When I first heard the news, I thought there would be no need to find a silver lining.
The whole thing, in my mind, had to be dumptown gold.
The kid, after all, was moving to Tennessee.
I expected the same looks that come with mentioning Kentucky and Oklahoma.
Living in Western New York, I know them well.
Part horror, part pity, part condescension—the eyes, and the words, say it all.
But much to my chagrin, the capital of Tennessee has an enviable brand.
Mentions of Nashville were greeted with How cool! and Oh wow! and I love that place!
Panicked, I frantically looked up some data, and my heart sank.
Rapid growth.
High GDP per capita.
One of the country’s hottest job markets.
Blossoming tourism.
How the heck was I supposed to add this place to my bestselling (i.e. unknown) series on dumptowns?!
I took a deep breath and thought for a moment. The crushing realization that my son was moving somewhere desirable had to have a silver lining.
Cue Google Maps.
I found Nashville, and then I slowly zoomed out.
Little by little, angst turned to calm, which turned to frank elation.
Within a three-hour driving radius (give or take), I found all sorts of targets that would make East Coasters nauseous—in other words, bring me unbridled joy.
Knoxville, TN
The city of 190,740 is recognized for being a miniscule dot of intellect in a sea of Appalachia.
Chattanooga, TN
This burg of 181,099 is known for poor air quality, struggling public schools, and its flood risk.
Huntsville, AL
Perhaps a little too nice, this town of 215,006 is the home of a NASA outfit and apparently some other stuff.
Birmingham, AL
Shuttered steel mills. Inequality. Obesity. No matter which way you break it down, the city of 200,733 is fighting an uphill battle.
Memphis, TN
Crime. Poverty. Uncomfortable heat. A notorious assassination site. Memphis—home to 633,104 people—has it all.
Evansville, IN
Hugging the Ohio River, this hamlet of 118,414 in southern Indiana is known for…basically nothing.
Louisville, KY
Finally, rounding out the list is the pride and joy of Kentucky, home to horses, baseball bats, 633,045 residents, and fast food.
I told my son about my findings, mentioning how this plethora of road trip options might bring me to Nashville regularly.
He looked away, immediately searching for a silver lining.
