Areas and Suburbs of Nashville

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 particular areas and suburbs that not only align with their lifestyle preferences but fit into their budget.

City-living options in Nashville are somewhat limited, as most residents opt to live in the suburbs because of the improved quality of life, space and wider range of accommodation options. New arrivals moving to Nashville with children must also factor in the proximity of good public schools, as admission is often based on catchment zones.

While public transport in Nashville isn’t a viable option for most people, residents should consider commute times, traffic congestion and access to major highways when choosing a neighbourhood.

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 and laid-back watering holes. It's a great option for those looking to be close to the action of downtown Nashville while not having to fork out too much on accommodation. Rental rates are more reasonable than one would find in other trendy areas such as 12 South, Green Hills and Sylvan Park.

Germantown

Unsurprisingly, this suburb got its name because it was home to a large community of German immigrants back in the mid-nineteenth century. Germantown is a vibrant area known for its colourful street-art displays juxtaposed with the historic Victorian architecture that epitomises the neighbourhood. Popular with a young Bohemian crowd, this area has a laid-back feel and is a fun place to explore thanks to its range of thrift shops, cosy cafés and trendy bars.

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 little community of just over 15,000 residents. Despite being a small area, Nolensville is gaining popularity thanks to its good 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 area located south of Nashville with a population of more than 80,000 people. It's famous for its historic charm and has numerous accolades from the American Preservation Association. Franklin’s drawcards include good schools, quaint shops, reasonably-priced eateries and pristine parks. With loads of festivals and events throughout the year, Franklin always has a good vibe, and residents are never at a loss for things to see and do.

Luxury living in Nashville

Belle Meade

One of the long-established neighbourhoods of Nashville, Belle Meade is located close to the downtown area and Hillsboro-West End. It's a picturesque little neighbourhood full of historic architecture which exists alongside newer properties.

Although it's a relatively quiet area and almost otherworldly compared to the more vibrant, urban areas, Belle Meade is actually just a stone’s throw away from the city centre. While there is an array of property styles available in Belle Meade, it mostly consists of large family homes. As a result of its sought-after location, its property prices and rental rates are some of the highest in Nashville and all of Tennessee.

Brentwood

This affluent, family-friendly suburb lies just south of Nashville in Williamson County. Brentwood is home to several good public schools, including Brentwood High School, which is ranked highly in Tennessee. Plenty of excellent amenities are available to residents too, including a flourishing shopping scene, high-end eateries and lush parks. The properties in Brentwood tend to be large-family homes with spacious gardens and ample space for parking. Living in Brentwood also affords a pretty easy commute to downtown Nashville.

Green Hills

Famous for its luxury shopping scene frequented by the local Music City celebs, Green Hills is another one of the wealthier parts of Nashville. It’s a prime location for convenience as residents have everything from grocery shops and restaurants to exclusive clothing boutiques right on their doorstep.

Green Hills is a happy medium for those who long to be close to 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 and condos to luxury loft apartments.