There are about as many neighborhoods in Nashville as there are honky-tonks. In other words, a lot. The sheer number of both is definitely not a bad thing, though.
While all the best neighborhoods in Nashville have a rep for being friendly, beautiful and filled with opportunity, each one is unique. Don’t fret too much about finding the perfect place, though. You just have to know what you want and where to look to find the ideal ‘hood for you and yours.
The Gulch
There is probably nowhere cooler in Nashville than The Gulch, provided you can afford to live there. This LEED-certified neighborhood was the first of its kind in the South. Residents love its walkability, access to public transit and generally awesome location. In fact, it’s mere blocks away from Music City Center and is right on the edge of the city’s business district. The shopping, dining and entertainment in the area are incredible. Heck, you could just stand around outside and still have a great time, so vibrant is the community.
12South
Small in size, yet mighty in nature is the eclectic neighborhood of 12South. A mere half-mile in length, 12South packs so much into a small area that it seems 10 times that size. On 12th Avenue South in the city, this neighborhood is a melting pot of everything that makes Nashville special. Boutiques sell one-of-a-kind wares, and the barbecue is some of the freshest in the Music City. Now that says a LOT.
Downtown
If you’re more city-slicker than country bumpkin, Downtown Nashville is the place to call home. The area has one of the highest walk scores on our list at 88, helpful because there’s so much to stroll around to.
Not sure where to start? Wander over to Nissan Stadium to take in a Tennessee Titans football game or another event. Or grab a kayak and paddle down the Cumberland River. Artsy types may prefer a show at Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC). Whatever you choose, there’s something for everyone to do Downtown. Even if you don’t like country music, stop by Honky Tonk Highway to have the experience at least once. If nothing else, it’s great people-watching.
Midtown
Just a hop, skip and a two-step down Broadway is the Midtown neighborhood of Nashville. Next door to the prestigious Vanderbilt University, Midtown residents enjoy easy access to everything Nashville has to offer. Eateries in this area dish up quality food, and offer some of the most unique dining experiences in the area. There’s also a thriving LGBTQ scene in Midtown. Play Dance Bar and Tribe Nashville are two of the major hotspots.
Green Hills
Another in the ooh-la-la category, the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville is pricier than some. That said, many residents swear it’s worth it. A bit southwest of the city, the affluent neighborhood is full of high-end everything, from boutiques to brand-name stores. Many of those are at The Mall at Green Hills, arguably the entire area’s most lauded shopping site. Green Hills is also home to the world-famous Bluebird Cafe, where musical talent is often spotted and propelled to stardom.
Germantown
The quaint Germantown neighborhood of Nashville is right on the banks of the Cumberland River. This is probably the main reason why it’s one of the most bike-friendly neighborhoods on our list. Germantown’s Victorian architecture was lovingly restored in recent decades. The Nashville Farmers Market is extremely popular, as it is regularly stocked with all kinds of locally-grown fare.
West End
Just next door is the West End neighborhood of Nashville, the crown jewel of which is Centennial Park. The impeccably maintained green space includes a sprawling dog park. Also on-site is The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the historic attraction of the same name in Greece. West End-style runs the gamut, from affluent homes to ultra-hip rock clubs. In fact, it’s the proud home of Elliston Place, a beloved micro-neighborhood known as “Rock Block.”
SoBro
Just south of — you guessed it — Broadway, the SoBro neighborhood of Nashville is decidedly more modern than other areas of the city. It’s home to a massively successful convention center. Also in the ‘hood is the antique-looking Schermerhorn Symphony Center, which is actually only 15 or so years old. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is also located in this popular sub-neighborhood!
Donelson/Hermitage
About 10 miles east of Downtown Nashville is the Donelson/Hermitage neighborhood. Besides too many super fun things, also houses the international airport. No doubt, this is a big plus for people who travel a lot, whether for work or pleasure. The lush Stones River Bend Park is another perk of living in the area, as is access to the Cumberland River and all the outdoorsy fun that entails. More suburban than many of the other ‘hoods on our list, this one nonetheless has everything a city-dweller could want.
Music Row
A smidge southwest of Downtown is the Music Row neighborhood of Nashville. Located along 16th and 17th Avenues, it’s hard to find a more legendary spot in the Music City. This is because Music Row is the very appropriately named site of many prominent country music labels and recording studios. It’s still a great place to live, even if you don’t care too much about music. The ‘hood is extremely walkable, with a score of 85. It’s also close to jobs, other neighborhoods/attractions and tons of entertainment.
West Nashville
Looking for the perfect blend of historic-meets-modern? West Nashville is the place for you. Situated on Charlotte Avenue, West Nashville is one of the area’s historic gems but is modern all the same. The neighborhood has seen tremendous growth and development, with many mixed-used communities peppering the area. It’s also a great place for athletic types who want to take advantage of the various climbing gyms, sand volleyball courts and such.
East Nashville
Clear on the other side of the city is the equally popular neighborhood of East Nashville. Known for a decidedly chill, artsy vibe, this neighborhood is about as diverse as it gets in the area. It was also one of the earliest pioneers in the Nashville foodie scene. This reputation continues today with a variety of cuisine and price points sprinkled throughout. Anyone and everyone can feel comfortable in this desirable neighborhood.
Melrose
Antique enthusiasts love the Melrose neighborhood, as it’s home to truly excellent antique shops. It’s also a musically inclined area, with many venues across all genres to choose from. There’s even a music school for low-income children to pick up the craft! Although Melrose is but a small slip of a neighborhood along Franklin Pike, it clearly has big, big dreams.
Vanderbilt
For students and employees of Vanderbilt University, there’s no more convenient place to live than the Vanderbilt neighborhood of Nashville. Although there are college kids and related noise, Vandy is no more raucous than other neighborhoods in the city. Many medical professionals choose to live here because it’s close to work and excellent facilities.
North Nashville
It’s tough to know where to start with North Nashville because there’s just so much to say about it. Notably, the neighborhood has three historically black universities to its credit (Fisk University, Meharry Medical College and Tennessee State University). As a result of this storied tradition, many consider North Nashville the centerpiece of the area’s Black community. It’s also very artsy. The Buchanan Arts District has many shops with handmade items, not to mention artisan studios all around.
Sylvan Park
Those looking for a quieter vibe should consider the sweet community of Sylvan Park. Just southwest of the city, the neighborhood has beautiful architecture and plenty of green space to enjoy. McCabe Park and its associated golf course are popular for residents and nearby Nashvillians. The Richland Creek Greenway (pictured above during winter) is useful for walkers, bikers and runners. Plus, it connects Sylvan Park with nearby entertainment and shopping in other neighborhoods.
South Nashville
Slightly — you guessed it — south of the city is the neighborhood of South Nashville. Completely stuffed with beauty and charm, this community is a desirable place to live. The Tennessee State Fairgrounds are here and feature a full calendar of events ranging from races to bridal shows and. Even better, South Nashville is still an affordable community near the city, which is hard to find. It’s expected to continue to boom, though, so get in there while the getting’s good.
Edgehill
Right next to Music Row, the Edgehill neighborhood of Nashville is more than 200 years old. Traditionally populated by lower-income residents, recent years have seen it helped by the Edgehill Neighborhood Partnership. The group seeks to reduce disparities in education and opportunities. The partnership also works with other entities to revitalize the area, bringing jobs and valuable dollars to return the neighborhood to equitable glory.
Dickerson Road
Also known as Dickerson Pike, this up-and-coming neighborhood is a few miles north of the city. The area languished for years while the metropolitan neighborhoods started undergoing revitalization. Now, Dickerson Road is the city’s Next Big Thing. To be fair, this could be an unwelcome change to local residents and businesses who don’t want to see prices go up.
8th Avenue South
The neighborhood of 8th Avenue South between Melrose and the Gulch has a pretty swank position in Nashville proper. In fact, 8th Avenue is where people flock to laugh at the world-famous Zanies Comedy Club, while the 8th Avenue Antique Mall is another regular spot to find amazing deals on stunning pieces. It’s also close to pretty much everything, making it a cinch to commute from.
Narrowing the Nashville neighborhood search
Overwhelmed by the options of the best neighborhoods in Nashville? You’re not alone. Check out ApartmentGuide’s listings to cull through the listings of apartments for rent in Nashville. Or, if buying is more your thing, hit the RedFin site to see what’s on the market.
