Neighborhoods

East Nashville

The largest and most diverse Nashville neighborhood, East Nashville, has something to offer for everyone. In the early to mid 2000s, this became a haven for new artists moving to town with its attractively low priced living, while still offering the bars and restaurants any starving musician would love. Nowadays, East is a busy, energetic area with some of the areas finest homes per dollar. If you want to stretch your money as far as it can go, East Nashville is your place. New construction typically starts around the mid $300k range. East Nashville is the perfect place if your frame of reference is Silver Lake or Brooklyn.

Germantown

Named for the European immigrants that settled the area, Germantown is one of Nashville's first urban neighborhoods. Traditionally home to warehouses and factories, many buildings in Germantown are renovated and repurposed shells of their original footprints, maintaining a cool, industrial feel. Living in Germantown gives you the option to walk to a Sounds baseball game or to some of the city's finest restaurants.

Germantown has several condo and townhome options such as Werthan Mills Lofts, as well as standalone homes stretching across the northern border of the city limits. It is worth noting that Germantown is known for smaller lots that may seem cramped to some; row houses are becoming increasingly more common in this area. Condos typically begin in the low $300k range, with homes beginning in the low $400k range. Germantown is best suited for singles and younger families that like city accessibility.

The Gulch

The Gulch is the epitome of downtown living. This is Nashville's newest neighborhood, with almost every building being less than 10 years old. Step out your front door to the grocery store, wine shop, bars, and restaurants, with downtown, Nissan Stadium, Bridgestone Arena, and your new office also only a short walk away. Ideal for new transplants looking for a safe, energetic, centrally located launchpad to begin their Nashville tenure.

The most common home found in The Gulch is a 1br condo, typically starting in the mid $300k range. A 2br unit will typically begin in the mid $400k range. If you are used to downtown city living in a modern building with a doorman and 24/7 security, this is the easiest neighborhood to jump into.

Downtown

Downtown Nashville, also called “The District,” is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. With the famous flashing lights of the Broadway “honky tonks,” which feature live music every day of the week, and the constant events occurring at Bridgestone, Nissan Stadium, the Ryman, and Riverfront, Nashville has earned the nickname “Nashvegas.” If you live or visit Downtown Nashville, you can definitely walk everywhere in the vicinity of downtown and maybe to a few other neighborhoods such as SoBro, the Gulch, Demonbreun and Midtown, but it is a bit of a hike to get to any other neighborhood. It’s easy to grab a taxi, Uber, Lyft, B-Cycle, or bus ticket to check out the other neighborhoods, though. Expect more of a tourist scene Downtown.

Downtown Nashville is not ideal for families, but is great for people who are new to Nashville and want to experience what Nashville is known for. If you have already experienced Nashville, either as a local or a passionate tourist, you may want to check out another area so you can choose when to experience the Nashvegas energy.

Downtown Nashville has well over sixty bars and restaurants, varying from local hotspots to national chains. Shopping in Downtown Nashville consists mainly of boot shops, western wear, souvenirs, and music stores. As for living in Downtown Nashville, there are mainly high-rises and apartment buildings.

SoBro

Nashville’s SoBro (“South of Broadway”) neighborhood is one of the main downtown areas, home to major attractions like the the Music City Center and Omni Hotel, as well as popular restaurants like The Southern, Etch, and Pinewood Social. Though it’s only steps away from Broadway and “The District” (or what most people recognize as “Downtown“), SoBro is its own neighborhood. The city of Nashville has put a lot of focus on branding SoBro, since it is, and will continue to be, one of the most highly developed areas of the city. Don’t be fooled though — you can easily walk from the honky tonks on Broadway to many of the SoBro businesses.

Wedgewood Houston

Keep your eye on Wedgewood/Houston. Nicknamed WeHo, this amazing area is a perfect example of the thriving creative community that is pushing Nashville to new heights. There are art galleries around every corner, and many places which invite you to create something of your own in Music City. Wedgewood-Houston is bordered by Wedgewood Avenue to the south, Houston Street on the north, Nolensville Road-Fourth Avenue on the east and Eighth Avenue South to the west. Greer Stadium, the Adventure Science Center and Fort Negley are on the neighborhood's north side. To the south is the Tennessee State Fairgrounds.

Edgehill

Edgehill Village is an area located parallel to Music Row. This is one of the smaller areas in Nashville with a few eateries and shops, including popular spots like Old Glory, Taco Mamacita, and Bella Napoli. The housing around Edgehill Village varies greatly but is comprised mostly of individual homes.

This area would be suitable for young couples or singles looking for a good central location and more affordable living options. Edgehill Village focuses mostly on commercial space and less on residential living, but if you can find a nice home in this area, you can enjoy the location and convenience of Edgehill Village.

Hillsboro

Hillsboro Village is urban, walkable and has more housing options than other nearby neighborhoods. Hillsboro Village is located between Belmont University and Vanderbilt University. You will see a lot of college students, young adults, and families. Hillsboro Village tends to be more family-friendly due to the amount of single-family homes available around the area. There is a large, urban park with a playground and tennis courts as well as sitting areas.

If you live in Hillsboro Village, you can enjoy over 25 bars and restaurants including Nashville staples like Pancake Pantry and Fido. Hillsboro Village also has some great shopping including several clothing boutiques, a local bookstore, and a flower shop. It is home to the Belcourt Theatre, which is a theater house featuring classic, independent and foreign films, musical performances, and live theater. This is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville.

Belmont

Belmont Blvd is a beautiful, mainly residential area located right next to Belmont University. Nestled between Hillsboro Village and 12 South, Belmont Blvd proves to be a desirable, central location in Nashville. From incredible million dollar homes to more affordable fixer-uppers, you will see all types of people along Belmont Blvd. This area is great for anyone, although, you do see a lot of strollers and tricycles in front yards. A wide sidewalk with bike lanes on either side lines this mile strip making it superb for walking, jogging or biking.

Belmont Blvd has about ten restaurants including the well-known coffeehouse and roaster Bongo Java, which has a huge patio filled to the brim when the weather permits. There is also a great local clothing store, two salons, a flower shop, and an animal hospital. The mix of people on Belmont Blvd creates a great, energetic culture that keeps you guessing. If you choose to live on Belmont Blvd, you can walk to 12 South pretty easily, but plan to drive to most of the other areas.

The Nations

The Nations is one of Nashville’s oldest neighborhoods near Sylvan Park. It has received tremendous interest by developers, restauranteurs, and start-ups over the last few years. While the area used to be mostly industrial and residential, new businesses like The Mill Boutique and 51st Kitchen & Bar are bringing more people to the area on a regular basis for shopping and dining. Home developers are also building new homes in the area, which is attractive to homebuyers looking for more modern, affordable options near the city.

Residents can enjoy walking and recreation in the two neighborhood parks, England Park and West Park, or get a game of bocce ball in at Coco’s Italian Market. Live bands are playing at The Stone Fox, and cold beer is waiting at Betty’s.

Much like other areas of Nashville, The Nations is going to undergo extreme revitalization over the next few years. Some popular businesses are moving their operations to The Nations, including Fat Bottom Brewery and Turtle Anarchy Brewing Company. There have also been numerous announcements regarding new mixed-use developments and large land purchases, which is a promising sign of continual growth for the neighborhood.

West End

West End is home to the biggest “urban” park in Nashville, Centennial Park, making it a great area for active city-goers. Located near Downtown Nashville, Midtown and Sylvan Park, West End is centrally located. The location makes it easy to get to other areas in no time. West End has several condo, apartment and housing options.

With its proximity Vanderbilt University, hospitals and big corporate buildings, West End has several hotels and is a popular place for people to stay while visiting Nashville. This area has more chain restaurants than other areas in Nashville, but you can sift through and find the great, local places to support as well.

Sylvan Park

Located on the West side of town, Sylvan Park is a neighborhood known for a bit of a slower lifestyle. Sylvan Park has the most "neighborhood" feel of the Nashville urban districts. Restaurants like Cafe Nonna and Neighbors Bar feel comfortable and welcoming the first time you go. Walk 50 feet up from there to McCabe Golf Course to play 9 or 18. Sylvan Park homes begin in the mid $300k range and span into the millions. Sylvan Park offers more existing homes as opposed to new construction compared to the other Nashville urban areas, which may give that dash of charm some are looking for.

Belle Meade

Named in honor of the famous thoroughbred farm, Belle Meade is a residential area due south of downtown. Take a drive through this area, and you'll see enormous homes, whose Victorian and Georgian-style hearken back to the days of the Old South. Book a room in one of Belle Meade's quaint bed and breakfast inns and be within walking distance of a few of the community's fine restaurants and upscale boutiques to get a taste for yourself.

Building restrictions ensure the residences look like they always have—and keep the neighbors from putting in out-of-control swimming pools or wildly modern additions. You’ll find sprawling, well-kept lawns, which commuters find to be lovely and peaceful. The “powers that be” keep this neighborhood in check—but they also keep it timeless. It’s all part of the appeal and it’s why home values here remain some of the highest in the city.

Green Hills

Situated just barely southwest of town, Green Hills has a LOT to offer to anyone of any age. Surrounded by Whole Foods, a 16 screen movie theater, a high-end mall (featuring Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, and the like) and plenty of restaurant and dining options, Green Hills is the perfect place for the individual that doesn't ever want to be more than 5-10 minutes from where they need to be. With these neighborhood perks does come a price tag, however. Green Hills homes typically begin around the mid to high $500k range and stretch into the millions. Green Hills is the closest neighborhood into the city that could be considered a "suburb" although the Nashville mailing address classifies as more of an urban district.

Oak Hill

The Oak Hill community in Nashville is a city unto itself, with its own history and government resources. Residents here get the benefits of a small town environment with the convenience of a metro area, which makes the community a very popular place to live. You’ll find Oak Hill to the south of southeast of Green Hills, just north of Brentwood, with Granny White Pike and Franklin Road acting as unofficial borders.

A prestigious area known for its gorgeous, sizeable homes and immaculate, shaded yards. If this quiet neighborhood seems remarkably residential, you’d be right. The neighbors have fought against retail development for years to keep the tranquility that has attracted figures like Waylon Jennings and the state’s own governor.

The tranquility doesn’t stop at the edges of your yard. One of the neighborhood’s most unique finds is Radnor Lake State Natural Area, the 1,317-acre park that houses a number of hiking trails, a lake, and a diverse wildlife population.

Home prices here average just short of a million, and finding something lower can certainly be a challenge.

Brentwood

Brentwood is the closest suburb to the city to still be situated in Williamson County, as opposed to Davidson County where the city of Nashville is located. Williamson County is known for its school systems, which rank in the nation's top public systems. Brentwood is a sprawling, large zip code (37027) that spans across multiple price ranges and home varieties. Home values in Brentwood hold exceptionally well, even through the 2007-2008 national real estate crisis. Values begin in the mid to upper $500k range to be close to Brentwood proper, with values around $400k closer to the outlying areas closer to Antioch, the eastern border of Brentwood. The most common option of housing in Brentwood is a standalone home, with townhome and condo options quite limited.

Brentwood has the perfect suburban infrastructure with dozens of restaurants and bars for parents, as well as parks and entertainment for children. Brentwood is suggested for those with families that want separation from the city.

Franklin

Stretching from Cool Springs (the northern-most expanse of Franklin) to Downtown Franklin (the historic Civil War-era town), Franklin covers a lot of physical ground and options for families of any size.

Franklin can be divided into the new and the old.

New: An area called Cool Springs welcomes you into the Franklin mailing addresses. This is where you'll find the Cool Springs Galleria shopping mall, new restaurants and bars, a 20 screen movie theater, and just about anything else you could desire.

Old: Historic Downtown Franklin is almost a time capsule, but with just enough modern amenities thrown in to make it especially enjoyable.

Franklin real estate values also hold their value exceptionally well, actually bucking the trend and rising during the 2007-2008 crisis. Franklin is also home to the North American headquarters for Nissan Automotive Group.