Nashville, or just "Shville" to locals, is all of what you would expect Music City to be and well, all lot more. There's not many bad things about Nashville, except for the employment crisis on the'Row.Nashville, or just "Shville" to locals, is all of what you would expect Music City to be and well, all lot more. There's not many bad things about Nashville, except for the employment crisis on the'Row.

Bar crawlin' and honky-tonkin' (yes, that's what we call it): There's the always touristy-trappy but still fun Broadway and 2nd Ave. bars: Legends, Tootsies, Second Fiddle, and the new Big Bang Bar. Bartenders are great, I haven't met a bad one, and people really can sing. Native Nashvillians are always rather disappointed in the quality of entertainment offered up in other cities. It's not cause we are snooty, it's because we are overwhelming spoiled by the pool of talent that migrates to Nashville.

If you need a wilder time, Printers Alley between Church and Union can offer up what you're looking for. Lonnie's is hole-in-the wall karaoke bar that gets completely packed out and if you're lucky, Omar will show up to sing "Walking in Memphis." Ms. Kelli's is also next door. Just avoid the hot dogs and the other alternative forms of entertainment you can also find in the alley.

Not to be outdone, the scene on Demonbreun offers up classic fun. Live bands and great bars promise to keep you entertained. For a chiller vibe, head down to Carothers Parkway on Cool Springs. You can find the twins of Demonbreun bars Dan McGuiness and Tin Roof (2). It's mostly young professionals down this way, so you can avoid the college drama in ladies room you would otherwise encounter 'in the city.' Finally, If you need a place for a fancy party or girls night, nothing can beat Cabana in the Village.

Dating: I'm not gonna lie -- from what I can tell, being quite non-single myself, dating in Nashville is pretty difficult. Several of my hottest, coolest, and wisest friends do online dating because of this. It doesn't really have stigma down here, it's just dating. You can also try singles Bible studies, church get-togethers and the like, but mixing the Good Lord and the hunt for a good man was always too distracting for me.

Working: It's a good job market. People are getting employed here, so that's certainly saying something. We're also a college town and there are lots of ways to pay the bills why you search for the job du jour. Babysitting and childcare pays quite well, and there are a tons of premier restaurants and bars where tips will keep you paying the rent and having fun.

Where to live: I'm currently house-hunting and like everywhere else in the US, it's good to be buying. Not so much to be selling. Being a college town, there's also great apartments, rental homes, and roommates that are all easy to find. There's also great properties in up and coming neighborhoods in the East Nashville. It's a bit hit or miss over there - you can have a great house next door to a slumlord's property. So buyer beware, but for trendy and affordable living, East Nash is the talk of the town.

Getting around: There is a bus line, but no one can figure it out. And it's just not feasible to use. To get from my apartment to work, which is 8 miles, I'd be on a bus for 45 minutes, and have to switch 3 times. Not really helpful for me. But Belmont University just signed an agreement with Zipcar, and citizens from the greater Nashville area can opt in to use the cars as well. Gas is cheapish and traffic is endurable.

Meeting friends: go to the bars. Really. Even though it's hard to pick up people at bars (isn't it always?) picking up a handful of friends at once is pretty easy down here. Go to Pint Night at Flying Saucer, ask to share a table, and you're good to go. Also, go to church. We are a city with faith. The movers and shakers and heads of companies all go to church, are are some of the best and most supportive friends you can meet.

So that's Nashville. Come on down, we're gonna love you. Just be sure to accept our invitation to church after we buy you a beer. It's the Southern way.