Neighborhoods
12th South/Belmont
Eclectic, up-and-coming 12th South neighborhood has a small-town feel within the big city of Nashville. The area began to develop into a business district when a streetcar line was built down Granny White Pike in the early 1900s. By the 1940’s, the area had become self-sufficient, including a gas station, church, and school system.
A trend toward living in the suburbs essentially halted growth in the area during the 50’s through 70’s, but within the last 30 years local businesses and homeowners have put effort into reviving the area and creating a “new” 12th South District while preserving its historic nature.
Today the streets are lined with Nashville favorites. Highlights include innovative popsicle flavors of Las Paletas, The Frothy Monkey funky coffee house, and Mafiaoza’s infamous Two-for-One Tuesday pizza and drink specials. Most homes are historic in nature, craftsman bungalows, tudors, cottages, and some four squares. Recurring events include a free end-of-summer concert series in local Sevier Park and a historic Neighborhood Home Tour in the spring that opens the doors of homes that have been around since Granny White herself moved to Tennessee in the early 1900s. Learn more about the 12South Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.
Hillsboro Village/Vanderbilt
Hillsboro Village is an area near Vanderbilt and Belmont comprised of many apartments and vintage homes including bungalows, tudors, cottages, and four-square homes with strong neighborhood associations. Prices typically range from around $250,000 up to over a million dollars.
An entire downtown square’s worth of shops and restaurants has been packed into just a tenth of a mile on 21st Avenue from Wedgewood to Acklen Ave. On a typical weekend morning, a string of people waiting to be seated wraps around Pancake Pantry, a Nashville tradition. Trendy coffeehouse and café Fido moved into a defunct Hillsboro Street pet store but kept the original logo. Clothing and house wares boutiques such as Posh and Retropolitan locate beside award-winning local brewery Bosco’s. The Belcourt Theater is a beautiful location to take in an indie movie or play. Enjoy the annual Art of The Village and Sidewalk Sale one Saturday every spring spotlighting the works of some of Nashville’s own designers and visual artists. Learn more about the Hillsboro Village Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.
Midtown/Music Row
Located west of downtown, the Music Row area referred to as “Midtown” is made up of lofts, single-family homes, historic homes, and condominiums within walking distance of bars, restaurants, and Nashville must-see landmarks. From your home in this district you can walk to the Great American Country (GAC) headquarters, studios such as Omni Sound where artists such as Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, and Alison Krauss have recorded albums, and music business giant Broadcast Music Industries. Bars in this area including Loser’s Most Wanted Bar and Winners Bar and Grill on Division Street and Dan McGuinness Irish Pub on Demonbreun tend to attract more locals than tourists.
The area is still experiencing growth in both residential and business sectors, contributing to the attractive “walkability” of the area. It is being compared more and more to the midtown area of Atlanta on Peachtree Street. Prices in this area range from $200,000 to well over $1 million.
Richland/Cherokee Park
Cherokee Park was Nashville’s first suburban subdivision in the 1920’s. Comprised of about 300 Tudor revivals, colonial revivals, and cottages built mostly between the 1920’s and 1950’s, the ease of accessibility to the interstate and downtown makes this area very attractive for commuters. Surrounded by architecturally appealing homes, restaurants, and shopping, houses and luxury condos in this area start at around $400,000.
The Richland area includes a gorgeous country club for swimming, tennis, golf, and social events, a branch of the Nashville Public Library, its own seasonal farmer’s market, and the Richland Creek Greenway. The Greenway is a wildlife conservation area where one can spot great blue herons, red-tail foxes, and other wildlife native to middle Tennessee while hiking through trails and crossing the Old White Bridge. Turn off the trails and you could end up at the new Belle Meade Hill Center, including grocery shopping at Publix, boutique shopping at Blush, and frozen yogurt at Sweet CeCe’s. Learn more about the Richland and Cherokee Park Neighborhood and their Real Estate Markets here.
West End
The West End Park neighborhood was established in early 1890s, originally envisioned as a luxury neighborhood with each lot containing no less than an acre of prime real estate. The financial decline that occurred around the same period prevented this grand vision from being a financially viable plan, so it has since then evolved into the dense community of luxury high-rise condominiums and lofts, townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes that exist there today.
Restaurants within walking distance include neighborhood bistro Tin Angel, tropical-themed Rumba rum bar and cutting-edge cuisine, and the gorgeous and sophisticated Maggiano’s Little Italy. Unique clothing stores also line this area of west end, from Nashville’s oldest and largest locally owned outdoor adventure retailer Cumberland Transit, to fair trade and eco-friendly minded Scarlet Begonia Fine South American Imports to high-end fashion at low prices from United Apparel Liquidators (UAL). Learn more about the West End Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.
Sylvan Park/Sylvan Heights
Located in West Nashville, most Sylvan Park homes are priced between $300,000 and $500,000. Many of the streets in this neighborhood are named after states because when this area was first being developed, city planners hoped people from all across the country would want to live here. Sylvan Park is filled with 1910-1940 frame-and-brick bungalows as well as 1900-1915 Princess Anne cottages. The neighborhood is going through a transitional phase now as new construction is coming in some areas while historical homes are being preserved in others.
The area calls itself home to cool local hotspot McCabe’s Pub Nashville Ballet School of Dance, Nashville Opera, and Climb Nashville, the city’s best indoor climbing gym. Award-winning Star Bagel Café is another local favorite, the oldest and only locally owned and operated bagel café in Nashville. Learn more about the Sylvan Park and Sylvan Heights Neighborhoods and their Real Estate Markets here.
Waverly/Melrose/8th Ave South
The Waverly neighborhood near 8th Avenue South is defined by bungalows, Tudors, frame homes, and brick cottages dating from 1890 to 1930 nestled in Nashville’s antique district. Development in this area really took off in the 1880’s when a streetcar line was installed on 8th Avenue. Interstate 65’s construction tore down some of the historic homes and buildings, prompting the neighborhood association to apply to be zoned as a historic district. Now renovations on many buildings in this region must be approved by a historic preservation board to sustain the old-town feel.
In addition to Zanie’s, Nashville’s only comedy club, this district is also home to an abundance of antique and retro furniture shops. The 8th Avenue Antique Mall is the oldest and largest on the block, but tons of smaller, unique thrift shops and antique stores line both sides of the street in what has been dubbed Nashville’s “Antique Row.” A must-have meal in this area would come from Fiddlecakes, with a mouth-watering case of baked goods as well as menu of salads, sandwiches, and breakfasts made fresh daily.
East Nashville
Across the Cumberland River from downtown is the area known as East Nashville. Most of the homes in this region were built from the 1920s to the 50s and prices range from about $200,000 to $550,000. A popular area for shopping, eating, and running errands is Five-Points. Here you’ll find a library, post office, coffee shop, French and Italian bistro, and sports bar.
Neighborhoods in East Nashville include Historic Edgefield, which was its own municipality until 1880. Each spring, historic homes, churches, and the neighborhood museum open their doors for a tour. Lockeland Springs started out as a streetcar suburb that has become an integral component of the eclectic East Nashville region, home to funky Mexican restaurant Rosepepper Cantina as well as ultra chic Eastland Café. Its original namesake, Lockeland Mansion, was purchased by the city of Nashville and replaced by Lockeland School. Other areas considered part of East Nashville are East End and Eastwood Neighbors. Learn more about the East Nashville Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.
Inglewood
The Inglewood neighborhood encompasses an area between Riverside Drive and Gallatin Pike in Northeast Nashville. Outgrowing its humble beginnings as a farming community founded in 1782, Inglewood became Nashville’s first modern suburb after World War II. This area used to be a summer vacation destination for Nashvillians looking for a bit more of a rustic atmosphere. Many of the brick and stone exterior homes from the 20’s and 30’s are still standing today amongst expanses of green areas and gardens.
Local attractions include family-owned restaurant The Pied Piper boasting sandwiches named after musicians from Hannah Montana to David Cassidy, owned by siblings of nearby Pied Piper Creamery. Mitchell’s deli is another favorite for one-of-a-kind sandwiches. For a trendy, live music bar with an emphasis on cooking one entrée extremely well each day of the week (Shepard’s pie anyone?), check out The Family Wash. Learn more about the Inglewood Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.
Downtown
Known simply as “The District,” downtown Nashville’s favorite areas are Printer’s Alley, 2nd Avenue, and Lower Broadway. Loft space and upscale condos line the streets of downtown. Prices for this coveted location can start as low as $200,000 and the sky is the limit for the luxury condos with views of the city and the Cumberland River. From unique shops to honky tonk bars to a newly renovated public library that feels more like a museum, the downtown area provides plenty of variety.
The historic Ryman Auditorium is a music venue where every artist dreams of performing. It used to house the Grand Ole Opry, which still comes back to its roots every so often. Other cultural staples in this area include the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and the gorgeous Schermerhorn Symphony Center. LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans, is another of Nashville’s major downtown attractions.
Germantown/Hope Gardens
This area of downtown is unique in that single family homes abound here, giving a somewhat suburban feel while still in the heart of the action. Zoning in this region allows for residential, commercial, office, retail, and industrial entities to coexist side-by-side. The historic area is Nashville’s oldest residential neighborhood, with home prices that typically range between $150,000 and $500,000. Designated in 1993 as an Inner City Arboretum, Germantown contains more than 135 varieties of trees and shrubs.
Germantown is famous in Middle Tennessee for hosting Oktoberfest, a celebration of German and American food, music, arts, and crafts on the second Saturday in October. The farmer’s market is a huge attraction that brings people from all over the metro Nashville area to 8th Avenue for fresh local produce. The cool, modern Germantown Café is famous for its upscale bistro fare in a neighborhood setting. Learn more about the Germantown and Hope Gardens Neighborhoods and their Real Estate Markets here.
The Gulch
Cool high-rise condos and urban-chic lofts with stunning views mixed in beside and above upscale offices, shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops define Nashville’s newest hotspot, The Gulch. As a business district as well as residential area, its prime location between downtown, West End, Hillsboro Village, and Music Row makes it a thriving community. This is the first LEED-certified neighborhood in the South and only the 13th in the world, so those looking for a green lifestyle will love it here!
Some of Nashville’s newest and most popular restaurants and bars reside in The Gulch. Executive chef James Lohse of ultra-modern Watermark keeps his menu changing with the seasons to highlight the best food for each time of year. Next door, Sambuca boasts live music, European-inspired décor, and a beautiful porch overlooking the Gulch district. Across the street is arguably the best tequila menu in town at Cantina Laredo, serving an extensive list of gourmet Mexican food. Learn more about the Gulch Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.
Green Hills/Forrest Hills/Oak Hill
Between Hillsboro Road and Granny White Pike is an established neighborhood of large, wooded lots mixed in with apartment and condominium buildings. Forest Hills is a step even further from urban life with its rolling hills and quiet vibe, but still just moments from Green Hills as well as Brentwood. Homes in these areas range from $300,000 ranch homes to multi-million dollar estates. These neighborhoods are convenient to the universities in the area, downtown, and I-440, making them a very desirable place to live.
The upscale Mall at Green Hills as well as the beautiful new outdoor-shopping Hill Center just down the road anchored by Whole Foods and Anthropologie are two favorites for shoppers all over Nashville. The legendary Bluebird Café, where the careers of many country favorites were launched, is located in an unassuming strip mall location in the heart of this region. With so much to do, this setting of suburban feel and urban convenience is one of the most desirable locations in Nashville. Learn more about the Green Hills/Forrest Hills/Oak Hill Neighborhoods and their Real Estate Markets here.
Belle Meade
West of downtown Nashville is the lush and beautiful city of Belle Meade. You’ll know you’re in Belle Meade when you drive past the horse and foal that welcome you from Harding Road, a marker of the city’s past as a horse farm area. Homes in this area typically range from about $500,000 to well over $1 million, with traditional and contemporary homes lined up beside the historic mansions that call Belle Meade home.
Upscale seafood and steakhouse Sperry’s is a popular spot for brunch and dinner. Award-winning Phillip’s Toy Mart has been in business in Belle Meade for over 40 years, and boasts the largest model selection in the South. The historic Belle Meade Plantation is a 30-acre site where thoroughbred horses were once raised, now open for tours of the Antebellum architecture as well as visits to the winery. Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art, a mansion-turned-art gallery located on hundreds of acres of gardens and outdoor sculptures, is also located in Belle Meade. Here you can find Japanese gardens, water gardens, herb gardens, and much more outside with art pieces from internationally acclaimed Nashville artists as well as other American and European artists inside. Learn more about the Belle Meade Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.
West Meade
West Meade is a quiet oasis just a mile from the hustle and bustle of Nashville. Northwest of Belle Meade, the area is full of beautiful rolling lots, typically an acre each in size, with many 1950s and 60s ranch-style houses amongst lush woodlands and creeks. Many homes in West Meade fall under the $500,000 mark, but there remain a few multi-million dollar estates as well.
A cool dining spot in the area is 360 Bistro, a restaurant centered around the freshest ingredients with an ever-changing menu that highlights the best of what’s available that day. With over 50 wines by-the-glass and handmade signature cocktails, the drink menu is almost as fabulous as the food. For Italian fare loved by the locals, check out family-owned Finezza Bistro. Learn more about the West Meade Neighborhood and its Real Estate Markt here.
Crieve Hall
About 9 miles south of downtown Nashville, Crieve Hall is a suburb created in the 1950s from subdivided farmland. Most houses in this area are below $350,000. The Fall in the Hall annual neighborhood party in October is a favorite of residents in this area, with family games, music, and barbecue, as well as the Tour of Homes each spring.
Attractions in Crieve Hall reflect its pride in family and heritage. Central American natives Alex and Rebecca Martinez own Mama Mia’s Italian Restaurant that has been open for over 20 years, and recently started Back to Cuba Café, both located in Crieve Hall. The neighborhood is also home to Radnor State Park with miles of paved trails winding through the wildlife. Proud of its Civil War heritage, Travellers Rest Plantation was once home to John Overton, presidential adviser to Andrew Jackson, and is now open for the public to tour this historic mansion and the grounds around it. Learn more about the Crieve Hall Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.
Fair Grounds/Berry Hill
Technically, Berry Hill is only about one square mile, but this tiny satellite city has its own mayor and police services. Many of the homes in this area are small 1950s cottages, and some of these have been converted into businesses. The area has a Bohemian feel with many vintage clothing and used record shops as well as over 40 new recording studios packed into this three-block neighborhood.
For such a small neighborhood, there is plenty to keep you busy. The Yellow Porch is focused on freshness, evidenced by the vegetable garden in front of the charming patio. Their diverse menu includes delicious Spanish dish Paella as well as Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna beside southern favorites like the Sweet Tea Cured Pork Chop. Curious Heart Emporium is a unique, alternative gift shop for the one who has everything. Venus and Mars is everything a vintage store should be, with high-end hard-to-find vintage garments to inexpensive special finds. Grimey’s New and Pre-Loved Music always has a great collection of CD’s, records, and DVD’s and an very knowledgeable staff. Learn more about the Berry Hill Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.
Woodbine
Most homes in the Woodbine neighborhood in the southeastern region of Nashville are under the $150,000 mark. Anchored by a community center geared toward youth activities such as after school tutoring and English-as-Second-Language camps, Woodbine is an area dominated by the residential sector with a smaller business hub than some of the other neighborhoods. A mix of apartment buildings and row houses exist here but single-family homes predominate.
The social scene in Woodbine is constantly updating. Flatrock Café features a coffee and sandwich shop through the week as well as live music and buckets of beer on nights and weekends. Menu items are named after streets in the Woodbine neighborhood, such as the pimento cheese sandwich the Wingate. A Farmer’s Market opened here in June, 2010 to sell locally grown produce, cheeses, and meat, and has become a favorite stop for many of Nashville’s most delicious street food vendors. Cool restaurant and music venue 3rd and Lindsley hosts local acts as well as big names such as Train and Bella Fleck. Learn more about the Woodbine Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.
Bellevue
Rolling green hills and a beautiful suburban setting southwest of Nashville describes Bellevue. The area is bordered by the Cumberland River as well as the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway and is a relatively new suburb of Nashville, officially established only in the 1950s. With quite a mix of architecture styles, houses date from the 1950s to the 80s and 90s and even some new construction, most homes are attainable for under $300,000 in this area about 13 miles from the heart of Nashville.
Perhaps the crown jewel attraction in Bellevue is Nashville landmark Loveless Café. Loveless is a destination for celebrities, world travelers, and locals who come for the world-famous biscuits and southern fried chicken. Another popular spot among the locals is Antonio’s, with waiters in tuxedos, an extensive wine list, and a detailed menu of Northern Italian foods. Nearby Edwin Warner Park offers a place of recreation as well as education in its on-campus Natural History Museum. Red Caboose Park is a favorite of children in the area, including a swing set, some nature trails, and a huge red caboose for kids to climb on and play in. Learn more about the Bellevue Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.
Brentwood
The first Brentwood settlers came in the 1700s to land granted to them after the Revolutionary War. Fertile lands made Brentwood one of the richest areas in Tennessee and since the end of the Civil War many of the original plantations have been restored. Today the fast-growing area is home to these historic buildings as well as high-end two-story homes on large lots with price tags ranging from $400,000 to several million.
Brentwood has a unique greenway trail system linking some of the area’s parks. From Tower Park to River Park, where you can stop in at the library or the YMCA, and eventually end up at the massive central Crockett Park. One of the area’s favorite restaurants is Wild Iris, a place with an intimate dining room and a fun, classy outdoor patio to complement the flavors of this gem. For a breakfast of down-south classic food like Grandma made, Puffy Muffin (puffymuffin.com) is the place to go. Brentwood has no shortage of chic shops lining the streets as well. Stacey Rhodes Boutique carries a long line of brands in clothes, accessories, and original art, including Adrienne Vittadini, Michael Stars, Gucci, and Roberto Cavalli. Hot Pink gift shop is a store set up to feel like home, including a bed and a kitchen, with something for everyone on your gift list. Learn more about the Brentwood Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.
Charlotte Park/West Nashville
Charlotte Park on the city’s western border lies on the Cumberland River, a popular spot for people from all over Tennessee for boating and fishing. The area has a large open park with a covered picnic shelter as well as a baseball diamond and basketball court, both of which are used for local pickup leagues. Most of the homes in this neighborhood are older brick, ranch-style homes under $200,000.
Jim N Nick’s Southern Kitchen features homemade everything, and everything with barbecue. The menu is filled with barbeque salads, barbeque tacos, and of course barbeque sandwiches and platters. The new Nashville West Shopping Center has brought some familiar names closer to the area, such as Target, World Market, and New York & Company. The area also has its own version of midtown and downtown favorites Broadway Brewhouse, this one called Brewhouse West but owned by the same people. The Darkhorse Theater is also in town, presenting traveling acts as well as performances by local Nashville troupes. West Nashville also has its own Farmer’s Market, held every Saturday at Richland Park. Learn more about the Charlotte Park Neighborhood and its Real Estate Market here.