Nashville vs. Austin

Musician walking in downtown Nashville.

Nashville vs. Austin

Austin and Nashville are so similar they may as well be related. Both are capitals of their state, have a thriving music scene, boast strong economies, and are fiercely driven by a desire to create. Whether visiting or considering something more permanent, get to know each city and what it offers.

Size

One of the few things that Austin and Nashville don’t have in common is size. Nashville is around 526 square miles with 700,000 residents. Austin is half the size of Nashville at 271 square miles, but with over one million residents. As a result, the population density of these two southern towns is also quite different.

Similar Industries

Both cities offer strong economic diversity and benefit from low unemployment and consistent job growth. Nashville is known as the nation’s healthcare center, with over 350 healthcare companies having operations there. Vanderbilt Medical Center is the largest employer in the city, employing over 20,000 residents. In addition to healthcare, Nashville is the largest publishing center in the Southeast and home to Thomas Nelson, the world’s foremost publisher of Bibles. With over four universities located in Nashville, higher education is also a large part of the city’s economic makeup. Other major industries in Nashville include automobile manufacturing, government, tourism, and music and entertainment. Nashville has a strong entrepreneurial presence too, with many small startups and local businesses, most of them owned by young professionals.

Austin can attribute many jobs to healthcare as well. Seton Family of Hospitals employs over 12,000 Austinites and is a major contributor to the Central Texas economy. Many expanding tech giants such as Oracle, Facebook, Tesla, Apple, and Amazon are located here. Other major industries in Austin include government, food and beverage, tourism, and higher education, as Austin is home to the University of Texas and St. Edwards University.

Location

Both Nashville and Austin are surrounded by natural beauty. Nashville is located on the Cumberland River, in the heart of Middle Tennessee. Sitting at the start of the Highland Rim, a geophysical region of very hilly land, the city is full of beautiful old buildings along charming, historical streets and yet it still showcases a stunning modern skyline. No matter which way you drive from Nashville you are sure to encounter more hills and lots of history. 30 minutes south of Nashville is Franklin, Tennessee, a small town founded in 1799, priding itself on its historic preservation. Travel 40 minutes north of Nashville and spend the day browsing through fun antique shops and cute boutiques in Gallatin, Tennessee or spend some time in nature at Bledsoe State Park

Austin, located in central Texas, is part of a greater area called the Texas Hill Country. The city, built around the Colorado River, is full of hills. One of the four major metropolitan areas in the state, Austin is a mix of modern buildings and businesses set among beautiful scenery. Hiking and biking trails are located in every part of the city. Drive south or west and encounter rolling green hills, bluffs with scenic overlooks, rivers that wind through small towns, and an abundance of native plants and colorful wildflowers. Drive southwest and visit towns such as Dripping Springs, Wimberley, and Blanco, which all offer bodies of water for floating, quaint shops, and plenty of wineries.

Attractions

While Nashville and Austin are famous for their music scenes, both cities offer a wide array of other things to do. In Nashville, you can visit Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, a 55-acre botanical garden built on the Cheek Estate serving as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Nashville. Situated 20-minutes from Downtown Nashville is Radnor Lake with gentle hiking and beautiful views. Or catch a game at Vanderbilt University, located in the heart of Nashville. Vanderbilt is a member of the NCAA and SEC and offers 16 different varsity sports teams to cheer on.

In Austin, visit Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, where native plants are used to inspire and cultivate sustainable, beautiful landscapes. To catch breathtaking views of the city hike up Mount Bonnell, a historic landmark located in Covert Park in Austin. Or head downtown to support the Longhorns when you catch a University of Texas game. With strong sports programs all around, there are plenty of options for an entertaining match.

Music City vs. Music City

You can’t go wrong with either Nashville or Austin. Both have amazing music scenes bursting at the seams with talent, so you won’t be wanting for live entertainment in either place. Consider what part of the country you want to live in and what other factors you are looking for, and you are sure to make a great move.

Life at Lakeside

Located just a short drive from downtown Austin, Lakeside at Tessera offers all you could want when it comes to living in the Austin area. Contact us today to find your dream home and enjoy the best that the Texas Hill Country has to offer!

 

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