Moving from New York to Nashville: The Relocation Trend Smart Buyers Are Acting on in 2025

Nov 10

Introduction

Over the past several years, I’ve watched a powerful migration wave reshape the Nashville market — and a meaningful share of it is coming straight from New York. As founder of The Costigan Group at Compass Nashville, I’ve personally guided dozens of clients trading city skylines for Tennessee sunsets. With inbound calls and inquiries already coming in from New York-based professionals and families, the timing couldn’t be better to talk about why so many are choosing this city — and how I’ve built a business helping them make that move successfully.

1. The National Migration Trend: Why the South — and Nashville — Are Winning

The numbers speak clearly: migration from high-cost states to the Southeast continues to accelerate, and Tennessee is one of the top five inbound states in America.

Greater Nashville grew by 136,000 new residents between 2020 and 2024, roughly 6.4 %, with over 72,000 coming from other U.S. states — many from the Northeast. (Axios)
Tennessee gained 22,749 more residents than it lost in 2023, driven largely by movers from New York, California, and Illinois. (Consumer Affairs)
United Van Lines ranked Tennessee in its Top 10 inbound states, citing affordability, business climate, and lifestyle quality.

What’s happening isn’t just economic — it’s emotional. People are re-evaluating where life feels sustainable, where opportunity outweighs stress, and where growth still feels attainable. Nashville checks all three boxes.

2. Why So Many New Yorkers Are Choosing Nashville

1️⃣ Financial Freedom

Tennessee has no state income tax. For New Yorkers accustomed to 8–10 % combined state + city tax, that’s an instant pay-raise. The same salary stretches dramatically further here, allowing for investment, travel, or home upgrades instead of additional tax liability.

2️⃣ Housing Value

The median home price in Middle Tennessee is roughly $480 K, compared with $770 K + in New York State and often well over $1 million in Manhattan. The same price that buys a one-bedroom Brooklyn condo could secure a four-bedroom home with a yard in Brentwood, Franklin, or Belle Meade.

3️⃣ Lifestyle & Culture

Nashville offers a rare balance — a vibrant arts scene, fine dining, pro sports, and live music, without losing the friendliness and pace that make it feel like home. Commutes are shorter, communities tighter, and weekends actually restorative.

4️⃣ Business & Investment Opportunity

For investors and professionals alike, Nashville remains a top-performing market for appreciation and rental demand. Corporate expansions continue to drive population and housing needs, creating opportunity whether you’re buying a home or building a portfolio.

5️⃣ Grounded Stability

Many New York clients tell me they’re looking for a simpler, steadier pace of life — one that still rewards ambition but without constant friction. Nashville delivers that mix: entrepreneurial energy with everyday ease.

3. How I Help New Yorkers Relocate Seamlessly

Relocating isn’t just moving zip codes — it’s rebuilding routine and rhythm. At The Costigan Group, we’ve refined a relocation roadmap that turns a stressful process into a strategic one.

Phase 1 — Strategy & Exploration

We start with clarity. Why are you moving — lifestyle, investment, tax planning, or business expansion? From there, we target neighborhoods that match your priorities: 12 South, The Nations, East Nashville, Green Hills, Brentwood, or Franklin.

Phase 2 — Execution & Transition

We coordinate everything: personalized tours, financing, inspections, and connections to trusted local partners. My network includes lenders like Brandon Carter, designers like Cara, and transaction professionals who keep every deal on track.

Phase 3 — Integration & Growth

Once you’re here, the relationship doesn’t stop. We help clients plug into local life — from schools and neighborhoods to investment strategy and short-term rental opportunities. Relocation should grow your wealth, not just change your address.

4. What to Know Before You Make the Move

Market Pace: Inventory remains limited but healthy. Acting early means stronger negotiating leverage.
Neighborhood Fit: Decide what balance of urban access vs. suburban comfort fits your lifestyle.
Tax & Insurance: Tennessee’s property taxes are reasonable, but we’ll review all costs to keep you budget-accurate.
Culture Shift: Expect friendliness, space, and a slower rhythm — with no sacrifice in ambition or opportunity.

5. The 2025–26 Window of Opportunity

Searches for “moving from New York to Nashville” have jumped nearly 60 % year-over-year (Google Trends 2025). Nashville’s population growth, strong job market, and continued corporate relocations suggest that window is still open — but tightening.

For buyers and investors making the move now, it’s a chance to secure property before the next pricing wave.

6. Why Work with Me

I’ve built The Costigan Group to be more than a real-estate team — it’s a full-service relocation and marketing engine built for modern buyers. We combine luxury presentation, data-driven analysis, and hands-on client service to deliver measurable results.

If you’re serious about exploring Nashville, you deserve a partner who knows both sides of the equation — the fast pace of New York and the growth curve of Middle Tennessee.

Conclusion

Relocating from New York to Nashville isn’t about escaping — it’s about expanding. It’s about choosing balance, opportunity, and value in a city that’s still growing but hasn’t lost its character.

Calls from New York are already coming in, and I can see why — this move makes sense financially, emotionally, and strategically. If you’re ready to explore what life could look like here, let’s start that conversation.

About The Costigan Group

Jack Costigan is a top-producing Realtor® and founder of The Costigan Group at Compass Nashville, specializing in residential, relocation, investment, and short-term rental real estate throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Known for his modern marketing and data-driven approach, Jack has helped dozens of clients buy and sell homes across Greater Nashville.

FAQ

Q1: What’s the biggest financial advantage of leaving New York for Tennessee?
Tennessee’s lack of state income tax means your take-home pay and investment gains stretch much further.

Q2: Are New York professionals and families really moving here?
Absolutely. Nashville’s affordability, job growth, and cultural appeal make it one of the top inbound destinations in the U.S.

Q3: Which Nashville areas are most popular for relocating New Yorkers?
Brentwood, Franklin, Green Hills, 12 South, and The Nations — offering luxury homes, convenience, and strong community feel.

Jack Costigan is a top-producing Realtor® and founder of The Costigan Group at Compass Nashville, specializing in residential, relocation, investment, and short-term rental real estate throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Known for his modern marketing and data-driven approach, Jack has helped dozens of clients buy and sell homes across Greater Nashville. Learn more at jackcostiganrealestate.com.