I love living in Nashville. I grew up in Atlanta, and it's a lot like that without the traffic, two-hour security lines at the airport, over-bloated city feel, etc. My visitors are always amazed at how NICE people are here. There is a ton of culture (obviously a huge music scene) and pretty much any store you could want. And you are right to think of relocating to the south - anyplace the DMV employees say "can I help you, ma'am?" instead of "NEXT!!!" has my vote.
Plus, no income tax!