Nashville: Bigger Than You Think, But Not Quite Big Enough to Hide From Your Aunt Mildred
Nashville! Music City, bachelorette party capital of the world (unofficial title, but come on, have you seen Broadway lately?), and a place where the cowboy boots are just as common as the hot chicken. But one thing you might not know about Nashville is just how...spread out it is.
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| How Big Is Nashville Compared To Other Cities |
It's Like a City Ate Its Neighbors (But Kept the Bars)
Nashville clocks in at a whopping 527.9 square miles. That's a lot of land for a city with a population of around 690,000. To put it in perspective, you could fit the entirety of San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. all snuggly inside Nashville, with room left over for a whole lotta honky-tonkin'.
Fun Fact: Nashville's sprawl is legendary. You might start your morning with a latte in a trendy East Side coffee shop and end up at a line dancing bar on the other side of town by nightfall, all without ever leaving the city limits. Your calves will thank you, your Uber bill...not so much.
So, Nashville's Big, But How Big Does It Rank?
Alright, alright, enough with the wacky comparisons. Let's get down to brass tacks. Nashville itself isn't exactly a megacity. In terms of population, it sits at a respectable #21 in the US. But hey, at least it beats out its southern cousin Atlanta for bragging rights (though Atlanta might win in the "number of traffic jams" category).
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
Hold on a Sec, Didn't I Hear Something About a Metro Area?
You heard right, my friend! The Nashville metropolitan area, which includes surrounding cities and suburbs, is a whole different story. With a population of over 2 million, it rockets up to the #35th most populous metro area in the US. So, Nashville might not be a giant itself, but it's the heart of a pretty bustling region.
But Nashville Feels So Intimate...
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
That's the beauty of Nashville! Even though it's geographically spacious, the core areas with all the sights and sounds are quite walkable (or at least scooter-able). You can spend a weekend hitting up record stores, catching a show at the Grand Ole Opry, and stuffing your face with hot chicken, all without feeling like you're in a concrete jungle.
How Big is Nashville Compared to Other Cities? FAQ
How to find out how big a city is?
A quick Google search with "[City name] + square mileage" should do the trick!
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
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How to get around Nashville if you hate traffic?
There are always ride-sharing apps, but Nashville's also pretty bike-friendly, and don't forget about those adorable (and surprisingly fast) electric scooters!
How to avoid getting lost in Nashville's sprawl?
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
A good map app is your best friend. Just remember, even though it's big, most of the touristy areas are concentrated downtown.
How to experience the best of Nashville without getting overwhelmed?
Focus on specific neighborhoods! The Gulch is great for trendy shops and restaurants, while Hillsboro Village offers a more historic vibe.
How to avoid your Aunt Mildred on your Nashville trip?
This one might be a little trickier. Maybe tell her you're going to, like, Antarctica instead?
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