Nashville is an old town that has been blessed with an ever-changing appearance a constantly-growing economy since it was founded in 1799. It has also become the adopted home to several prominent Americans ranging from President Andrew Jackson to every burgeoning country music player. Nashville's history can be traced from its roots as a trading post to its emergence as the center of a new musical culture.
Current Nashville residents have reason to be excited. Aside from Nashville's proud history of impressive sights and sounds, the city's officials have recently reported a growing economy and an increase in the quality of life. In 1999 the city established an affordable housing program. By 2006 there were already 26,000 units built, and they are on track to reach the goal of 35,000 originally set by the initiative. Additionally, in 2006 Nashville's Metro had their biggest year ever for permits issued, and second largest in residential permits. This was an almost-unheard-of 25 percent increase in permits for residential additions and alterations.
This growth and prosperity can also be evidenced with Nashville being named one of the Best Communities for Young People as voted by America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth - in 2006. Winners included diverse locations ranging from suburban towns to urban inner cities.
Another plus Nashville has to offer is its impressive public transportation. The Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA) website (http://www.nashvillemta.org/) reads more like an interactive guide than just bus schedules and times. The MTA has also started several programs to increase the quality of the rides it provides. Most noticeably, all MTA buses are now equipped with an easy-to-use bike rack on the front of each bus. The MTA also knows Nashville work commuters face some of the longest commutes in the nation. To help combat this, the MTA has started a five-ear program in hopes of making public transportation a more viable option, thus cutting down on traffic congestion. Also, there are now better mortgages available to people who live near an MTA bus stop.
Sources:
http://www.nashville.com/facts.html
http://education.yahoo.com/reference/encyclopedia/entry/Nashvill
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es/tn/opry_1
http://www.thehermitage.com/
http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com/
http://www.nashville.gov/flashpgs/flashhome.htm