The best suburbs of Nashville range from luxurious Belle Meade and Franklin to lakeside living in Mount Juliet and Hendersonville, and they all present unique and highly sought-after appeal. Whether you're seeking proximity to Music City's best venues, access to nature, or a strong sense of community, these suburbs can fit the bill.

Anyone considering moving to Nashville but hesitant about the big-city lifestyle should explore the city's best suburbs; the community of your dreams awaits!

Nashville's Best Suburbs Cheat Sheet

• Belle Meade: Luxurious heritage properties and Victorian estates less than 10 miles from downtown
• Mount Juliet: The "City Between the Lakes" offers water recreation 17 miles east
• Franklin: Historic charm meets modern sophistication with a vibrant Main Street just south of Nashville
• Nolensville: Small-town feel with a rich history dating back to 1797
• Gallatin: Affordable lakeside community built around an open public square north of the city
• Hendersonville: Scenic Old Hickory Lake living where country music legends have called home
• Smyrna: Budget-friendly option with small-town hospitality and metropolitan convenience
• Murfreesboro: Fast-growing college town with diverse housing from affordable to luxurious
• Brentwood: Upscale living in the lush Williamson County hills with exceptional green spaces

Belle Meade

• Median Home Price: $4+ million (condos from $200s to $500s)
• Location: Just outside Nashville's southwestern edge, less than 10 miles from Downtown Nashville
• Community Vibe: Independent spirit, local pride, luxurious heritage properties

The spirit of independence, local pride, and large Victorian and Georgian homes are all abundant in Belle Meade, a Davidson County community located just outside Nashville's southwestern edge. Homes in Belle Meade are predominantly luxurious heritage properties that list from $1 million to $5 million, though exceptional estates can list for more than $8 million.

Founded in 1820 by John Harding, the name Belle Meade means "beautiful meadow." The area itself was named after Harding's farm, which is now the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery—one of Nashville's top attractions. There are many excellent restaurants and boutiques in the area to enjoy.

Outdoor recreation in Belle Meade is abundant and varied, but it's anchored by some of the best golf courses in the Nashville area, including the exclusive Belle Meade Country Club and the public 9-hole Percy Warner Golf Course.

While homes in the small Belle Meade community come with a hefty price tag, homebuyers will be hard-pressed to find a more convenient and amenity-rich place to live that's less than 10 miles from the lively Downtown Nashville neighborhoods.

Mount Juliet

• Median Home Price: $700,000
• Location: 17 miles east of Nashville, approximately 20-25 minute commute
• Community Vibe: "City Between the Lakes" - suburban with outdoor recreation focus

Mount Juliet sits perfectly between two of the best lakes in Tennessee: Old Hickory Lake to its north and Percy Priest Lake to its south. This "City Between the Lakes" nickname isn't just marketing hype. It's a genuine draw for water enthusiasts who want easy access to boating, fishing, and watersports without sacrificing suburban convenience.

With a population of over 40,000, Mount Juliet has grown into one of Tennessee's fastest-growing communities. The city boasts over 6,000 acres of parks and recreation facilities. Charlie Daniels Park features tennis courts, playgrounds, and a community center, while Jones Family Park offers volleyball courts, walking trails, a dog park, and even miniature golf.

Shopping and dining options have expanded significantly in recent years. Providence Marketplace has big-name retailers, while the Mount Juliet Farmer's Market operates three days a week with fresh local produce. The city also benefits from a WeGo Star commuter rail station, providing direct service to downtown Nashville, Donelson, Hermitage, and Lebanon.

Homes in Mount Juliet range from colonial and farmhouse styles to chic modern townhouses, with prices typically falling from the $400s to $1.5 million. However, Mount Juliet's luxury homes are commonly top $2 million.

Franklin

• Median Home Price: More than $1.1 million (condos/townhomes from high $200,000s to $2 million+)
• Location: Just south of Nashville, approximately 20-30 minutes from downtown
• Community Vibe: Historic charm meets modern sophistication with vibrant Main Street

The City of Franklin, located less than 20 miles south of Nashville, is a town that blends historic charm with modern sophistication. This picturesque town is renowned for its vibrant Main Street, lined with an array of boutiques, restaurants, and galleries, offering a rich cultural experience in a small-town setting.

While the ultra-exclusive luxury homes in Franklin can soar above $10 million in price, the real estate market here is varied and plentiful. Franklin's condos and townhomes usually list from $300,000 to $1.5 million, but luxury condos are priced from $1.5 million to more than $3 million. Most single-family homes list from the $500s to more than $4 million.

The appeal of living in Franklin extends beyond its aesthetic allure. The town is steeped in history, evident in its well-preserved Civil War-era buildings and the annual events that celebrate its heritage. This sense of history fosters a deep-rooted community spirit among residents, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

For nature enthusiasts, Franklin offers ample green spaces and parks, where residents can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking. Franklin's proximity to Nashville allows residents to enjoy the conveniences and entertainment of a major city while still retaining a small-town feel.

Nolensville

• Median Home Price: ~$850,000 ()
• Location: Approximately 20 miles south of Nashville
• Community Vibe: Small-town historic charm with plenty of local amenities

The town of Nolensville dates back to 1797, when it was founded just after the American Revolutionary War by William Nolen. Nolen was drawn to settle down in the area after seeing its rich soil and abundant natural resources. Those rich resources, coupled with low property taxes, drove sharp population increases up until 1996, when the growth leveled out.

Today, Nolensville is one of the best places to live in Williamson County. Its lush greenway system, public parks, and recreation center have helped build a uniquely outdoorsy community. Additionally, Nolensville is one of Nashville's suburbs with quick and easy commutes.

Homes in Nolensville list from the $300s to more than $2 million. The town is also home to some of the most sprawling and luxurious homes with acreage in Williamson County, which can top $5 million.

Gallatin

• Median Home Price: Mid-$600,000s (condos from $200,000s)
• Location: 30 miles northeast of Nashville on Old Hickory Lake
• Community Vibe: Historic town square community built around bringing people together

The Gallatin community was first founded in 1803, and the town was designed to center around an open public square. From its inception, Gallatin was intended to bring people together. Gallatin has a population of more than 50,000 today, up from around 23,000 in 2000.

Gallatin's six public parks provide facilities for activities ranging from baseball and basketball to fly-fishing and disc golf. Old Hickory Lake—one of the best lakes near Nashville—offers gorgeous scenery and refreshing swimming spots.

Several major national corporations, including Gap and Servpro, have ended up moving to Gallatin.

Homes in Gallatin hover around an average listing price in the mid-$600s, but Gallatin's condos list from the $200s and offer both amenities and convenient locations.

Hendersonville

• Median Home Price: Mid-$600s, with most homes listing for under $1 million
• Location: Just outside Nashville's northeastern border along Old Hickory Lake, approximately 20 miles from downtown
• Community Vibe: Lakeside living with country music history and celebrity homes

The City of Hendersonville is located right along the scenic Old Hickory Lake, just outside of northeast Nashville. The banks of this lake have been home to many famous country music stars and other celebrities over the years. June Carter Cash, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Conway Twitty, Kelly Clarkson, and Taylor Swift have purchased lakefront homes in Hendersonville.

There's never a shortage of things to do in Hendersonville, with a history dating back to its settling in 1784 and the historic Rock Castle as its first building. The Old Hickory Dam was only built in 1954 but represented a major turning point in the town's population growth as it rapidly started to attract more people after its construction.

Hendersonville is also a haven for the arts. For a long time, the Hendersonville Arts Council supported local arts, although this has now been rebranded into the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center. Still based out of the Monthaven Historic House, this is a home for local artists to exhibit their work, take classes, and host art-related events.

Homes in Hendersonville range from accessible to luxurious, listing from the high $200s to nearly $4 million.

Smyrna

• Median Home Price: $450,000
• Location: Southeast of Nashville in Rutherford County
• Community Vibe: Small-town hospitality with metropolitan convenience and affordability

Smyrna, TN, a charming and rapidly growing town in Rutherford County, offers a unique blend of small-town hospitality and metropolitan convenience. One of Nashville's cheapest suburbs, Smyrna is known for its friendly community, affordable living, and scenic beauty, making it an appealing destination for a diverse group of residents.

One of Smyrna's most notable features is its affordability. Compared to the higher cost of living in Nashville, Smyrna presents a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality of life. Homes in Smyrna can list for more than $1 million, but the vast majority are priced between $300,000 and $800,000.

Smyrna also prides itself on its rich history and commitment to preserving its heritage. The town's historical sites, including the Sam Davis Home and Plantation, offer a glimpse into Tennessee's past and contribute to the town's character and charm.

Murfreesboro

• Median Home Price: $500,000
• Location: Southeast of Nashville, approximately 30 minutes from downtown
• Community Vibe: Fast-growing city with college-town energy and diverse housing options

Murfreesboro, situated in the heart of Middle Tennessee, is a city that beautifully balances the vibrancy of a growing urban center with the charm of southern living. As one of Tennessee's fastest-growing cities, Murfreesboro attracts residents with its blend of historical richness, educational opportunities, and strong sense of community.

One of the key appeals of living in Murfreesboro is its historical heritage, highlighted by landmarks like the Stones River National Battlefield and the Oaklands Mansion. These sites offer residents and visitors a glimpse into the city's significant past, enhancing its cultural depth.

Typical Murfreesboro homes list from the low $200s, where buyers will find a vast selection of condos and townhomes, to $900,000. However, Murfreesboro's luxury homes list from $1 million to more than $3 million.

Brentwood

• Median Home Price: More than $2 million (condos $300,000 to mid-$700s, luxury homes $8 million+)
• Location: In the scenic Williamson County hills 10 miles south of downtown
• Community Vibe: Suburban tranquility with spacious homes and well-manicured lawns

Brentwood, one of the richest cities in Tennessee blends suburban luxury with urban accessibility. This town is known for its beautiful residential areas, characterized by spacious homes and well-manicured lawns, nestled in a serene, green environment. The appeal of living in Brentwood is multifaceted, attracting those who seek a peaceful yet vibrant community life.

Homes in Brentwood are on the more expensive side for Nashville suburbs—averaging more than $2 million—but the popularity of the community indicates that the price tags are well worth it. Brentwood's condos list from $300,000 to around $800,000, while luxury homes in Brentwood regularly list for more than $8 million.

One of the town's most significant draws is its commitment to outdoor recreation and green spaces. From Marcella Vivrette Smith Park to Crockett Park and much more, there's a beautiful green space for any and all tastes. This emphasis on green living enhances the quality of life for its community members.

Brentwood's proximity to Nashville offers residents the luxury of suburban peace while still being close to the vibrant cultural and economic opportunities of a major city. This proximity means easy access to Nashville's renowned music scene, diverse dining options, and professional opportunities.

Find Your Home Near Nashville

Nashville's best suburbs each come with convenience, amenities, and recreation, but they all offer their own unique slice of the Music City experience. From scenic, tranquil retreats to lively, amenity-filled neighborhoods, the suburbs around Nashville cater to a variety of preferences and lifestyles.

These top Tennessee cities showcase a blend of community spirit, natural beauty, and proximity to urban conveniences. They not only complement the vibrant life of Nashville—they also offer their own distinct flavors, making them attractive destinations for those seeking the best of both suburban and city living.

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.