WHAT TO KNOW
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WHAT TO KNOW +
Explore The Nashville Area
Counties
Cities
Why Middle Tennessee? Tax Savings & Cost of Living Wins
Tax Savings: Keep More of Your Hard-Earned Pay
Tennessee offers game-changing tax advantages over California—no state income tax means you pocket thousands annually. For a family earning $100,000:
California: Up to 9.3% state income tax + high property taxes (avg. 0.75% effective rate).
Tennessee: 0% state income tax + lower property taxes (avg. 0.64% effective rate). Estimated Annual Savings: $6,000–$10,000 per household.. Businesses save ~2% on corporate taxes too.
Cost of Living: Stretch Your Dollar Further
Middle Tennessee's cost of living is 19–38% lower than California's major metros (e.g., LA or SF Bay Area).
Housing: 50–70% cheaper.
Groceries & Utilities: 10–15% less.
Transportation: Gas ~20% lower; no need for two cars in walkable Nashville spots. Overall: A $80,000 CA salary feels like $110,000+ in Tennessee.
Education
Top-Rated Schools for Your Family
TN schools shine, especially suburbs. Ratings from Niche 2025 (A+ = elite academics/diversity). Public districts serve most; privates add options like faith-based academies.
County Public District Rating Key Public Schools (Ratings) Private Options (Avg. Tuition)
Davidson B+ (Metro Nashville) Hume-Fogg Magnet (A+), Central Magnet (A) University School of Nashville (A+, $30K); diverse, arts-focused.
Williamson. A+ Clovercroft Elem. (A+), Brentwood HS (A+) Battle Ground Academy (A+, $25K); strong STEM/athletics.
Rutherford A- Siegel Middle (A), Blackman HS (A-) Middle TN Christian (A, $15K); values-based.
Sumner A- Station Camp HS (A-), Vena Stuart Elem. (A) Sumner Academy (B+, $12K); small classes.
Wilson A Mt. Juliet HS (A), Lebanon HS (B+) Friendship Christian (A-, $10K); faith-integrated.
Maury C+ (22% math/27% reading proficient) Spring Station Middle (B), Columbia Central HS (C+). Columbia Academy (A-, $13K); Christian focus.
Highlights: Williamson #1 in TN for academics/teachers; overall MSA strong in diversity & college prep. 80%+ graduation rates statewide.
Recreation
Rivers & Lakes
Parks
From urban trails to lakeside adventures, Middle Tennessee offers endless recreation—perfect for unwinding. Over 30 parks in Williamson alone, plus Metro Nashville's 150+ facilities with pools, sports, and arts programs.
Davidson - Centennial Park (Parthenon replica, lake), Radnor Lake State Park (hiking, wildlife), Percy Warner Park (trails, disc golf), Shelby Park (kayaking, sports fields), regional centers with pools & fitness classes. Diverse activities for all ages; free play areas & community events.
Williamson - Crockett Park (sports complexes, playgrounds), Nolensville Rec Center (gym, pool, dance studio), Longview Recreation Center (indoor sports).30+ parks; family-focused with wellness centers.
Rutherford - Barfield Crescent Park (camping, zip lines), Murfreesboro Greenway (trails), MTSU sports facilities. Fast-growing outdoor hubs; university access for events.
Sumner - 440 miles of Old Hickory Lake shoreline (boating, fishing), Bledsoe Creek State Park (hiking, swimming). "Nashville's North Shore"—water sports galore.
Faith Communities
With 2,300+ religious organizations in the MSA, faith plays a big role—especially in conservative suburbs. From megachurches to historic sites, find your spiritual home. Contemporary Christian music hub adds live worship vibes.
Davidson - Cross Point Church (multi-site, modern worship), Church of the City (creative, awe-focused), Nashville First Baptist (historic), Cathedral of the Incarnation (Catholic).Diverse denominations; urban progressive options.
Williamson - Fellowship Bible Church (Brentwood campus, family ministries), Church of the City (Franklin, traditional).Strong evangelical presence; values-based programs.
Rutherford - Generation Changers Church (Murfreesboro, youth-focused), Middle TN Christian School-affiliated churches.Growing communities; ties to MTSU.
Sumner - Highland Park Church (community outreach), various Baptist & Methodist congregations.Lakefront serenity for reflection.
Wilson - Woodmont Christian Church (inclusive), Friendship Christian (faith-integrated).Small-town feel with welcoming groups.
Maury. - Columbia Academy-affiliated churches (Christian focus), Cane Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian (historic).Traditional values; river-side serenity.
Megachurches abound (67 in TN); check Yelp for services—perfect for connecting with locals.
Housing
30 Mile Radius from INO @ Franklin
Bigger Homes for Less
TN homes—average 2,200–3,000 sq ft vs. CA's 1,500–2,000. Median prices (Aug 2025):
County Median Price Avg.Size Notes
Davidson $485,000 2,100 sq ft. Urban mix: Historic homes to modern lofts; rising 6.6% YoY.
Williamson. $990,000 3,500 sq ft. Luxury suburbs; top schools drive value (avg. sale $1.2M).
Rutherford. $450,000 2,400 sq ft Family starters; fast growth, inventory up 30%.
Sumner $520,000 2,300 sq ft Lakeside bargains; 15% below Nashville avg.
Wilson $522,000 2,500 sq ft Rural charm; median up 10%, supply 3.4 months.
Maury $449,000 2,200 sq ft Affordable growth; up 5.6% YoY, strong inventory.
Prices from Redfin/Zillow 2025 data; sizes estimated from MSA averages (FRED). Rent alternative: 2BR apt $1,800–$2,500/mo vs. CA $3,500+.
Commuting
INO Franklin current address is 2588 Goose Creek Bypass.
Click on More Options below and enter an address for routing.
Government
Explore the Nashville MSA: Counties, Cities & Vibes
The Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin MSA spans 14 counties with ~1.35 million residents (projected 2025). Focus on these family favorites: Davidson (urban buzz), Williamson (affluent suburbs), Rutherford (growing & affordable), Sumner (lakeside charm), and Wilson (rural-meets-modern).
County Major Cities
Davidson Nashville (pop. 687K) Liberal-leaning (Harris ~55–60%; urban progressive hub)
Maury Columbia, Spring Hill Conservative (Trump 72% ; small-town feel)
Williamson Franklin, Brentwood Conservative (Trump 65–70%; family-values strongholds)
Rutherford Murfreesboro, Smyrna Conservative (Trump 70%+; balanced growth)
Sumner Hendersonville, Gallatin Conservative (Trump 70%+; community-focused)
Wilson Lebanon, Mt. Juliet. Conservative (Trump 75%+; small-town feel)
Politics based on 2024 results: TN statewide Trump 65%+; Davidson outlier as blue island.
Questions?
I will do my best to help you get answers to any questions you have about the Nashville area. Just complete the form to the right and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Greg McCollum
I am a native Tennessean and have lived in Williamson county since 1979. Like everyone else in the Nashville area, my family and I are very excited about the addition if In-N-Out to our community. If I can do anything to help you and your family make Tennessee your new home, please let me know.
