On the 4th of July, 2026 I marked the 50th anniversary of my move to Nashville.
I came here from my hometown, Atlanta, which had during my lifetime become a thriving, throbbing, buzzing metropolis, full of energy and forward motion, with something new and exciting – or so it seemed to me – happening every day.
The Nashville I came to was a medium-sized city, still operating like a small town. Sleepy and skeptical of outside influences. Set in its ways, stubbornly so. Still fighting the Civil War – something Atlanta seemed to have given up decades before.
For my part, I was a green, not-all-that-mature, 24-year-old, fresh from graduate school, with a head full of what I “knew” to be true. I wasn’t impressed by Nashville and thought I’d stay here about 15 minutes …
Well. That was then, now is now, and how things have changed! Nashville and I grew up together, and we are both better for it! I love my adopted hometown, and it looks like I’m here for the duration.
Along the way, what did we learn?
Nothing’s permanent Change is the only constant there is. If you don’t like the way things are in the moment, hang on tight and something will happen. I was young and inexperienced 50 years ago. I am neither one of those things now. I’m much more mature and I’m a lot smarter, not unlike Nashville these days. Applying this to real estate: If you don’t like where you are living, make a move. If you can’t make the move you want to right now, work toward the goal while enjoying your current situation as you can. Look forward, not back, and move ahead.
Play the long game In global terms, 50 years is but a blip. But it represents the vast majority of my life on this planet, and a fairly good chunk of Nashville history. In real estate, 50 years is more than forever. Quick returns are hard to come by – even in a fast market, which this definitely is not! If you’re wanting to sell at a gain, hold on for the ride. Not 50 years necessarily, but probably at least five.
Change can involve both gain and loss As Nashville has grown, we have lost certain things of value: that small-town feeling, a number of significant historic buildings, relatively manageable traffic. And we have gained others: Excellent food and retail options, a lively entertainment scene, thriving historic neighborhoods, a diverse population, an international airport. For my part, I’ve gained perspective and wisdom, but also achy joints, nascent love handles, and an ability to easily forget things I used to easily remember. Real estate can be the same. There are wins and losses. In spite of what we want to believe, there’s nothing in the US Constitution that guarantees a profit when you sell a house. Sometimes you make money, sometimes you lose a little. But the gain is shelter from the storm and a place to live your life and grow into who you are today.