These aren't just regular neighborhoods—they're entire lifestyle packages built from the ground up. Think resort-style pools, miles of walking trails, community events, and everything designed to work together.

Nashville's booming growth makes these surrounding communities even more valuable. While the city expands rapidly, the master-planned developments located in some of Nashville’s best suburbs offer stability and predictable amenities that regular neighborhoods can't match.

Here's the truth: buying in a Nashville-area master-planned community means you're not just getting a house. You're buying into a complete lifestyle with built-in social connections, maintained amenities, and often better resale values.

Greater Nashville Master-Planned Checklist

• Westhaven (Franklin): 15K sq ft residents' club, elementary school on-site, upper $700s+
• Stephens Valley (Franklin): 500 acres of nature, farmers market, $1.2 million+
• Berry Farms (Franklin): 600 acres, community garden, homes in the $600s+
• Durham Farms (Hendersonville): Small-town feel, three miles of trails, lifestyle director
• Tollgate Village (Thompson's Station): Broad mix of housing types and amenities
• StoneBridge (Lebanon): 800 ranch-style homes, resort amenities, upper $300s+
• Lenox Village (Antioch): Walkable design, on-site businesses, mid-$200s+
• Evergreen Farms (Murfreesboro): Master-planned benefits at affordable prices, $300s+

What Makes Master-Planned Communities Different?

Most of Nashville's top neighborhoods grew organically over time. Master-planned communities are designed as complete packages from day one.

Every street, park, and amenity is mapped out before the first house gets built. This means you know exactly what you're getting. No surprises about whether that promised pool will actually happen.

Amenities and Community Events

Most master-planned communities have HOA fees that cover ongoing maintenance. This keeps pools clean, trails maintained, and common areas looking great year after year. Some of these communities have amenities that rival the best luxury condos in Nashville!

Many communities employ lifestyle directors who plan activities, holiday parties, and social events. It's like having a cruise director for your neighborhood!

Premium Communities ($600s and Up)

Westhaven, Franklin: The Complete Package

• Distance: 23 miles from downtown Nashville
• Westhaven Homes: $1 million to more than $4 million
• What Makes It Special: 15,000-square-foot Residents' Club with theater, fitness center, and daycare

Westhaven isn’t just one of the most established master-planned communities in the greater Nashville area—it’s also one of Franklin’s best neighborhoods. The Southern Land Company started developing it in the early 2000s.

The massive Residents' Club includes a fitness center, movie theater, and even drop-in daycare services, saving residents from paying separately for multiple services.

Community events happen year-round. The autumn Porchfest turns front porches into music stages, and the spring Hot Air Balloon Festival draws visitors from across the Nashville metro area.

An elementary school operates right within the community, and there's even an on-site grocery store. This level of convenience is rare in Nashville-area communities.

Best For: Residents who want resort-style amenities and maximum convenience in Franklin.

School Access: Students attend Williamson County Schools, with Pearre Creek Elementary located within the community.

Stephens Valley, Franklin: Nature Lover's Dream

• Distance: 25 minutes from downtown Nashville
• Stephens Valley Homes: $1.2 to $2 million
• What Makes It Special: 500 acres of preserved forests and meadows

Stephens Valley worked directly with the Federal Park System to preserve the area's natural beauty. This means the woods and meadows around your home will stay protected.

Miles of paved and unpaved nature trails wind through the community. You can hike, bike, or walk right from your front door without driving to a park, making Stephens Valley a top option for outdoor activities in Franklin.

The community also features a farmers market and shared garden spaces. Houses range from luxury townhouses to large single-family homes with 2,600 to 5,000 square feet.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who wants to live close to nature.

Unique Feature: The developers named the community after the Stephens Manufacturing Company that operated here in the early 1900s.

Berry Farms, Franklin: The Foodie's Paradise

• Distance: 23 miles south of downtown Nashville
• Berry Farms Homes: $600s to $1.5 million
• What Makes It Special: Community garden and weekly farmers market

Berry Farms, one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Franklin, sprawls across 600 acres. This isn't just about having a big backyard—it's about living where fresh, local food is part of daily life.

The community garden features 46 raised beds where residents grow their own vegetables. The weekly farmers market brings local vendors right to your neighborhood. If you love cooking with fresh ingredients, this setup saves trips to specialty grocery stores.

The community includes multiple builders like Celebration Homes, offering over ten different floor plans. This variety means you're not stuck with cookie-cutter houses that all look identical.

Best For: Residents who value fresh, local food and want variety in home designs.

School Access: Students attend Williamson County Schools, which offer programs like International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses.

Mid-Range Communities ($400s to $600s)

Durham Farms, Hendersonville: Small-Town Charm

• Distance: 20 miles northwest of downtown Nashville
• Durham Farms Homes: Mid-$500s to $1.3 million
• What Makes It Special: Full-time lifestyle director plans year-round activities

Durham Farms covers 472 acres with an emphasis on community connection. The lifestyle director organizes everything from Oktoberfest parties to holiday celebrations to community movie nights.

"The Farmhouse" serves as the community's heart, featuring a fitness room and "The Hub" Wi-Fi cafe. The homeowner's association gives new residents welcome gifts.

Nearly three miles of paved trails wind through the development, and there are also playgrounds and open spaces throughout. The small-town Hendersonville atmosphere helps residents escape the Nashville area's urban stress.

Home prices start in the upper $500s. Thanks to Durham Farms’ active adult area, it’s one of the best 55+ communities near Nashville.

Best For: Residents who want active community involvement and a small-town feel.

Bonus: The community offers on-site health screenings and wellness programs.

Tollgate Village, Thompson's Station: A Range of Home Styles Done Right

• Distance: Minutes from downtown Franklin and CoolSprings Galleria
• Tollgate Village Homes: High $200s to $1 million
• What Makes It Special: Mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments

Tollgate Village offers something for every budget and household size. You can find everything from starter apartments to large single-family homes in the same community.

Amenities include multiple swimming pools, sports courts for volleyball, basketball, and tennis, plus a dog park and walking trails. The clubhouse features a ballroom, billiards, and an outdoor fireplace.

The Thompson’s Station location provides easy access to CoolSprings Galleria shopping and Franklin's historic downtown. You're close to entertainment and dining without downtown Nashville traffic.

Best For: First-time buyers to growing households who want options and convenience.

Coming Soon: Neighborhood retail options designed specifically for residents.

Budget-Friendly Options ($200s to $400s)

StoneBridge, Lebanon: Ranch Home Heaven

• Distance: 25 miles east of downtown Nashville
• StoneBridge Homes: Upper $300s to upper $400s
• What Makes It Special: 800 ranch-style homes perfect for aging in place

StoneBridge, developed by Goodall Homes, focuses on single-story ranch homes. This makes it one of Tennessee’s top active adult communities—an ideal place to live for residents who want to avoid stairs.

The community offers three home types:

• StoneBridge Cottages: Attached townhouses, 1,400–2,100 sq ft, upper $300s to $400s
• StoneBridge Villas: Duplexes, 1,500–2,400 sq ft, upper $300s to upper $400s
• Single-Family Homes: Up to 2,900 sq ft, $400s to upper $500s

The 8,800-square-foot community clubhouse includes a fitness center, lounge, and game room. The Junior Olympic-sized pool and walking trails provide plenty of recreation options.

Best For: 55+ buyers who prefer single-story living near Nashville.

Lenox Village in Antioch, Nashville: Urban Village Feel

• Distance: 15 miles southeast of downtown Nashville
• Lenox Village Homes: Mid-$200s to $600s
• What Makes It Special: New Urbanist design with walkable streets and on-site businesses

Living in Antioch, home to Lenox Village, feels more like a small town than a typical Nashville neighborhood. Lenox Village includes restaurants, shops, and services.

On-site businesses include Burger Republic, Deep South Growlers, and No. 1 Chinese. Saint Thomas Medical Partners operates a clinic in the community for convenient healthcare.

The seasonal farmers' market and community events help residents connect. Tree-lined streets and traditional colonial architecture create charm that's hard to find in newer developments.

Best For: Residents who want walkable convenience.

Bonus: The community features a restored natural stream that provides habitat for local wildlife.

Evergreen Farms, Murfreesboro: Value Champion

• Distance: 40 minutes southeast of downtown Nashville
• Evergreen Farms Homes: Low $300s to high $400s
• What Makes It Special: Most affordable master-planned community option with full amenities

Evergreen Farms proves you don't need to spend $500,000+ to get master-planned community benefits. This popular Murfreesboro neighborhood offers eight different floor plans, giving you choices even at budget prices.

The community includes parks, playgrounds, and access to local restaurants and shopping. Murfreesboro's Civil War history adds local charm with museums and historical sites nearby.

Best For: Buyers seeking affordability and community amenities.

Area Bonus:Murfreesboro offers entertainment like bars, museums, and access to national park areas.

School Districts: What You Need to Know

Williamson County Schools

Williamson County Schools operates the schools in Franklin, serving popular communities like Berry Farms, Westhaven, Stephens Valley, and Tollgate Village. The district offers strong programs, including International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes.

They also offer career and technical education for kids who want hands-on learning.

Most master-planned communities have bus service, which is great for families who don't want to drive their kids to school every day.

Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools

Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools operates the schools in Nashville, including Lenox Village and some of the city’s outer developments. The district runs magnet schools that focus on specific subjects, plus dual language programs and career academies.

Here's something important to know: your specific address determines which school your kids attend. Even within the same community, neighbors might go to different schools. Always check the exact school assignment for any house you're considering.

Wilson County Schools

Wilson County Schools includes StoneBridge in the Lebanon area. The district focuses on career and technical education, plus agricultural programs that teach farming and land management.

Class sizes are generally smaller than what you'd find in big city districts. This means more personal attention for your kids, which many parents love.

Rutherford County Schools

Rutherford County Schools runs the schools in Murfreesboro, so it serves Evergreen Farms and other growing areas.

The district offers STEM academies for kids interested in science and technology, arts programs, and career readiness initiatives.

This is a rapidly expanding district that's adding new schools to keep up with the many families moving to suburban areas. Growth means newer facilities, but it can also mean some schools are crowded while new ones are built.

Master-Planned Amenities That Matter

Must-Have Amenities

• Community Pools: Don't just look for any pool. Check for lifeguard services, operating hours, and whether there are separate pools for different activities (lap swimming vs. recreation).
• Walking Trails: Three or more miles of trails means you can actually use them for daily exercise. Shorter trails get boring quickly.
• Community Centers: Programming matters more than size. A smaller center with active programming beats a huge empty building.

Nice-to-Have Amenities

• Golf Courses: Some of Tennessee’s top golf courses are located in master-planned neighborhoods. They add property value but increase HOA fees. Valuable if you golf regularly.
• Dog Parks: Essential if you have a dog (or several). Check for separate areas for large and small dogs, plus waste stations and water access.
• Fitness Centers: Look for updated equipment and group fitness classes. Old equipment that constantly breaks down defeats the purpose.

HOA Fees: What You're Really Paying For

Typical Greater Nashville Master-Planned Community HOA Fees

• Budget Communities: $50–$150 per month
• Mid-Range Communities: $150–$300 per month
• Premium Communities: $300–$500+ per month

What Higher Fees Should Include

Higher HOA fees should be associated with homeowners’ associations that provide genuine value:

• Landscaping: All common areas are maintained year-round, not just basic mowing
• Amenity Staffing: Lifeguards for pools, fitness instructors, activity directors
• Maintenance: Regular upkeep of all facilities and equipment
• Services: Some communities include cable/internet or security services

Commute Reality Check

Franklin Area Communities (Berry Farms, Westhaven, Stephens Valley)

• To Downtown Nashville: 30–45 minutes, depending on Nashville traffic
• To CoolSprings Galleria: 10–15 minutes
• Traffic Reality: I-65 gets heavily congested during rush hours
• Best Times: Leave before 7 a.m. or after 9 a.m. for smoother commutes

Hendersonville (Durham Farms)

• To Downtown Nashville: 25–35 minutes
• Traffic Pattern: Generally less congested than southern routes
• Main Routes: Vietnam Veterans Boulevard and Long Hollow Pike
• Advantage: Multiple route options if one gets backed up

Lebanon (StoneBridge)

• To Downtown Nashville: 35–45 minutes
• Highway Access: I-40 East is your main route
• Traffic Reality: Generally lighter traffic than other directions
• Consideration: Longer drive, but more predictable timing

Thompson's Station (Tollgate Village)

• To Nashville: 35–40 minutes
• To Franklin: 15–20 minutes
• To CoolSprings Galleria: 10–15 minutes
• Advantage: Close to major Tennessee employers outside Nashville

Find Your Dream Nashville Master-Planned Community

The Nashville area is home to some of the best cities in Tennessee, and the master-planned communities in those cities can further enhance great lifestyles. They offer everything from budget-friendly starter homes to luxury family estates.

The key is matching the community to your actual lifestyle, not just what sounds good on paper.

Remember: the "best" community is the one that fits your actual needs and budget. Don't get caught up in amenities you'll never use or stretch your budget for prestige that doesn't improve your daily life.

Ready to find your perfect Nashville-area master-planned community?

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.