From the charming Victorian homes in Germantown to the bustling streets of 12 South, each neighborhood tells a story of Nashville's rich heritage.

Here are some great places to start your tour of the best historic neighborhoods in Nashville, TN.

Germantown

The city of Nashville incorporated its first suburb in 1865, an industrial quarter of the city known as Germantown. Named after the influx of German immigrants who settled in the area in the early 1900s, it quickly became a hub for manufacturing and commerce, and many of its residents worked in the nearby warehouses. Today, Germantown is a trendy and walkable neighborhood known for its Victorian-influenced architecture, chic restaurants, and lively arts scene. The neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, ensuring its rich history and distinctive character will be preserved for future generations.

Germantown is located north of Jefferson Street between Rosa Parks Boulevard and the Cumberland River. It's a prime location that provides easy access to many of Nashville's historical attractions. One of the most popular in the area is the 11-acre Bicentennial Capitol Mall, where locals can shop at the Nashville Farmers' Market or attend one of the many special events held throughout the year. The neighborhood is also recognized for its award-winning culinary scene, including the industrial-chic City House, which earned the James Beard Award in 2016. There’s also Tailor Nashville, offering delicious South Asian cuisine.

Homes for sale in Germantown are desirable for their historic value and amenity-filled location. Architectural styles range from restored cottages built in the early 1900s to modern condo lofts converted from old warehouses. Prices typically start at around $400,000 for a 600-square-foot condo and go up to around $2 million for a large home with four bedrooms.

Hermitage

Hermitage is named after the 1,100-acre plantation where President Andrew Jackson lived from 1804 to 1845. The neighborhood has a variety of historic landmarks, including Jackson's Tulip Grove mansion and the Cantrell family's Stone Hall. The vibe in this neighborhood is laidback and friendly, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while still being within easy reach of the best attractions in Nashville.

Hermitage's location on the northern shores of Percy Priest Lake provides ample outdoor recreation and relaxation opportunities. Locals can access six waterfront parks for fishing, swimming, or boating, with additional green spaces nearby.

Hermitage is also easily accessible via major routes like I-40, Lebanon Pike, and Old Hickory Boulevard. It takes only 20 minutes to reach Nashville International Airport when driving from the neighborhood's core on Lebanon Pike. Lebanon Pike is home to a variety of great businesses, including coffee shops, wood-smoked BBQs, and down-home drinking holes. Local amenities include TriStar Summit Hospital, Hermitage Golf Course, and Dusit, a local favorite for Thai cuisine.

Hermitage has some of the best heritage homes in Nashville, with relatively affordable housing compared to other historic neighborhoods. Starting in the low $200s, buyers can find condos, townhouses, and single-family homes in Hermitage that require little to no renovation. Larger luxury homes are also available, ranging up to about $1.2 million.

Historic Edgefield

The Woodland Street Bridge was built in the 1800s to connect Downtown Nashville with an undeveloped area east of the Cumberland River. This allowed the area to attract new residents and rapidly transformed it into one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city. It was named Historic Edgefield and became the first inductee into Nashville's Historic Preservation District in 1978. Today, the Historic Edgefield neighborhood remains one of the most popular residential areas in Nashville, known for its charming brick homes, tree-lined streets, and vibrant community.

The historic neighborhoods in Nashville tend to be the most walkable, and Historic Edgefield is no exception. Its proximity to East Park, Hawkers, Turnip Truck, and Five Points makes it easy for residents to reach their favorite park, Asian restaurant, upscale grocer, and bustling commercial district, respectively. The neighborhood's residential core is even closer to local amenities like Sky Blue Cafe, F45 Fitness, and the East Nashville Farmers Market. Notable landmarks include Warner Arts Magnet Elementary, East Ivy Mansion, and The Basement East, one of Nashville's most iconic music venues.

Belmont-Hillsboro

Belmont-Hillsboro was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. The neighborhood is home to a well-known historic landmark, the Belmont Mansion, located on Belmont University's campus. Completed in 1853, this antebellum-style mansion is Tennessee's largest house museum today. Many other structures contribute to the neighborhood's architectural appeal, including eye-catching Colonial and Tudor Revival homes, plus Craftsman bungalows from the early 1900s.

Belmont-Hillsboro is located near Nashville's downtown and midtown neighborhoods, and it offers a quiet and residential atmosphere. Locals are within walking distance of 12th Avenue South, a trendy strip lined with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Hillsboro Village is another hotspot, home to the iconic Pancake Pantry, Biscuit Love, and the Belcourt Theatre.

From May through October, the 12th South Farmers Market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and community events every Tuesday evening. Additionally, Sevier Park provides ample space for outdoor recreation, and Fannie Mae Dees Park features a mosaic dragon sculpture and a playground.

Homes for sale in Belmont-Hillsboro include some of the most desirable heritage homes in the city. One-bedroom condos usually start at around $400,000, and single-family homes start at around $850,000. Large luxury homes in this area generally fall between $1 million and $4 million.

Lockeland Springs

Lockeland Springs is named after Lockeland Mansion, which was built between 1790 and 1810. This neighborhood is situated in East Nashville, just north of the Cumberland River, and was initially created as an area of luxurious country retreats for Nashville's wealthiest residents. Later on, it transformed into a streetcar suburb in the late 19th century. The neighborhood's architectural landscape includes quaint turn-of-the-century Victorians, brick Tudors, charming 1920s bungalows, and some customnew construction properties.

Today, Lockeland Springs is a thriving community that prides itself on its historic charm and modern amenities. It boasts numerous local cafes, restaurants, and shops. Bill's Sandwich Palace, Lockeland Table, and Five Daughters Bakery are among the most visited spots. Shelby Park offers various recreational facilities across 300 acres, including tennis courts, golf courses, baseball diamonds, and a boat ramp. The neighborhood also has two public schools: Lockeland Elementary Design Center and East Nashville Magnet High School.

Homes in Lockeland Springs vary in size and style, but all share a sense of character and history. There’s a lot of curb appeal here, including well-manicured lawns and exteriors that showcase a blend of wood and stone. Home prices typically range from around $500,000 to $2.5 million.

12 South

This storied neighborhood encompasses several blocks on either side of 12th Avenue South, a bustling commercial strip adjacent to Belmont University. By 1900, the area had transformed from farmland into a thriving streetcar suburb with a mix of small cottages and grand homes. Today, the trendy 12 South is one of Nashville's most walkable neighborhoods, known for its vibrant street art and eclectic mix of local shops, restaurants, and bars.

Popular spots in 12 South include White's Mercantile for rare gifts, Bartaco for tacos and cocktails, and Draper James, which is Reese Witherspoon's boutique clothing store. Jenni's Splendid Ice Creams, Urban Grub, and MAFIAoZA's Pizza are also great options for foodies. Sevier Park is the main green space, offering tennis courts, a community center, and a farmer's market. Other noteworthy places include the fashion boutique Imogene + Willie, the stylish eatery Josephine, and the quirky cereal house Wanna Spoon.

Homes in 12 South include brick ranchers, Tudor Revivals, and detached new construction properties. These are located on the side streets surrounding 12 Avenue South, providing residents with easy access to the local attractions while still enjoying the quiet atmosphere of a residential neighborhood. Home prices generally range from around $800,000 to over $2 million.

Inglewood

Situated five miles north of Downtown Nashville, Inglewood began as a farming community on the Cumberland River in the late 1700s. The area soon became home to many grand houses built by influential early families, such as the Weakleys and the Riverwoods. By 1940, nearly 700 homes had been constructed, and after World War II, Inglewood became Nashville's first modern suburb. Today, it remains the largest community in East Nashville, and it offers a Brooklyn-like atmosphere.

Inglewood has a thriving local business scene, including restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and more. Riverside Village is a popular commercial district with several neighborhood staples like Mitchell Delicatessen, Dose Coffee, and Village Pub. For a night out in Inglewood, Gallatin Pike is the place to be, with nightlife options like Inglewood Lounge, The Underdog, and Sid Gold's Request Room. Nature enthusiasts can explore the scenic trail along the Cumberland River at Shelby Bottoms Greenway.

Homes in Inglewood offer a diverse selection of affordable condos, townhomes, and detached structures, and prices range from around $300,000 to $1.5 million. Architectural styles include Arts and Crafts, Tudor Revival, and cottage-inspired homes.

Ready to Explore Nashville’s Historic Neighborhoods?

Nashville's historic neighborhoods reflect the city's soul, woven through the streets and buildings of these remarkable areas. These neighborhoods, from 12 South's artistic vibe to the 19th-century elegance of Belmont-Hillsboro, offer a living history experience. They provide a sense of belonging and continuity, showcasing how Nashville's past contributes to its dynamic present. For anyone considering a deeper exploration of Nashville, these historic districts are not just places to visit but communities to experience and build a future in, embodying the true spirit of the city.

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.