Cities are rarely just one thing. They’re more than a collection of neighborhoods or a diverse population. And sometimes they’re exactly that.

Reside in Nashville for long enough and you’ll observe two things: First, rare is the native population. Second, those who do move here want to adopt “Nashvillian” status very quickly.

Part of that adoption is finding the one thing that draws you in, helps you identify what makes Nashville Nashville and makes you want to share that information with others searching to make this area home.

As a way to kick off 2024 – a year destined to be interesting on multiple levels for the city, state, region and nation – the Ledger asked notable residents to share the one thing that makes Nashville great in their eyes, as well as some things the city could do for the betterment of all.

Ralph Schulz, president and CEO, Nashville Chamber of Commerce

What’s one thing that would improve the quality of life for many of the city’s residents?

Nashville and the surrounding region have had a blockbuster year in terms of economic growth and quality of life gains. Median household income in the Nashville MSA has increased 10.1% ($7,309) from 2021-2022 and when adjusted for inflation, Nashville ranks second highest in the country for gross domestic product growth with metros with at least 1M in population.

For Middle Tennessee to maintain this growth and continue to lead the nation in economic prosperity, we need to tackle one of the region’s most urgent challenges for both the business and the Middle Tennessee community – our transit challenges.

Regionwide transit will be a connector to opportunity, and as seen in the successful campaign messages of now Mayor O’Connell, transit remains a top-of-mind issue for Middle Tennesseans. Improved transit access will further stimulate and sustain economic growth and social mobility, creating regionwide connections and ensuring Middle Tennessee’s long-term success.

Randy Rayburn, Midtown Cafe owner

What’s one thing you’d like to see made more of a priority in the city?

Affordable housing for local workforce, lower income, homeless families and individuals was insufficient before COVID. Almost four years later, all have dramatically increased in purchase median prices and market rental rates. (These are) complex problems with needs that must be addressed by Metro policies and incentives so our city’s future grows for all.

Brittany Schaffer, dean, Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, Belmont University

What’s one thing you’d tell a newcomer/outsider looking to understand the region?

We’re becoming a big city, but the soul of Nashville still feels like a big town. You will see your competitors at church and your colleagues at the grocery store. As a result, there is an unparalleled sense of community in Nashville among and between industries that brings people together for collective growth, opportunity and ultimately friendship.

This dynamic breeds a level of kindness and civility that is becoming all too rare and is what makes Nashville so special.

Marcus Whitney, entrepreneur/author/health care VC

What’s one thing that would improve the quality of life for many of the city’s residents?

More thoughtfulness. When I arrived in Nashville in 2000, the city was tightly connected, ambitious and dreaming of greatness. In many ways, we have achieved that greatness and now, we have momentum.

Our new challenge is not one of ambition, but rather one of thoughtfulness. How do we, collectively, slow down our thinking enough to intentionally harness this momentum into something that lifts us all for generations to come?

Deana Ivey, president and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

What’s one thing you’d miss about the city if you had to relocate?

I would miss the variety of events offered in this city. On any given day or night there are a number of exciting events to choose from. If you want to hear the best live music you’ve ever heard or go to an exciting game or a beautiful arts performance, the options are amazing.

Only in Music City can you experience the creative energy that makes this city so special. And you just never know who might show up to make a surprise guest appearance onstage. That’s the magic of Music City.

Burke Nihill, Tennessee Titans president and CEO

What’s one thing you’d miss about the city if you had to relocate?

I’d miss Nashville’s character and soul. This city is defined by the kind, talented and optimistic people who live here, and you can feel the difference in everything from the routine trips to the grocery store to our neighborly response when challenges hit our community.

Gary Neal, Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway operations manager

What’s one thing you’d tell a newcomer/outsider looking to understand about the region?

I’ve lived in the area all my life. Although it is growing in numbers daily, it still has the hometown charm. If you are new to the area, it won’t be long until you make a friend and they will be glad to share all of their favorite restaurants and entertainment venues.

There is always something to do regardless of your interest. Our sports, music, parks and waterways, greenways are second to none. It’s a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.

What’s one thing you’d like to see made more of a priority in the city?

I would like the city to give more of a priority to preserving the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and its history. This track began in 1891 as a horse track, and auto racing followed in 1904. So many of the great NASCAR drivers got their start here or competed on the quarter mile or the 5/8-mile track. Earnhardt, Marlin, Allison, Petty, Hamilton, Waltrip, Robbins just to name a few.

Coo Coo Marlin, along with Bob Reuther and Bill Donoho were the first inductees into the Hall of Fame in 1987. One of the most recent inductees was Richard Petty.

Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway is one of the oldest, continuously running tracks in the United States. Racing continues to this date with packed stands for all the events. If you interview people attending (races), they will tell you over and over that they have been coming for years and they remain loyal because it’s part of their heritage. It truly is a magical place.

Steve Bland, CEO, WeGo Public Transit

What’s one thing you’d tell a newcomer/outsider looking to understand the region?

Appreciate what’s authentic about Nashville and new to you, don’t go looking for what you left behind. I moved here from Northern New Jersey. I’ve given up looking for “authentic Jersey-style pizza.” I’ll get it when I visit New Jersey. I have, however, embraced pimento cheese (never had it before) and I can debate the best “Nashville Hot Chicken in town” with the best of ’em!

What’s one thing you’d miss about the city if you had to relocate?

Pretty much going into any local club in my neighborhood on almost any night of the week, and hearing some of the best live music I’ve ever heard anywhere in a crowd of less than 100 people. People here really seem to take that for granted. It simply doesn’t exist anywhere else I’ve lived.

What’s one thing that would improve the quality of life for many of the city’s residents?

I am biased, but funding and creating a public transportation system that gives access to all this city and region has to offer to ALL of its residents, not just those who have a car and can drive.

Beth Hewitt, Vanderbilt women’s lacrosse coach

What’s one thing you’d tell a newcomer/outsider looking to understand about the region?

Newcomers to Nashville and the Middle Tennessee area quickly find out that we have so many different activities to offer. Everyone knows us for our incredible music scene (which in my opinion is second to none), but we have so many outdoor activities around the river, different lakes and even mountains that give the perfect happy medium of a small town to big city. It is so unique to be in the middle of a city and then drive for 10 minutes and feel like you are in the heart of nature. There is truly no other town like it.

What’s one thing about the city that attracted you to it in the first place?

I am a huge music lover and being in the heart of country music was a huge draw for me. What was equally attractive was the ability to work for such a prestigious university in an incredible city that has so much to offer. There are so many colleges and universities in small towns, and my ideal is being in a city so I couldn’t ask for anything more.

– Reporting by Tom Wood, Cara Baker Davis and Lucas Hendrickson