Boxes in the moving truck. Country music on the radio. Cowboy boots on your feet. There’s no question you look the part for living in Nashville, Tennessee — now all that remains is scouting out the ideal place to settle down.
Music City is home to 1,350,000 residents across more than 100 vibrant, eclectic neighborhoods. So, what draws all these folks here (besides the catchy tunes and hot chicken sandwiches, of course)? And what are the best Nashville neighborhoods to choose from?
From urban centers with trendy live music hotspots, to suburban areas with family-oriented attractions, to luxury developments with curated amenities and custom homes, this city has something for just about everyone.
Whether you prefer a cool, walkable spot close to all the action or a tranquil community a few miles from Downtown, the unrivaled entertainment scene, robust economic growth, and no state income taxes make Music City one of the top ten U.S moving destinations. On that note, here are the best neighborhoods in Nashville to consider as you embark on this new chapter.
How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods in Nashville
Our guide to the best Nashville neighborhoods will cover all the details — housing costs, commute times, can’t-miss must-do activities, and what makes each location special. Here’s the criteria we used to narrow down our picks.:
Best neighborhoods in Nashville for families
Most walkable areas in Nashville
Top-rated public school districts in Nashville
Safest neighborhoods in Nashville
Nashville neighborhoods with world-class entertainment
Coolest neighborhoods in Nashville
Most affordable housing costs in Nashville
8 Best Nashville Neighborhoods to Set Your Sights On
Whether you plan to relocate for a new job, a change of scenery, or a less expensive cost of living, there’s so much to love about the best neighborhoods in Nashville — each with their own unique character. Looking for hip urban vibes? No problem. Prefer a charming historic district? Got it covered. How about a community with top schools and safe, quiet streets to raise kids on?
You can find that, too. Whatever you’re in the market for, the perfect home awaits in one of these Nashville neighborhoods, so check them out below.
On average, the current value for a single-family home in Nashville is $429,091 (a 0.8% percent increase from 2024), while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,779 per month. With that said, costs might fluctuate based on the part of town. For instance, areas like Midtown and Hillsboro Village tend to be pricier since they’re both near the urban core, while suburban enclaves like Donelson are generally more affordable.
1. Midtown: Best for walkable convenience
2. Green Hills: Best for chic upscale amenities
3. Hillsboro Village: Best for university students
4. The Gulch: Best for young professionals
5. Donelson: Best for a family-oriented atmosphere
6. East Nashville: Best for creatives and bohemians
7. Germantown: Best for peaceful historic charm
8. Demonbreun: Best for music industry aspirants
1) Midtown: Best for walkable convenience
Median home sale price: $776,500
Average cost of rent: $2,195
Commute to downtown: 10 minutes
Don’t miss: Centennial Park, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, The Patterson House
Only two miles south of the urban core, Midtown is one of the most convenient and walkable Nashville neighborhoods with easy access to central business hubs and lively entertainment options. Known for its diverse, energetic atmosphere, Midtown attracts just about everyone, from singles to families to professionals. There’s also a wide variety of housing — think: modern townhomes, high-rise condos or apartments, and cozy historic bungalows.
This neighborhood boasts an eclectic mix of top-rated restaurants, music venues, nightlife hotspots, and unique cultural attractions like The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the ancient Athenian landmark, featuring museum exhibitions and community events. Centennial Park is another Midtown jewel, offering lakefront trails, volleyball courts, sunken gardens, outdoor festivals, and a recreational center with swimming pools. And of course, when hunger strikes, your taste buds will sing for the Nashville hot chicken sandwiches at Hattie B’s or the craft cocktails and elegant shareable plates at The Patterson House.
2) Green Hills: Best for chic upscale amenities
Median home sale price: $1,030,000
Average cost of rent: $2,400
Commute to downtown: 20 minutes
Don’t miss: GreenHouse, The Bluebird Cafe, Mall at Green Hills
As one of Nashville’s most affluent neighborhoods, Green Hills has a reputation for safe gated communities, excellent public schools, and upscale boutiques and eateries. Named for its lush, vibrant landscapes, Green Hills is a peaceful suburban retreat for families, while its location five miles from Downtown is ideal for commuters, too. In terms of housing, you’ll find sleek condos or townhomes, luxury estates, and even 55+ developments for retirees.
This neighborhood’s main focal point is The Mall at Green Hills, a premier retail establishment with more than 130 shops, restaurants, and wellness services. The nightlife scene in Green Hills has a lot to offer as well. If you’re into live music (this is Nashville, after all!), The Bluebird Cafe, a local institution for over 40 years, hosts new country artists alongside famous stars on top of the charts. If you’re a foodie, GreenHouse also has you covered with seasonal bites, specialty coffees and teas, and creative cocktails inside a tranquil plant solarium.
3) Hillsboro Village: Best for university students
Median home sale price: $650,000
Average cost of rent: $1,800
Commute to downtown: 15 minutes
Don’t miss: Belcourt Theatre, The Pancake Pantry, Fido Coffeehouse
This charming enclave with a close-knit community feel is nestled right between Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, which makes it one of the best neighborhoods in Nashville for students. Young professionals also flock to Hillsboro Village for its dynamic entertainment scene and its prime location just three miles west of the downtown business center. Plus, whether you’re in the market for a quaint cottage, a historic Tudor-style house, a convenient duplex, or a stylish new apartment, this neighborhood has tons of homes to choose from.
Hillsboro Village offers walkable access to some of Nashville’s most beloved local restaurants as well. You can’t miss the scratch-made brunch fare at The Pancake Pantry, where both locals and tourists wait in line to snag a coveted table. Or if you’re looking for a quiet atmosphere to savor a latte and catch up on emails, settle in at Fido Cafe (fun fact: it’s Taylor Swift’s favorite Music City coffee shop!).
For any culture buffs out there, Hillsboro Village is also home to the Belcourt Theater, which shows indie films and silver screen classics, and The Fisher Center, featuring musicals, concerts, and other live performances.
4) The Gulch: Best for young professionals
Median home sale price: $690,000
Average cost of rent: $2,950
Commute to downtown: 5 minutes
Don’t miss: Pins Mechanical Co., The Station Inn, Musicians Hall of Fame
About 1.5 miles from Downtown, The Gulch places you just around the corner from Nashville’s top entertainment and commercial districts, making it perfect for anyone who wants an authentic urban experience.
Once an 1800s-era railroad hub, The Gulch has since transformed into one of the coolest Nashville neighborhoods with sleek architecture and an emphasis on eco-friendly, sustainable living. It’s the first LEED-certified community in the South, with a mix of chic industrial lofts, condos, apartments, and mixed-use retail and residential spaces.
This vibrant locale is packed with hip restaurants, wellness studios, boutiques, music venues, and art installations. Sample the modern take on Southern cuisine at 404 Kitchen or listen to bluegrass tunes at The Station Inn. Enjoy a pint and classic arcade games at Pins Mechanical Co., or peruse the food trucks and artisan vendors at the seasonal Gulch Night Market. And while you’re at it, be sure to take a photo in front of the famous “What Lifts You” street mural.
The Gulch also offers quick public transit to other nearby attractions like the Musicians Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, and Nissan Stadium.
5) Donelson: Best for a family-oriented atmosphere
Median home sale price: $399,000
Average cost of rent: $1,400
Commute to downtown: 20 minutes
Don’t miss: Grand Ole Opry, Hermitage Golf Course, Party Fowl
One of the more affordable Nashville neighborhoods, Donelson combines small-town Southern hospitality with the ease of a suburban lifestyle, seven miles east of Downtown. Families will love the outdoor recreation in this area, while urban commuters are drawn to its convenient location right off I-40 and the accessible WeGo Star train service. Donelson offers homes — from mid-century ranches to new constructions — in a variety of price ranges, too.
This neighborhood is known for its natural scenery and al fresco activities. Rent a boat or jetski at Percy Priest Lake, meander through the 374-acre Two Rivers Park, or tee off at Hermitage Golf Course, one of the top 10 fairways in Tennessee. Then, after you’ve worked up an appetite from all these adventures, treat yourself to some Nashville hot chicken at Party Fowl, and close out the evening with a performance at the iconic Grand Ole Opry.
6) East Nashville: Best for creatives and bohemians
Median home sale price: $582,500
Average cost of rent: $2,695
Commute to downtown: 15 minutes
Don’t miss: Shelby Bottoms, Joyland, The Groove Record Store
East Nashville is an eclectic neighborhood on the Cumberland River, about four miles away from the urban core. A haven for artists, musicians, and other creatives, this quirky area is one the most diverse communities in Nashville, attracting residents from various walks of life with its inclusive, bohemian spirit.
Homes in this neighborhood also run the gamut — whether you want a restored Victorian, a craftsman bungalow, a barrel-roofed Spanish colonial, or a stylish high-rise apartment, East Nashville has just what you’re looking for.
This enclave is packed with attractions to suit all preferences, from restaurants and coffee shops to green spaces and vintage markets. Outdoor enthusiasts will thrive at Shelby Bottoms Park, which offers five miles of multi-use waterfront trails and a natural wildlife preserve. Indie music fans and vinyl collectors will feel right at home in The Groove Record Store. Meanwhile, foodies won’t be able to resist the area’s unique culinary concepts like the gourmet donut and cocktail flights at Donut Distillery or the renowned buttermilk biscuits at Joyland.
7) Germantown: Best for peaceful historic charm
Median home sale price: $495,000
Average cost of rent: $1,990
Commute to downtown: 10 minutes
Don’t miss: Nashville Farmers Market, Oktoberfest, Tennessee State Museum
With its scenic tree-lined avenues and quaint cobblestone streets, Germantown is one of the most historic Nashville neighborhoods. First settled by European immigrants in the mid-1800s (hence, the name Germantown), both families and young professionals flock to this vibrant, walkable community, about two miles north of Downtown.
The housing options in Germantown also reflect a sense of timeless charm — think: restored Victorian row houses, brownstones, and single-family homes with Flemish red brick facades.
But for all its proud heritage, Germantown is a hub of modern entertainment, brimming with fun activities and social events for all ages. Check out the Nashville Farmers Market, and learn how to make your own rolled ice cream with unlimited toppings at Rolled 4Ever while you’re there. Next, peruse the immersive galleries and exhibits at the Tennessee State Museum, then enjoy dinner on the patio at 5th & Taylor, a warehouse-turned upscale bistro. And of course, be sure to mark your calendar for the annual Oktoberfest celebration, this neighborhood’s major claim to fame and one of largest outdoor festivals in Music City.
8) Demonbreun: Best for music industry aspirants
Median home sale price: $440,000
Average cost of rent: $2,110
Commute to downtown: 5 minutes
Don’t miss: Music Row, Funny Library Coffee Shop, Tin Roof Bar
Adjacent to Music Row, less than a mile away from the urban core, Demonbreun is a top choice for anyone with ties to the Nashville recording scene — from industry executives to songwriters and artists hoping to break in.
Named after Timothy Demonbreun, a French-Canadian fur trader, known as the “first citizen” of Nashville, this neighborhood’s rich history is offset by its revitalized energy, complete with trendy lofts and high-rise apartments.
This area is the epicenter of country music in Nashville, featuring such Music Row institutions as RCA Studios, Columbia, Cedarwood Publishing, Decca, and Capitol Records.
But that’s not all Demonbreun has to offer — it’s also buzzing with hip eateries, coffee shops, rooftop lounges, and nightlife venues. Sip on a latte or a cold-pressed juice while you use the communal workspace or flip through the whimsical books at Funny Library. Jam out to talented live musicians on the electric dance floor at Tin Roof Bar. Or visit the honky-tonks along Nashville’s famous Broadway strip, less than a 10-minute walk from Demonbreun.
Make Your Move to Music City with Colonial Van Lines
Whether you settle in family-oriented Donelson, cool and urban Midtown, or anywhere else on our list of Nashville neighborhoods, Colonial Van Lines can help streamline the transition to your new home.
With more than 50 years of experience in long-distance relocation, we can handle all the logistics of your move for a harmonious arrival in Music City. Contact our team of experts and receive a free moving quote today!