Nashville Most Walkable Neighborhoods

From its unparalleled music scene to its unique foodie culture, Nashville is a city that never fails to entertain. Sure, country music has a strong presence here, but Tennessee's capital city also boasts a thriving economy that ranks highly in several industries, including health care and finance.

Not to mention the booming Nashville real estate market, with affordable home prices that draw more buyers to the sprawling metro area, which is home to approximately 2 million people.

Another big draw is Nashville's long list of walkable neighborhoods teeming with live music venues, trendy bars, iconic restaurants, and excellent art walks that make this vibrant, Southern city a great place to visit or buy a home.

Looking to live where you can to stroll to shops, restaurants, and entertainment? Keep reading to learn about the most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville.

SoBro

SoBro Amenities

  • Steps away from the legendary Tootsies Orchid Lounge
  • Ascend Amphitheater puts on large-scale outdoor concerts
  • Sixth Ave Skatepark has bowls, half pipes, and vert ramps
  • Home to Third Man Records, a popular indie music spot

Nestled between the Cumberland River and Nashville's historic train yards, SoBro, short for South of Broadway, is one of the best neighborhoods in Nashville. This hip enclave is little more than a mile from one end to the other, but its prime location affords residents walkable access to some of the city's best restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

In the late 1800s, before SoBro became a fashionable neighborhood, it was a flood-prone district plagued by muddy waters that inundated the area frequently. But by the mid-1900s, the district's redevelopment plan, which sought to reduce the risk of flooding, brought an influx of new businesses and heavy foot traffic to the area.

Today, SoBro homes for sale are mere steps away from Nashville's most exciting cultural attractions, including the Bridgestone Arena, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, which hosts an annual inductee ceremony that draws many music buffs from across the globe.

SoBro is also known for its impressive bars and restaurants, including local breweries like Yee-Haw and Tennessee Brew Works. The former houses a moonshine distillery called Ole Smoky and a large beer garden complete with picnic tables, astroturf, and a stage for concerts.

Among SoBro's best grub spots, locals recommend The Southern Steak & Oyster, Etch, Husk, Bakersfield Tacos, and Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint, to name a few.

Historic Edgefield

Historic Edgefield Amenities

  • Home to the East Nashville Farmer's Market
  • Great local restaurants, including Sky Blue Cafe
  • Edge Park has a swimming pool and playgrounds
  • The Basement East hosts live music and D.J. shows

With roughly 1,500 residents, the neighborhood of Historic Edgefield is one of the more walkable neighborhoods throughout Nashville. With plenty of amenities in the area, residents can complete most errands on foot. With roughly 55 restaurants, coffee shops, and bars in the neighborhood, it's easy to find what you want in the area. It's a neighborhood described as quirky, offering something for just about everyone. It's only a few blocks from Downtown and on the East Bank of the Cumberland River. The area has a range of housing options, with many new condominiums in Edgefield. The area continues to grow in popularity for those looking to live in an urban environment with a retro feel.

The homes for sale in Historic Edgefield continue to attract locals and visitors with their rich history and charming, turn-of-the-century style. Not to mention the neighborhood's prime location, with walkable access to quaint vintage shops at Five Points. This famous shopping alley has an independent bookstore, an aura photography studio, and a jewelry store supplying rare beads.

Historic Edgefield's commercial district is home to many specialty shops and buzzworthy eateries west of the shopping alley. One top-rated store is High Garden, offering a wide selection of artisanal herbs and looseleaf teas. Another is The Soda Parlor, serving decadent ice cream sandwiches and rootbeer floats. Last but not least, Yeast Nashville is a well-known bakery and coffee bar near Edge Park at the neighborhood's northern border.

The Gulch

The Gulch Amenities

  • Many trendy cafes, including Milk & Honey
  • Home of Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural
  • Fitness studios include HotBox and Shed Group
  • Pet-friendly amenities include Bark Public House

A former industrial district, The Gulch offers potential home buyers an authentic urban atmosphere that continues to become more and more trendy with each passing year. Some of Nashville's hottest restaurants now call The Gulch home, not to mention many of its most luxury high-rise condos. The area has evolved into a high-rise haven with The Gulch condos for sale on every corner and trendy hotspots amid colorful street art.

The Gulch is a popular choice for residents who want to be near Nashville's trendiest shops and restaurants. Among its top hotspots for grub, locals recommend Biscuit Love, Saint Añejo, and Kayne Prime. Some of the best watering holes in The Gulch include Whiskey Kitchen, 16-Bar+Arcade, and a popular rooftop bar called L.A. Jackson, where visitors can catch a city vista that's on par with high-rise condo buildings with Nashville skyline views.

The former Union Station, one of Nashville's historic landmarks, is also located in The Gulch. The station was constructed in 1900 to accommodate passengers traveling on eight railroads that operated in Nashville. It was converted into a swanky hotel in 2008, with elegant interiors clad in marble and bronze and three sparkling chandeliers hanging from the lobby's domed ceilings.

Of course, a walkable neighborhood in Nashville wouldn't be complete without a few live music venues to kick back, and the Gulch is no exception. On Gleaves Street, Rudy's Jazz Room is an intimate space featuring live blues and jazz music. Minutes away from Rudy's, The Station Inn is a listening room featuring some of the best bluegrass musicians in the country.

East Nashville

East Nashville Amenities

  • Quaint shops include Grimey's Records and Candle Bar
  • Top-rated Tex-Mex food at Redheaded Stranger
  • Home to several art galleries, including The Red Arrow
  • Home to the famous Dino's Bar and Donut Distillery

A thriving music scene, a low-key vibe, and relatively affordable housing all make East Nashville real estate appealing, especially when you factor in its vibrant and energetic nightlife that continues to expand. East Nashville is a fun Nashville neighborhood to live in for so many different reasons, offering more of an artsy ambiance than anything else.

There are many important things to know about living in East Nashville, like where the best local taquerias are or how to find the trendiest murals on Gallatin Avenue's art walks.

Gallatin Avenue serves as the neighborhood's most walkable thoroughfare. The intersection at South 10th Street gets even quirkier with unique eateries like The Grilled Cheeserie, performing a variety of toasted melts, and Hunter's Station, an industrial food hall serving world fare.

East Nashville locals rave about The 5 Spot for live music, a funky bar known for its lively crowds and a jam-packed calendar featuring musical guests. Other music venues within walking distance include Nashville Social Exchange and The East Room, which hosts comedy nights.

12South

12South Amenities

  • Popular takeouts include Ladybird Taco and Locust
  • Home of Christie Cookie Co serving tasty treats
  • Fitness studios include yoga, cycling, and pilates
  • Happy hours available seven days a week

Located south of downtown Nashville between Wedgewood Avenue and I-440, 12South is among the city's most walkable neighborhoods. Arguably one of Nashville's hottest neighborhoods right now, many consider 12South to be the ultimate live, work, and play community. But along with that, the beautifully restored 12South homes for sale are close to quaint coffee shops, cafes, and a wide range of unique boutiques, making it one of the more walkable neighborhoods you'll find in the city.

One of the best things about 12South is its charming bungalows. These homes feature unique architectural details like colorful shutters and large front porches that serve as community hangout spots.

Many local designers showcase their unique brands in 12South, with stores like Judith Bright, Emerson Grace, and Ceri Hoover selling jewelry, clothes, and handbags respectively. Famous coffeehouses include White Bison, Portland Brew, and Frothy Monkey, which offers a daily brunch menu.

On the neighborhood's southern edge, Sevier Park is a tranquil spot to go for a walk or relax on a blanket. The park is home to the 12South Farmer's Market, serving the community since 2011. Just north of Sevier Park is White's Mercantile, a trendy general store converted from an old gas station.

Hillsboro Village

Hillsboro Village Amenities

  • Home to The Frederick Hart Studio Museum
  • Near Vanderbilt Medical Center and V.A. Hospital
  • Fannie Mae Park features a dragon mosaic playground
  • Home to dynamic murals painted on building exteriors

Located near Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, Hillsboro Village is one of Nashville's oldest neighborhoods. Formerly a streetcar suburb, this walkable community is home to the historic Belmont Mansion dating back to the 1850s. Today, Hillsboro Village is known for its welcoming vibe and an abundance of bookstores, thrift shops, and cafes set within historic buildings or bungalow-style homes.

The Village hosts several block parties, special events, and annual festivals throughout the year, including the Chinese New Year Celebration, the Belmont-Hillsboro-Vanderbilt Art Walk, and Music City Mondays at the Belcourt Theatre. The Belcourt is Nashville's non-profit, art-house movie theater that showcases indie films by up-and-coming artists.

One of the most unique attractions near homes for sale in Hillsboro Village is The Gallery of Iconic Guitars, or GIG for short. The gallery houses over 300 vintage and rare guitars, including an original Bat Strat and a Jackson Pollock Fender. Within walking distance of this guitar shrine, performing arts venues like McAfee Concert Hall, Troutt Theater, and The Fischer Center offer a mix of Broadway, contemporary dance, and classical music performances.

Popular places to eat in Hillsboro Village's walkable core include Cabana, Pancake Pantry, and Fido. Belcourt Taps is popular with the Village crowd for live music, food, and drinks seven days a week.

Germantown

Germantown Amenities

  • Home of the Jefferson Street Sound Museum
  • Nashville's culinary destination with chic restaurants
  • High-end boutiques converted from former warehouses
  • Morgan Recreation Center has a multi-purpose field

One of Nashville's more historic neighborhoods, the Germantown condos for sale are surrounded by a rich history that dates back to the mid-nineteenth century and one of the best food scenes in the city. There's also a year-round Farmer's Market that also takes place here, so fresh produce and various other goodies are never far away once calling Nashville's Germantown neighborhood home.

The neighborhood's suite of annual events reflects Germantown's rich history and diverse culture. Oktoberfest and The Germantown Art Crawl are two of the neighborhood's best-known attractions. Another is the Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival, held at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The iconic park is also home to the Tennessee State Museum, the Amphitheater at Bicentennial, and the year-round Nashville Farmer's Market, where locals can find fresh produce and artisanal foods while exploring a wide variety of craft shops.

In addition to excellent dining options at the farmer's market, Germantown is home to some of the most critically-acclaimed restaurants in Nashville. These include Rolf & Daughters, serving sourdough with seaweed butter; Henrietta Red, offering wood-roasted oysters; and 5th & Taylor, featuring bacon-wrapped quail and beer can chicken.

Speaking of beer, there are plenty of bars in Germantown, such as Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint and Sonny's Patio Pub, which offer a vast selection of brewskies on tap, with live music to boot.

West End

West End Amenities

  • Musician's Corner hosts free summer concerts
  • Cabarets and drag shows on Church Street
  • Line dancing lessons at Turn Their Heads
  • Home to Rabbit Hole Virtual Reality center

West End is great for enjoying the outdoors and free entertainment. They have Centennial Park and free live music in this neighborhood. Traffic can get heavy, but most people walk since everything they need is within walking distance. You can reach restaurants, shopping, and coffee shops in this great neighborhood. West End real estate is among some of the most desirable in all of Nashville.

Before night falls, residents of this energetic neighborhood have access to some of the best daytime attractions in Nashville, all within walking distance from each other.

One of them is the leafy Centennial Park, one of the best parks in Nashville. This 132-acre park features a picturesque lake, a lush sunken garden, and well-manicured walking paths that lead to the Parthenon Museum. The museum, a full-scale replica of the original temple in Athens, is one of the most-visited attractions in Nashville for its outstanding art and architecture.

After sunset, West End comes alive with neon-lit signs, shimmering bulbs, and live music pulsing from the many storefronts and venues surrounding Elliston Place and Broadway. Some of the best music spots in the neighborhood include Cross-Eyed Critters, EXIT/IN, The End, and Analog at Hutton Hotel. Commodore Grille, The Row Kitchen & Pub, and Losers Bar & Grill mix live music with excellent food and drinks.

Westhaven

Although this neighborhood is located in the town of Franklin, its convenient walkability earns it a spot on this list. If you're already familiar with the homes for sale in Westhaven, Franklin's premier master-planned community, you're probably already well-aware that not only does this fabulous community provide any number of different attractions and amenities for residents to enjoy, but also plenty of housing options that help to make living here a walkable experience.

Specifically designed to live like a small town, Westhaven is almost like taking a step back in time, only with all the modern amenities and conveniences today's home buyers want in a new place to live. Westhaven's Town Center has just about everything you could ever want or need in a community, from a big-box grocery store and medical offices to all kinds of different retail shops and restaurants that never leave you wanting more. In addition, Westhaven is also filled with lush landscaping, wide sidewalks, and over half of the community's 1,500 acres kept as dedicated green spaces. You'll absolutely love taking a stroll through the neighborhood, especially in the spring and summer.

Midtown

Anytime a significant university is part of a neighborhood's landscape, you can be sure there won't be a lack of things to do or places to go—and Nashville's Midtown is undoubtedly no exception. Home to both Vanderbilt University and Nashville's Centennial Park, those looking at homes for sale in Midtown will be close to some of the city's best outdoor amenities, as well as an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, bars, boutiques, and more.

Music Row

If you want to live near the excellent nightlife options, homes for sale in Music Row might be just what you're looking for. It's next to Downtown and doesn't have as many tourists. You can walk to restaurants and a few shops. Above all else, the neighborhood is known for its condos and entertainment scene.

Edgehill/Edgehill Village

The Edgehill/Edgehill Village real estate market offers chic homes and a relaxed setting. It received a Walk Score of 78, which is pretty high. Edgehill Community Garden is found to the southwest of Downtown. It's home to nearly 1,000 people and offers many amenities, including a grocery store, elementary school, and family health center within walking distance.

East End

Found within the East Nashville community, this community boasts a Walk Score of 80, which makes East End real estate some of the most walkable homes in Nashville. It's close to Downtown, and many amenities are within walking distance, including a grocery store, churches, bars, restaurants, salons, schools, and more.

Citizens Protecting Revitalization

Yes, it has a strange name, but the most walkable neighborhood in Nashville with a Walk Score of 83 is Citizens Protecting Revitalization. This community is found between I-40 and Broadway. The area is very walkable with plenty of entertainment and shopping options located close to the residential areas.

Downtown Nashville

Downtown is an excellent area for a great deal of walkability. The Downtown Nashville real estate market includes luxe housing options, like converted lofts and newer condo developments. You can get your groceries quickly, and many people already work Downtown. Many people live in The Kress condos or in The Veridian. H.G. Hill's Urban Market is the place for grocery shopping.

Get Your Steps In Nashville's Walkable Neighborhoods

Nashville's most walkable neighborhoods are full of character, culture, and charm. They offer residents an abundance of activities to choose from, including art shows, year-round festivals, and some of the best live music performances in the country.

These enclaves are also home to many establishments that celebrate Nashville's unique culinary identity, featuring mouth-watering Southern favorites paired with local craft beer or bourbon.

Whether strolling around the farmer's market in Germantown or snapping selfies in front of East Nashville's amazing murals, residents of these walkable neighborhoods in Nashville are always up to something exciting.

If the opportunities of Nashville excite you, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with local real estate agents who can help find the perfect Nashville home for you today.