Nashville tops list of favorite US cities
Writer: Eleana Teran
July 2025 — Nashville has been named the most beloved major city in the United States, according to a new survey. Nashville ranked first in net favorability among the country’s 50 largest cities in the survey conducted by international market research firm YouGov.
Music City received a net favorability score of +44. That figure represents the share of Americans who view the city favorably minus those who view it in a negative light. Just behind Nashville were San Diego, Colorado Springs, and Virginia Beach, all tied at +39. Charlotte followed with +37, then Denver (+36), Raleigh (+35), and San Antonio (+34).
The survey results reflect not only national perception but also a local reality that continues to draw talent, capital, and opportunity. Tom Stumb, chairman and CEO of Truxton, attributes Nashville’s long-term appeal to a combination of business-friendly policies and demographic momentum. “Nashville’s diverse, robust, and growing economy makes it an ideal location for us,” he told Invest:. “The city has experienced strong population and job growth since we opened, and we are content to remain focused here.”
These fundamentals are not new, but they are becoming more visible as the city gains ground in national performance metrics. The city was recently named the fourth most popular meetings destination in North America, according to Cvent’s 2025 Top 50 Meeting Destinations in
North America. Four Nashville hotels, the Renaissance Nashville, JW Marriott, Grand Hyatt, and Omni, claimed the top four spots on Cvent’s 2025 Top 250 Meeting Hotels in North America.
The meetings and events sector has become a key barometer of the city’s broader economic appeal. In December 2024, Nashville recorded 28% year-over-year growth in group business volume, making it the second-fastest growing major meetings market in the country, just behind St. Louis. Healthcare, technology, manufacturing, consulting, and finance were the sectors most responsible for driving this activity, reflecting the diversification that is powering the city’s long-term success.
“The core fundamentals of the market remain intact, even during what may be considered a slower period,” Allen Arender, chief development officer at Holladay Properties, told Invest:. “Historically, Nashville tends to experience shorter downturns — we’re typically slower to decline and among the first to rebound. That trend continues, largely driven by strong job growth. The region still offers a high quality of life, along with a favorable tax environment for both businesses and individuals.”
This combination of business appeal and visitor experience explains why so many Americans view Nashville positively after spending time there. Among YouGov survey respondents who visited the city, Nashville earned a net favorability score of +65 — tied with Charlotte and just behind Raleigh (+73), Colorado Springs (+69), San Antonio (+69), and Virginia Beach (+66). While it ranks slightly lower by that measure, the data shows a clear trend: the more people experience Nashville firsthand, whether for work, events, or relocation, the more likely they are to view it positively.
For many residents and business leaders, the survey confirms what they’ve long believed. “I am incredibly optimistic about Nashville’s future,” said Luther Wright, managing shareholder at Ogletree Deakins’ Nashville office. “As a lifelong resident, I have witnessed our city’s remarkable growth. The challenges ahead are not as great as those that we have already overcome. With collaboration and innovation, we will continue to thrive.”
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