If you’re thinking about moving to Nashville, you’re in for a treat! Nashville isn't just country music and hot chicken (though both are pretty great).
Finding the right Nashville neighborhood can make all the difference in your daily life. Your perfect area should match your lifestyle, budget, and what matters most to you—whether that's walkability, nightlife, or quiet streets.
Let's run down the 10 best neighborhoods in Nashville right now. Each offers something special, from downtown energy to calm suburban vibes. Where do you want to live in Nashville?
Nashville’s Top 10 Neighborhoods
- East Nashville: Eclectic area with unique restaurants and outdoor spaces.
- Downtown: Urban energy and walkability, with high-rise condos and luxury apartments.
- 12 South: Walkable with a community vibe, historic homes, and local shops.
- Germantown: Historic, old-world charm, modern amenities, a great food scene.
- The Gulch: Walkable area with luxury condos, shopping, and world-class dining.
- Green Hills: Suburban feel with large homes, luxury shopping, and near downtown.
- Sylvan Park: Neighborhood vibe, tree-lined streets, and access to parks and shops.
- Belle Meade: Pricey area with large estates, privacy, and access to Percy Warner Park.
- Inglewood: Affordable East Nashville with larger lots and vintage homes.
- Hillsboro Village: College-town energy (near Vanderbilt and Belmont) with historic homes, walkable to restaurants.
East Nashville: Quirky, Creative, and Always Changing
Cross the Cumberland River east of downtown, and you'll find none other than East Nashville—the city's hippest, most creative neighborhood. It's where artists, musicians, and creative types have flocked for decades.
East Nashville is really made up of several mini-neighborhoods. Each pocket has a distinct vibe from the historic homes in Lockeland Springs to the evolving Cleveland Park area.
What you'll pay:
East Nashville homes have skyrocketed in price, but still offer value compared to areas west of downtown. Expect to pay in the $400s to $700s for a renovated home, with some areas stretching considerably higher. Rentals run $1,400–$2,800 for apartments and small homes.
Why you'll love it:
- The city's best local restaurants and coffee shops
- One-of-a-kind businesses instead of chains
- Shelby Park and Shelby Bottoms Greenway for outdoor activities
- Five Points area for nightlife and dining
But keep in mind:
East Nashville's popularity means rapid change. The development of the trendier areas comes with increasingly trendy prices.
Downtown Nashville: The Heart of Music City
Downtown Nashville buzzes with energy day and night. It's the beating heart of Music City and home to the famous honky-tonks on Broadway.
Living in Downtown Nashville means you're steps away from everything—concerts, pro sports, amazing restaurants, and the best nightlife in Tennessee. The Cumberland River views aren't bad, either!
Who lives here?
Anyone who’s looking for excitement or loathes commuting.What you'll pay:
Downtown living costs more than many Nashville neighborhoods.Downtown Nashville condos range from the $300s to more than $5 million, though most list from the mid-$400s to $1.5 million.
Most residents rent their homes, typically in high-rise condos or apartments with killer views. Rent starts around $1,800 for a studio apartment, with the overall downtown average closer to $2,500.
Why you'll love it:
- Walk to work, dinner, and concerts
- Never worry about designated drivers
- Amazing food options at every price point
- Bridgestone Arena and Nissan Stadium are just steps away
But keep in mind:
Tourists. Lots of tourists. Especially on weekends. And parking is expensive and hard to come by if your building doesn't include it.
12 South: Small but Mighty
Don't let 12 South's small size fool you. This neighborhood packs a ton of character into just a few blocks along 12th Avenue South. It’s one of the most historic neighborhoods in Nashville, and it has become one of its most desirable thanks to its enticing mix of local businesses, restaurants, and beautiful renovated homes.
Walking down 12th Avenue, you'll find locals and tourists mixing at spots like Five Daughters Bakery, Draper James (Reese Witherspoon's store), and Sevier Park.
What you'll pay:
12 South isn't for bargain hunters—it’s a hotspot for luxury homes in Nashville. There are a limited number of condos and new-construction townhomes priced from the $400s to $1 million.
Single-family homes in 12 South list from $1 million to more than $3 million. Rentals are limited but start at about $1,800 for apartments.
Why you'll love it:
- Walk to great restaurants, shops, and Sevier Park
- Beautiful tree-lined streets with historic homes
- Strong sense of community
- Easy access to downtown (10 minutes) and Green Hills
But keep in mind:
The main drag gets crowded, especially on weekends. Parking can be tough. And the home prices keep climbing as more people discover this gem.
Germantown: Historic Charm with Modern Perks
Nashville's first suburb, Germantown, sits just north of downtown. Its brick sidewalks, historic buildings, and tree-lined streets make it feel worlds away from the honky-tonks despite being just minutes from Broadway. It's a far cry from the Nashville suburbs you'd see today.
As you’ll soon discover, this neighborhood balances old and new beautifully. Historic homes and industrial buildings sit alongside modern apartment buildings and some of Nashville's best restaurants.
What you'll pay:
Single-family homes start around the $800s, with many renovated historic homes topping $2 million. Most homes in Germantown are condos or townhomes, with prices from the mid-$500s to nearly $2 million. Rentals in newer buildings start around $1,500–$1,700 per month.
Why you'll love it:
- Nashville's best food scene (Rolf & Daughters, City House, Henrietta Red)
- Farmers Market and First Horizon Park (Nashville Sounds baseball)
- Historic architecture with modern conveniences
- Quiet streets just minutes from downtown energy
But keep in mind:
Street parking is limited, and not all homes have driveways or garages.
The Gulch: Trendy, Convenient Urban Living
Just southwest of downtown sits The Gulch—once an industrial area, now one of the trendiest, most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville. This compact neighborhood packs high-end shopping, dining, and nightlife into just a few blocks that are all rich with history.
The Gulch offers brand-new luxury apartments and condos with amenities that feel like resorts. It's where you'll find that famous "What Lifts You" wings mural with the constant line of Instagram photographers.
What you'll pay:
Homes in The Gulch aren't cheap. Condos start in the mid-$300s, but most are priced from $450,000 to $2 million. Apartments rent for $2,400 to $2,500 per month for one-bedroom units.
Why you'll love it:
- Ultra-walkable to restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques
- Sleek, modern buildings with impressive amenities
- Easy access to downtown without living in the middle of it
- Great restaurants like Kayne Prime and Biscuit Love
But keep in mind:
The glitzy Gulch lifestyle isn't for everyone. If you're looking for peace and quiet, the hustle and bussle would be a serious downside for you.
Green Hills: Upscale Suburban Feel in the City
Looking for more space and convenient schools without leaving the city? Green Hills delivers exactly that. This upscale neighborhood offers larger homes, bigger yards, and a more suburban feel while still being less than 10 miles from downtown.
Spending a day in Green Hills often centers around its upscale shopping options, particularly The Mall at Green Hills and Hill Center. Nashville residents and visitors go there for high-end shopping, from Louis Vuitton to Pottery Barn.
What you'll pay:
Green Hills is one of Nashville’s most expensive neighborhoods. Apartments and condos are extremely rare, and detached homes start in the $800s. Most homes in Green Hills list from $1 million to $5 million.
Why you'll love it:
- Accessible public and private schools with low student-teacher ratios
- Upscale shopping and dining
- More space—and larger lots—than urban neighborhoods
- Easy access to downtown, Brentwood, and Franklin
But keep in mind:
Traffic is not to be underestimated, especially around The Mall and during rush hour. And the neighborhood lacks the walkability of areas closer to downtown.
Sylvan Park: Classic Nashville Neighborhood Vibe
Want a true neighborhood feel with sidewalks, front porches, and neighbors who know each other? Sylvan Park is worth exploring in person. This well-established West Nashville neighborhood balances scenic residential streets with a small commercial district along Murphy Road.
Homes here range from 1920s–1940s cottages to newer construction. They are all centered around the Richland Creek Greenway at McCabe Park, one of Nashville’s best hiking and biking trails. The neighborhood feels connected and walkable, with easy access to Charlotte Avenue's growing restaurant scene.
What you'll pay:
Homes in Sylvan Park are almost exclusively single-family, with prices from the $800s to $2 million. The most expensive homes here are often new builds, and they occasionally top $2.5 million. Rentals are limited but start around $1,800–$2,200 for apartments and small homes.
Why you'll love it:
- True neighborhood feel with an active community
- McCabe Park, Community Center, and Richland Creek Greenway
- Local restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance
- Easy access to Charlotte Pike, Midtown, and The Nations
But keep in mind:
Home values have skyrocketed here, and many original cottages are being replaced with larger new construction homes. Despite the neighborhood's walkable reputation, some streets lack sidewalks.
Belle Meade: Nashville's Wealthiest Address
Belle Meade represents old Nashville money and prestige. Technically separate from Nashville, this high-end neighborhood is often ranked as one of the most expensive towns in Tennessee. It features sprawling estates, manicured lawns, and some of the state’s most impressive architecture.
Originally a single plantation, the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery is one of the top attractions in Nashville. It operates as its own city with a dedicated police force and strict zoning laws protecting its estate-like character.
What you'll pay:
Belle Meade homes start around $1 million, though the majority of homes list from $3 million to more than $10 million. This isn't much of a rental neighborhood, but there’s one condo building with units priced in the $400s and $500s.
Why you'll love it:
- Gorgeous historic and new homes with architectural significance
- Percy Warner Park at your doorstep
- Private police force
- Prestigious address and strong property values
But keep in mind:
Home prices put Belle Meade out of reach for most buyers. The neighborhood can feel isolated from Nashville's energy and lacks walkability to restaurants and shops.
Inglewood: East Nashville's More Affordable Side
A true highlight of greater East Nashville, Inglewood offers slightly more affordable housing options while maintaining the area’s creative vibe. This growing neighborhood features larger lots, 1950s–1960s ranch homes, and a more residential feel than other sought-after spots.
Inglewood is one of the best Nashville neighborhoods on the Cumberland River, and the area balances accessibility with breathing room. There is more space between homes, more trees, and slightly longer drives to restaurants and nightlife than in East Nashville's core.
What you'll pay:
Single-family homes typically start in the high $400s, and buyers will find older homes that need updates. Most homes in Inglewood are priced from $600,000 to $1.5 million. Rentals range from $1,800 to $2,200 for small homes.
Why you'll love it:
- More bang for your buck than core East Nashville
- Riverside Village's small commercial district
- Access to Shelby Bottoms Greenway
- Strong sense of community
But keep in mind:
Inglewood lacks the unrivaled walkability of neighborhoods closer to downtown. Some areas are still transitioning, with home quality varying block by block.
Hillsboro Village: College Town Meets Residential Charm
Nestled between Vanderbilt and Belmont universities, Hillsboro Village blends college-town energy with residential charm. This established neighborhood centers on a four-block commercial district with Nashville institutions like Pancake Pantry and the Fido coffee shop.
Beyond the bustling village center lie quiet streets lined with 1920s–1940s homes, apartments, and newer infill. Hillsboro Village strikes an alluring balance between activity and tranquility, and it’s among the best neighborhoods near Vanderbilt University.
What you'll pay:
Typical homes in Hillsboro Village range from the $800s to $2.5 million. A small number of condos and townhomes, however, offer more affordability, with prices from the $300s to the $600s. Rentals for apartments start around $1,600–$1,800, with homes commanding $2,800+.
Why you'll love it:
- Walk to restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques
- Strong sense of community and history
- Easy access to universities and on-campus events
- Belmont Boulevard's beautiful homes and quieter vibe
But keep in mind:
Parking can be difficult, especially when school is in session. The area's popularity has also meant that home prices have risen dramatically in recent years.
Still Wondering Where to Live in Nashville?
Nashville has neighborhoods for every lifestyle and budget. The key is figuring out what matters most to you.
Want nightlife and action? Consider living in The Gulch, downtown, or East Nashville. Need nearby schools and more space? Take a serious look at Green Hills or Belle Meade. Want character and community? Germantown, Sylvan Park, or 12 South could be perfect.
Nashville's relatively compact size means you can enjoy all of these neighborhoods regardless of where you live. Your home base just determines which spots you'll visit most often and how long you'll spend in traffic getting around town!
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.
