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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Nashville. Written by Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.

Axios Nashville Thought Bubble

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Nashville Electric Service hires fleet of consultants following ice storm

NES hired political and PR help following the devastating storm.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The embattled Nashville Electric Service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/09/nes-board-review-winter-storm-response" data-vars-content-id="d7afb735-7bb7-420b-b61e-0edf12c962bb" data-vars-headline="Nashville Electric Service hires fleet of consultants following ice storm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/09/nes-board-review-winter-storm-response" target="_self">The embattled Nashville Electric Service</a> bulked up its lobbying and crisis communications roster in the aftermath of last month&#x27;s ice storm.Why it matters: NES sought to increase its political clout following a surge of criticism over the power utility&#x27;s storm response.

Nashville incomes grew 6.6% from 2023 to 2024

Wages rose across Tennessee from 2023 to 2024.

Wages rose across Tennessee from 2023 to 2024, according to new federal data.

Nashville lawsuit filed to challenge proposed racing ban at fairgrounds

A former race car driver filed a lawsuit challenging a plan to ban auto racing at the Nashville fairgrounds.

A former race car driver sued Friday to challenge <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the proposed Metro charter amendment to ban auto racing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/21/nashville-racetrack-debate-latest-developments" data-vars-content-id="89c54d09-48d3-4021-8332-3bb28b0d6c03" data-vars-headline="Nashville lawsuit filed to challenge proposed racing ban at fairgrounds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/21/nashville-racetrack-debate-latest-developments" target="_self">the proposed Metro charter amendment to ban auto racing</a> at the Nashville fairgrounds.Why it matters: The push to ban auto racing comes at the same time that Speedway Motorsports Inc. is pursuing a plan to revamp the speedway in hopes of bringing NASCAR races back to Nashville.<ul><li>A coalition of neighborhood groups and environmental groups wants to put the racing-ban measure on the November ballot. The lawsuit calls into question whether they will be able to do so.</li></ul>

Nashville's Fort Negley Park finally comes to fruition

At long last, a sacred Civil War site in Nashville is being converted to a park.

Nearly a decade after developers sought to turn the former Greer Stadium property into condos, retail and creative space, work is finally underway to preserve the area as a public park.Why it matters: The revitalized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fort Negley" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/18/nashville-to-commemorate-juneteenth-at-fort-negley" data-vars-content-id="57aa11aa-8bd7-4324-9c10-d628ae25837a" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s Fort Negley Park finally comes to fruition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/06/18/nashville-to-commemorate-juneteenth-at-fort-negley" target="_self">Fort Negley</a> serves as one of the most prominent recent victories for historic preservationists, who view the property as sacred land because of its Civil War history.

Nashville real estate trends we're watching in 2026

Nashville realtor Jack Gaughan expects a year of stability.

Real Estate

Nashville&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="real estate market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/real-estate" data-vars-content-id="b72fac67-26ae-4581-bee9-56fa5b18afc4" data-vars-headline="Nashville real estate trends we&#x27;re watching in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/real-estate" target="_self">real estate market</a> cooled down in 2025, and the data suggests that trend will continue, making for a slow-but-steady 2026.Greater Nashville Realtors president Jack Gaughan tells Axios he expects a year of stability, with more options for buyers looking to negotiate.

Antioch once again reigns supreme in Nashville real estate

Affordability and access fuel Antioch's real estate rise in Nashville.

Home sales ticked down slightly across the region <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in 2025" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/24/nashville-homes-linger-as-market-cools" data-vars-content-id="6411edd9-5332-4e90-a672-8745c07e18c3" data-vars-headline="Antioch once again reigns supreme in Nashville real estate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/24/nashville-homes-linger-as-market-cools" target="_self">in 2025</a>, but some of Nashville&#x27;s fastest-growing neighborhoods bucked the trend with a steady surge of buyers.Why it matters: A deeper dive into the real estate data reveals the powerhouse ZIP codes that are continuing to reshape the city.

Nashville faces record number of property appraisal appeals

The Metro Board of Equalization is scheduling hearings late into 2026, well after property tax bills are due.

Inside a nondescript Metro government conference room, a group of volunteers sits around a table, searching through files and making multimillion-dollar decisions in a matter of minutes.<ul><li>Their complicated work is considering appeals from property owners, ranging from a diner in Hermitage to a high-end retail center in the Nations, who think their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appraisals came in too high" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/18/nashville-property-values-increased-assessment" data-vars-content-id="1a138bf0-4a76-4ec8-881f-f322a0e20b94" data-vars-headline="Nashville faces record number of property appraisal appeals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/18/nashville-property-values-increased-assessment" target="_self">appraisals came in too high</a> earlier this year.</li></ul>Why it matters: There are so many appeals that the Metro Board of Equalization is scheduling hearings late into 2026, well after property tax bills are due.

Younger homebuyers face barriers in Nashville, nationwide

The median age of first-time  buyers in the U.S. is now 40.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" data-vars-content-id="9107d932-7050-4fe9-b60c-ce870578f052" data-vars-headline="Younger homebuyers face barriers in Nashville, nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" target="_self">Homeownership</a> is slipping further out of reach for many 30-somethings as high prices and mortgage rates lengthen the obstacle course for first-time buyers.Why it matters: Younger buyers in Nashville and nationwide are staying on the sidelines at record levels.

Condos in the new complex coming to Belle Meade Plaza will start at $2.5 million

Nashville's luxury housing market has exploded since the pandemic.

Ultra-luxe condos <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coming to the Belle Meade Plaza site" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/17/aj-capital-renderings-belle-meade-plaza" data-vars-content-id="b41f5cbb-f92e-4dc6-be97-652d1c49836c" data-vars-headline="Condos in the new complex coming to Belle Meade Plaza will start at $2.5 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/17/aj-capital-renderings-belle-meade-plaza" target="_self">coming to the Belle Meade Plaza site</a> will start at $2.5 million and will include access to ritzy amenities like private mahjong rooms, a Pilates studio and an on-site salon.Why it matters: The condos, which will be split across two residential towers known as 1 Iris Lane, represent the new standard for high-end living in Nashville.

Nashville's housing market remains steady despite changes elsewhere

Home values in the Nashville metro area were just about even year over year.

Home values are falling throughout the Southeast, but the Nashville area&#x27;s market remains relatively steady, according to data collected this summer.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville&#x27;s market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/24/nashville-homes-linger-as-market-cools" data-vars-content-id="2c81ec2d-e87a-4e2d-a77d-57606b3a7654" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s housing market remains steady despite changes elsewhere" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/24/nashville-homes-linger-as-market-cools" target="_self">Nashville&#x27;s market</a> has certainly softened over the last couple of years, but buyers holding out for a free fall in values are still waiting.<ul><li>In fact, local realtors see signs that the market could be picking up some steam.</li></ul>

Nashville homes embrace pools: a growing trend

The growing prevalence of home pools has coincided with the sharp uptick in multimillion dollar properties.

Backyard pools are becoming more popular in Nashville, according to an analysis of real estate listings.

Nashville is one of the top housing markets for buyers

This marks a major reversal from just a few years ago.

Home sellers in Nashville outnumber buyers almost two to one, according to the latest estimates from Redfin.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a buyer&#x27;s market in real estate, if you can afford it. The swell of options on the market is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major reversal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/02/10/nashville-cant-build-homes-fast-enough" data-vars-content-id="ccca6f7d-53e7-4bd4-98f3-b84ecf561c6d" data-vars-headline="Nashville is one of the top housing markets for buyers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/02/10/nashville-cant-build-homes-fast-enough" target="_self">major reversal</a> from just a few years ago, when homebuyers were desperate to find a place to live, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sending prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/10/15/nashville-home-prices-skrocketed-chart" data-vars-content-id="ccca6f7d-53e7-4bd4-98f3-b84ecf561c6d" data-vars-headline="Nashville is one of the top housing markets for buyers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/10/15/nashville-home-prices-skrocketed-chart" target="_self">sending prices</a> into the stratosphere.

New Nashville apartments are among South's smallest

New apartments have gotten smaller in most of the 100 U.S. cities researchers analyzed.

Nashville&#x27;s new apartments are among the smallest in the South, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/national-average-apartment-size/" data-vars-content-id="a1b931eb-dd11-4891-b8fb-6b840c1bcb7f" data-vars-headline="New Nashville apartments are among South&#x27;s smallest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/national-average-apartment-size/" target="_blank">report</a> by RentCafe.

Nashville property values increased 45% since 2021, according to city assessment

The appraisal sets the stage for a debate over potential tax hikes.

<figure><img alt="A map of Davidson County showing property value increases by council district, with increases in south and western districts skewing higher." height="2788" id="3582990a-c634-42a4-841f-970bcc6836ae" src="https://images.axios.com/mboCuZBK1FoRl4O2t1BdoXbnsQM=/2025/04/18/1745004204534.jpg" width="2424"/><figcaption>Property value changes by council district. Map: courtesy of the property assessor&#x27;s office.</figcaption></figure>Property values in Davidson County shot up an average of 45% in the last four years, according to new data released Friday by Assessor of Property Vivian Wilhoite.Why it matters: The citywide assessment, which Wilhoite&#x27;s office oversees every four years, is another illustration of Nashville&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming real estate market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/10/15/nashville-home-prices-skrocketed-chart" data-vars-content-id="5507e994-aa1f-4f53-8b5c-81deb0bfa43f" data-vars-headline="Nashville property values increased 45% since 2021, according to city assessment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/10/15/nashville-home-prices-skrocketed-chart" target="_self">booming real estate market</a>.<ul><li>The process also sets the stage for a likely debate over potential property tax hikes.</li></ul>

🔨 Fewer fixer uppers in Nashville

Nashville's fixer-upper hunt: scarce options

A chart showing the metros with the largest and smallest shares of fixer-upper homes for sale in July 2025. Syracuse, New York had the most at 11.5%, while Memphis, Tennessee had the least at 1.2%. The U.S. average is 5.2% and the Nashville metro area had 3.0% for sale.

Real Estate 🏠

Nashville real estate trends we're watching in 2026

Antioch once again reigns supreme in Nashville real estate

Nashville faces record number of property appraisal appeals

Younger homebuyers face barriers in Nashville, nationwide

Nashville's fixer-upper hunt: scarce options