts.  All of the city's professional performing arts troupes feature performances suited to young audiences, and Camp Summersong, created in conjunction with the Girl Scouts and Metro Parks, works with youth on their writing skills in the setting of the great outdoors. 

There's no excuse for boredom, with year-round options for the family.  Whether you are looking for a family outing, summer camp or sports league, the Nashville area has it all. 
  
Medical Care
Nashville is a major U.S. center for entrepreneurial health care companies, with more than 350 health care companies with operations in the city, 21 of which are publicly traded and headquartered in Nashville.  More than 50 percent of all the for-profit hospital beds in America are owned and managed by companies headquartered in the Nashville area.  The region also offers world-class health care for residents, including:

• More than 2,700 doctors
• More than 30 hospitals, medical centers and specialty centers
• Two teaching hospitals: Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Meharry Medical Center
• Two Veterans Administratrion medical centers

Religion and Non-Profit Environment
Nashville is a city rich with diverse religious beliefs, evidenced by the more than 800 churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other houses of worship.  There are more than 300 non-profit organizations operating in Nashville, and the city is a world headquarters of religious publishing, with the National Baptist Convention USA, Lifeway Christian Resources, the United Methodist Publishing House and Thomas Nelson Publishers all headquartered in Nashville.  

From Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce  http://www.nashvilleareainfo.com/Default.aspx?Page=LivinginNashville