Nashville is an old town that has been blessed with an ever-changing appearance and 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 the city's proud history of impressive sights and sounds, its 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 26,000 units had been built, and the city remains on track to reach the goal of 35,000 originally set by the plan. Additionally, in 2006 Nashville's Metro had its 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's 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-year program in hopes of making public transportation a more viable option, thus cutting down on traffic congestion. Also, better mortgages are now available to people who live near an MTA bus stop.

Sights and Sounds of Nashville

• Grand Ole Opry - It originally began as a live music show called the "WSM Barn Dance," produced by radio announcer George D. Hay in 1925. The location has changed a few times over the years, but the Grand Ole Opry continues to be the longest-running live radio program in the world. It also has more than 10 million visitors every year.
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum - When the Hall was founded in 1961, the inaugural inductees were Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose and Hank Williams. The Hall of Fame was originally housed in a building on Music Row, and in 2001 it moved to downtown Nashville to an expansive new complex.
• Parthenon - You do not need to leave the country to appreciate Ancient Greek architecture. Nashville is home to the only full-size replica of the Parthenon, constructed there in 1897.
• The Hermitage - This famous home to Andrew Jackson opened as a museum in 1889. Currently, it houses events ranging from historical exhibits to activity days such as the celebration of Andrew Jackson's birthday and even Easter egg decorating.
• Belle Meade Plantation - This site is located just six miles outside of Nashville. The 30-acre historic tract of land once included 5,400 acres and was one of the largest private estates in Nashville. Famous for its horse breeding, the site has been home to such recent big-time winners as Funny Cide and Barbaro, and even legends such as Secretariat and Seabiscuit can trace their bloodlines here. Preserved and maintained by the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee's Antiquities, this beautiful piece of land makes for a great day trip of horse-racing history or just for the lovely scenery.

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/)