Nashville Faces a Housing Dilemma: The Struggle for Affordability
In the vibrant city of Nashville, a young data scientist named Antone Christianson-Galina has found himself grappling with a pressing issue — the high cost of housing. On a typical Friday morning, he steps out of Bongo Java and into a light drizzle, making his way past a charming block filled with shops and eateries just across from Belmont University. Antone lives in a cozy townhome near campus with roommates, and he can’t help but admire the grassy courtyard at the Sterling Court Apartments. “More of the city should feel like this, like a college campus,” he muses.
Three years ago, Antone began to seriously consider purchasing a home in his beloved city. Despite his local upbringing and stable job prospects in data science, he found himself constantly losing out on bidding wars. “The housing market was going crazy,” he recalls. With advantages such as a good education and a tech job, he felt fortunate, but he was still at a loss for how to secure a starter home. “If this is my experience, I can only imagine how tough it is for others. It’s a real problem for millennials, and we’re not even talking about Gen Z, who seem even more overwhelmed.”
A Call to Action
Realizing the enormity of the situation, Antone joined the Affordable Housing Task Force led by Nashville Organized for Action and Hope (NOAH). This group aims to tackle the housing crisis head-on. Soon, he understood that the challenge was not merely about a hot real estate market but also about systemic issues affecting housing availability across various income levels. Through their collaboration, he has become the vice-chair of a commission overseeing the Barnes Housing Trust Fund, a generous fund providing $30 million a year toward affordable housing development.
Antone highlights the urgent need for more affordable housing options not only for low-income residents but also for those in the middle-class bracket. “Regulations and zoning make it really hard for developers to provide for the middle-class market,” he explains. He advocates for significant reforms that would allow taller and denser housing developments across the city. “The community has to adapt; otherwise, we’re pushing out families and young people. Nashville risks turning into a city of the rich.”
A Community at a Crossroads
With young families rushing back to Nashville, the city has seen a population boom over the past decade. However, the recent growth has started to plateau, as many look to suburban areas like Wilson and Rutherford counties for space and affordability. Unfortunately, the housing crisis in Nashville shows no signs of relief, with an ongoing increase in the unhoused population. Today, more than ever, commuters are individuals who earn the least and find themselves living farthest from the city center, forced to endure long daily commutes.
Interestingly, the continued push for more housing in established areas like Sylvan Park often meets stiff opposition from current residents. They argue that new development could disrupt the community’s character. A recent proposal for 120 new units in Silo Bend sparked public outcry from existing condo owners who fear that the additional units will negatively impact their community.
Facing the Challenge
Despite the hurdles presented by local resistance and zoning constraints, shifts in city planning are underway. The Metro Planning Department is gathering data to explore how zoning regulations can be adjusted to support a greater variety of housing types — from duplexes to courtyard apartments. Meanwhile, Councilmember Rollin Horton has taken steps to rewrite zoning laws that restrict development and increase the availability of multifamily homes and townhouses in Nashville’s evolving neighborhoods.
As Antone looks toward the future, he envisions a Nashville that continues to welcome families and provides affordable housing options for all individuals, not just the fortunate few. “We want to start a family, and moving in with roommates after our honeymoon isn’t something we aspire to,” he says, reflecting on the importance of affordable housing for Millennials. “It’s a vital part of our city’s identity. This has become a collective challenge, and we need to work together to find solutions.”
Looking Ahead
Nashville’s road ahead may be bumpy, but dedicated advocates like Antone, along with community members and officials, are diligently working toward a brighter future for the city’s housing market. The focus is on transforming regulations to yield more affordable, diverse, and accessible housing options — crucial elements to maintaining Nashville’s charm and livability.
