Planning a move to Nashville–but still not sure where to live? Or maybe you’ve already arrived in Music City, cooped up in a hotel while house hunting (or apartment shopping) and trying to decide where to put down roots. In any case, Nashville, TN, has many great neighborhoods–which makes it a hard decision to choose just one.
Thankfully, we’ll take you on a tour of the best areas in Nashville and tell you why they stand out from the crowd. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of Downtown, the historic charm of Hillsboro-Belmont, or the eclectic quirkiness of East Nashville, this article will help you find the perfect location to call home. You’ll be planning your moving checklist in no time!
Downtown Nashville, Sobro, and The Gulch
Downtown Nashville, Sobro, and The Gulch have all experienced tremendous growth in the past decade. Today, they make up the city’s booming tourism and music scene. If you like being where the action is, these are the neighborhoods for you.
Downtown pulsates with honky-tonks, dive bars, live music, and cultural sites near Music Row. It offers vibrant downtown energy and the neon glow of Honky Tonk Highway on Lower Broadway. This iconic stretch is where legends like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson got their start, featuring bars and music clubs with live performances from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily.
Sobro is a vibrant and trendy neighborhood known for its bustling entertainment scene and proximity to iconic landmarks like the Country Music Hall of Fame. Its blend of upscale apartments, lively bars, and eclectic dining options makes it a hotspot for residents and visitors. Sobro boasts a dynamic atmosphere and is a prime location for downsizing to trendy urban life.
The Gulch neighborhood is known for its upscale residences, trendy boutiques, and 5-star dining options. Its proximity to major attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Bridgestone Arena makes it a prime destination for those who are always chasing the next fun thing to do.
Quick Facts About Downtown, Sobro, The Gulch neighborhood:
- Average rent: $2,189.
- Average Home Price: $738,700.
- Ideal For: Young professionals, artists, musicians, and tourism and hospitality industry workers.
- Top Attractions: Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Johnny Cash Museum, Riverfront Park, Musicians Hall of Fame, and Frist Museum.
Historic Germantown
Renowned for Victorian homes and tree-lined streets (cobblestone streets, no less!), the Germantown neighborhood offers a quaint, small-town living feel–but is still within walking distance of downtown.
It was Nashville’s first suburb and boasts historic homes and architecture dating back to the 1830s.
This Nashville area is a foodie haven featuring notable restaurants, such as O-Ku, The Optimist, Butchertown Hall, Pelato, Steam Boys, and Rolf and Daughters, offering high-quality service and signature dishes.
Quick Facts About Germantown
- Average rent: $1,977.
- Average Home Price: $625,000.
- Ideal For: Families and first-time home buyers.
- Top Attractions: Tennessee State Museum, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Nashville Farmers’ Market, and Nashville Sounds Baseball at First Tennessee Park.
East Nashville
A trendy and eclectic neighborhood, East Nashville is known for its mix of classic and modern homes. The area’s walkable streets, vibrant murals, and small business scene make it ideal for a day of exploration. Retailers to visit include:
- Sip and Shop
- Abode Mercantile
- Fairytales Bookstore
- High-Class Hillbilly
- Lucky Rabbit Candy Shop
- Raven and Whale Gallery
- Wags and Whiskers.
Residents and visitors flock to the diverse cuisine of East Nashville’s restaurants. Lou, Kisser, Pelican & Pig, Xiao Bao, Lyra, and Audrey stand among the many popular options. For entertainment, check out live music performances at popular venues like The Basement East and The 5 Spot.
Within East Nashville, you have your pick of sub-neighborhoods to live in, such as Inglewood, Lockeland Springs, Five Points, East End, East Hill, Eastwood Neighbors, Greenwood, Cleveland Park, Historic Edgefield, McFerrin Park, and Rolling Acres. The farther you head east, you’ll find more of a suburban feel.
Quick Facts About East Nashville
- Average Rent: $1,774.
- Average Home Price: $625,000.
- Ideal for Families: Young professionals, creative types, and first-time home buyers.
- Top Attractions: The Grand Ole Opry, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Shelby Park, Shelby Golf Course, and local dining establishments.
Edgy Wedgewood-Houston
South of downtown, Wedgewood-Houston, or ‘WeHo,’ is a former industrial area that’s now a cultural hub with a vibrant visual and performing arts community and music scene. The monthly WeHo Art Crawl, held on the first Saturday, features over a dozen venues, including commercial galleries, artist-run collectives, and maker spaces.
Spend a few hours browsing places like Cococo Home, Corsair Distillery, or the Free Nashville Poetry Library. Afterward, visit popular culinary destinations in WeHo, such as Fait La Force, Dozen Bakery, DIcey’s Pizza & Tavern, Gabby’s Burger and Fries, and Diskin Cider.
Quick Facts About WeHo
- Average Rent: $2,216.
- Average Home Price: $739,500
- Ideal For: Creatives, young professionals, and couples.
- Top Attractions: Fort Negley Historical Landmark, Geodis Park, the Fairgrounds National Speedway, Music City Vintage Guitars, Adventure Science Center.
Woodbine
Woodbine is a hidden gem for young families and professionals seeking affordable living without sacrificing convenience. The neighborhood is filled with charming 1950s and 1960s bungalows, but modern homes are also starting to pop up in the area.
While Woodbine lacks the small business districts of other Nashville neighborhoods, it’s close to trendy locales like 12 South and Wedgewood-Houston, and downtown is just 15 minutes away. It’s a great location for those who like being near the action but don’t necessarily want to live in the middle of it.
Quick Facts About Woodbine:
- Average Rent: $1,475.
- Average Home Price: $499,500.
- Ideal For: First-time home buyers, creatives, young professionals, and families.
- Top Attractions: Local restaurants like House of Kabob, Ginger Thai, Delicia Las Catrachas, OSH Restaurant & Grill; nearby Whitsett Park, Seven Oaks Park, and Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
Family Friendly Belmont-Hillsboro Village
Belmont-Hillsboro is a historic neighborhood with beautiful, classic architecture homes and tree-lined streets. This Nashville area fosters a strong sense of community with events like the Belmont-Hillsboro Home Tour, the Hillsboro Village Labor Day Block Party, and Neighborhood Recycle Day.
Belmont-Hillsboro offers the best of both worlds, with quiet residential areas and a bustling small business district where you’ll find retailers like Posh Boutique, Fido, The Spice & Tea Exchange, Jen’s Splendid Ice Creams, and The Cookery.
Along with the neighborhood’s shaded streets, Sevier Park, St. Bernard Park, Love Park, and the green spaces at Belmont and Vanderbilt Universities invite frequent year-round strolls. With historic charm, strong community bonds, and good schools, Belmont-Hillsboro is sought-after by families living in Nashville.
Quick Facts about Belmont-Hillsboro
- Average Rent: $1,951.
- Average Home Price: $1,200,000.
- Ideal For: Families, retirees, and professionals.
- Top Attractions: Belmont Mansion, Belcourt Theatre, Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, Music Row, Hillsboro Village, and Fannie Mae Dees Park.
Lively West End
Nashville’s West End is a premier neighborhood known for upscale living, nightlife, and beautiful outdoor spaces like Centennial Park, home to the city’s iconic Parthenon replica. Townhomes, condos, and apartment communities outnumber single-family homes, which makes this area popular with professionals, couples, and Vanderbilt students.
West End was Nashville’s original entertainment district, and it’s still going strong today. Dine at Jasper’s, meet for drinks at White Limozeen, witness animatronic karaoke at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, or catch a music performance at Analog.
Quick Facts About the West End
- Average Rent: $2,216.
- Average Home Price: $799,500
- Ideal For: Students, young professionals, and families.
- Top Attractions: Centennial Park, the Parthenon replica, Vanderbilt University, .
Walkable Sylvan Park
The charming neighborhood of Sylvan Park blends historic homes with new developments. Known for arts-and-crafts-style homes and state-named streets, it offers peaceful suburban living you don’t normally find inside a city the size of Nashville.
McCabe Golf Course and the spacious Richland Creek Greenway offer picturesque walking and biking paths. But Sylvan Park has plenty of “city stuff,” too–food and drink to enjoy at Bearded Iris Brewing, Punk Wok, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Hero Doughnuts, and Bobbie’s Dairy Dip; shopping at local retailers like Elle Gray boutique, Greys Fine Cheeses, Painting With a Twist, Ride615, and Hunts Thrift Store.
The combination of getting-away-from-it-all nature and small businesses makes Sylvan Park a delightful place to live.
Quick Facts About Sylva Park:
- Average Rent: $1,682.
- Average Home Price: $1,600,000.
- Ideal For: Retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and families.
- Top Attractions: The Richland Creek Greenway, McCabe Park, McCabe Golf Course.
Luxurious Living in Green Hills
Reigning supreme among opulent Nashville neighborhoods, Green Hills offers upscale shopping, high-end restaurants, and The Mall at Green Hills, a major shopping hub featuring over 100 brand-name stores like Jimmy Choo and Tiffany & Co. This neighborhood blends posh living with Southern hospitality, making it desirable for families and affluent singles.
Located south of Interstate 440, Green Hills provides convenient access to downtown and nearby neighborhoods like 12 South. Known for good schools (public and private), it’s a top choice for families with children.
Quick Facts About Green Hills:
- Average Rent: $1,937.
- Average Home Price: $1,500,000.
- Ideal For: Retirees, older professionals, and families.
- Top Attractions: The Mall at Green Hills, Cheekwood Botanical Garden, Percy Warner Park, boutique spas, small retailers, and fine dining establishments.
Best Kept Secret – The Nations
The Nations is known for its trendy vibe. Unique outdoor murals, eye-catching art installations, new housing developments, chic boutiques, and stylish eateries make it a hotspot for young professionals and families alike.
Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the proximity to beautiful parks and the Cumberland River Greenway, perfect for biking and walking. The Nations also boasts a thriving social scene with popular spots like Frothy Monkey and 51st Kitchen & Bar, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment.
Quick Facts about The Nations:
- Average Rent: $1,682.
- Average Home Price: $749,000
- Idea For: Young professionals, families, creative types, and first-time home buyers.
- Top Attractions: Cumberland River Greenway, England Park, West Park, and more!
Final Thoughts
Don’t say we didn’t warn you! With so many great options in the Nashville area, it’s hard to pick which neighborhood you’ll call your new home.
If you’re moving to one of these top-rated Nashville neighborhoods soon, you can use Neighbor to find affordable self-storage options nearest to you. A peer-to-peer storage marketplace, Neighbor has hosts located in all 50 states (and hundreds of neighborhoods). You can potentially find storage options right next door.
