The best places to live in Nashville
Prospective residents weighing up a move to Nashville should start their search for a home in the Music City by pinpointing the areas and suburbs that suit both their lifestyle and their budget.
City living options in Nashville are fairly limited, and most residents settle in the suburbs, where homes are larger and more varied than in the city. New arrivals moving to Nashville with children should also weigh up how close a home is to good public schools, as admission usually depends on catchment zones.
Public transport in Nashville is limited, and it is still not a realistic option for most people, although the city’s bus network is slowly being expanded. When you choose a neighbourhood, weigh up your likely commute, local traffic, highway access, and parking.
Here is our take on the most popular areas and suburbs in Nashville.
City living in Nashville
East Nashville
Frequently compared to New York City’s East Village because of its evident artistic flair, East Nashville is an up-and-coming part of the Music City. This eclectic area is chock-full of art galleries, quaint eateries, laid-back watering holes, and live music venues. It’s an appealing option for anyone who wants to be near the action of downtown Nashville without forking out too much on accommodation. Rental rates are more reasonable than in other trendy areas such as 12 South, Green Hills, Sylvan Park, and The Nations.
East Nashville is really a patchwork of smaller pockets, from Inglewood to Edgefield, so a home’s character and price can be very different from one block to the next. Commutes into downtown can also be longer than you would expect, because drivers funnel across just a handful of river crossings.
Germantown
Germantown is named after the large community of German immigrants who settled here in the mid-19th century. Today, the area is known for its colourful street art and its rows of historic Victorian houses. It is popular with a young, bohemian crowd and has a laid-back feel, and you can happily pass an afternoon among its thrift shops, cosy cafés, independent bars, and bakeries.
One tip for newcomers: Germantown is sometimes confused with adjoining pockets such as Salemtown, so check the exact address when you are comparing homes.
Public Transport and Driving in Nashville
Working in Nashville
Family-friendly suburbs of Nashville
Nolensville
Just southeast of downtown Nashville, in Williamson County, is the relatively young suburb of Nolensville. Established in 1996, Nolensville is a small community of over 16,000 residents, and it continues to grow quickly. Nolensville may be small, but it is gaining popularity thanks to its high-quality schools, brilliant restaurants, craft breweries, and excellent shopping facilities. New arrivals who choose to make Nolensville their home will love the small-town vibe and the lovely sense of community in the area.
Franklin
Franklin is a bustling town just south of Nashville, and it has a population of about 90,000. It is best known for its beautifully preserved historic downtown, which the National Trust for Historic Preservation recognised with a Great American Main Street Award. Franklin’s drawcards include good schools, quaint shops, characterful eateries, and well-kept parks. Local groups run festivals and events throughout the year, so residents are rarely short of things to do.
Education and Schools in Nashville
Attractions and Lifestyle in Nashville
Luxury living in Nashville
Belle Meade
Belle Meade is one of the oldest and most prestigious addresses in the Nashville area, close to downtown and Hillsboro West End. People often call it a Nashville neighbourhood, but it is actually its own incorporated city, which means it has its own local government and police force. It is a picturesque, historic place where you will find grand older homes alongside newer builds.
Although Belle Meade is quiet and almost otherworldly next to the busier parts of the city, it is only a stone’s throw from the centre. Most homes here are large family houses, although you can spot other styles too. Because the area is so sought after, its home prices and rents are among the highest in Nashville and, indeed, in all of Tennessee.
Brentwood
Brentwood is an affluent, family-friendly suburb just south of Nashville, in Williamson County. It is home to several good public schools, including Brentwood High School, which is consistently rated among the best in the state. Residents also have plenty of amenities on their doorstep, including good shopping, a solid restaurant scene, well-kept parks, and sports facilities. Properties in Brentwood tend to be large family homes that have generous gardens and ample parking. The commute into downtown Nashville is also fairly easy from here.
Green Hills
Green Hills is another of Nashville’s wealthier areas, and it is best known for its upmarket shopping, which is popular with local Music City celebrities. It is a handy spot too, as residents have everything from grocery shops and restaurants to smart clothing boutiques on their doorstep.
Green Hills is a happy medium for people who want to be near the action of downtown Nashville but also want some respite from the hurried pace of city life. Housing choices are plentiful, so new residents can take their pick from single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and luxury loft apartments.
Green Hills also has a real claim to fame in the Bluebird Cafe, a tiny songwriters’ venue where several big country stars got their start. Three big universities, Vanderbilt, Belmont, and Lipscomb, are all within easy reach. For the outdoors, Radnor Lake State Park is close by, and its walking trails are a favourite local escape.