10+ Best Neighborhoods in Nashville [2023]
One honestly cannot go wrong with a visit to the vibrant capital of Tennessee. Known for its mouthwatering cuisine and legendary country music scene, Nashville is a perfect city for travelers and locals.
While Nashville is commonly known as a tourist destination, it boasts various neighborhoods for anyone interested in relocating.
Nashville Neighborhoods Guide
The city boasts various neighborhoods for anyone interested in relocating.
Nashville was ranked #11 on U.S. News Best Places to Live, with most young post-graduate individuals and folks with young children living there. No matter your age or status, you may be ready to soon call it home after visiting Nashville!
Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Nashville to be on the lookout for in 2020 that make up this incredible city:
1. The Gulch
The Gulch, located just south of Downtown, is the perfect area for young adults to reside in, mainly consisting of apartments and condos. This neighborhood offers a trendy vibe with an industrial, contemporary style and belongs to Nashville's “action.”
Moreover, it is also great for those who prefer a walk-able lifestyle, with many restaurants, bars, music venues, and shops nearby. The Gulch boasts a new greenery and a bike path for those wishing to get a little active outdoor time.
Restaurants in the Gulch
Watermark Restaurant
Traditional Southern food
Address: 507 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN
Phone: 615-254-2000
Website: https://www.watermarknash.com
Facebook: http://www.watermark-restaurant.com/wine-list/
Prima
Menus based on seasonal selections of meats and fish
Address: 700 12th Ave S. Nashville, TN
Phone: 615-873-4232
Note: Permanently Closed
Arnold’s Country Kitchen
Hearty Southern food
Address: 605 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN
Phone: 615-256-4455
Website: https://www.arnoldscountrykitchen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Arnoldsmeatand3/
Virago
Asian fusion restaurant that is paired with dimmed lights and cozy interiors
Address: 1126 McGavock St, Nashville, TN
Phone: 615-254-1902
Website: https://www.mstreetnashville.com/virago
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viragonashville/
2. Midtown
For any food lovers or those desiring a good nightlife, Midtown may be an exciting neighborhood to you. It boasts some of Nashville's most incredible restaurants and a pleasant bar-hopping atmosphere. This neighborhood's popularity is attributed probably to Patterson House's speakeasy theme and the one-of-a-kind dining experience at The Catbird Seat.
A significant benefit of this area is that it brags an exciting bar scene without tourists' usual crowds. This bar is perfect for locals to enjoy a good night out with a more relaxed vibe. Midtown has many condos and apartments, making it ideal for young adults or singles.
3. Germantown
One of the oldest areas in Nashville is Germantown. It has some of the city’s best restaurants, such as City House, Germantown Café, and Rolf & Daughters. This place is excellent for small families or young parents, with its less hectic nightlife and selection of tiny homes, townhouses, and duplexes.
This lovely area is also known for its annual Oktoberfest, featuring German beer, live music, and endless fun. Locals here are also known to frequent the nearby Nashville Farmers Market for some fresh produce, local food, and the local state park Bicentennial Capitol Mall.
4. East Nashville
East Nashville is better known as the city's most progressive area, having undergone major renovations and changes over the past decade. With its relaxed atmosphere and community, it is a crowd favorite for musicians and artists. The hub prides itself in having some of Nashville's best businesses, with incredible restaurants and shops.
This neighborhood offers a mix of houses, duplexes, townhouses, and small apartments, making it an ideal location for young people and young families. However, it requires a little bit of a drive to get to other areas of the city, so be aware before settling in this beautiful neighborhood!
5. Belmont Blvd
Situated next to Belmont University, this gorgeous neighborhood is perfect for families. Belmont Blvd occupies anything from luxurious million dollar homes to more lovely yet affordable quaint houses.
Moreover, it is also a great place to enjoy a bike ride or a stroll, with its mile-long sidewalks and bike lanes.
It is quite common to see parents with their strollers or children on their bikes in this neighborhood. This area has an excellent restaurant scene, including the famous coffeehouse Bongo Java.
6. Hillsboro Village
Sitting between Belmont University and Vanderbilt University, Hillsboro Village is home to many college students, families, and young adults. It is a very family-friendly neighborhood with a great nightlife, boasting over 15 bars and restaurants. There is also fantastic shopping stores in this area, with cute boutiques and a local bookstore.
While the restaurants, shops, and the Belcourt Theatre are within walking distance, the grocery store requires just a short drive. This neighborhood offers townhouses, duplexes, and apartments for all different types of people to choose from.
7. Sylvan Park and Sylvan Heights
Another excellent area for families and young couples is Sylvan Park and Sylvan Heights. This neighborhood is a very involved community where the neighbors make an effort to know and support each other. While this area does not offer too many bars and restaurants, the ones are wonderful. You can find shops, a natural food market, and a salon.
Sylvan Park is also your best bet if you consider yourself to be an active individual. Some places to enjoy great exercise are the Richland Greenway, Climb Nashville, Centennial Park, and the McCabe Community Center.
While this area primarily offers single-family homes, there are new apartment complexes for those interested in an apartment lifestyle.
8. 12 South
12 South is a beautiful neighborhood for young families. Furthermore, it's a haven for many artsy individuals such as musicians and freelancers. The local coffee shops and the nearby Sevier Park are prevalent places to find young parents with their children or musicians and freelancers at work.
Moreover, it flourishes fantastic restaurants, such as Burger Up, Sloco, and Frothy Monkey. For those interested in some nightlife in this sphere, Mafiaoza's and 12 South Taproom are great options. Most residents live in houses in this neighborhood, as there are only a few options for apartments.
9. Demonbreun
This neighborhood is the most common and popular area for young adults to go out, sitting just next to the Gulch and Downtown. Demonbreun primarily consists of a quarter-mile-long strip of outdoor patios attached to bars and restaurants, ideal for fun and entertainment when the weather is nice.
This area also has a few shops, salons, and a spa, and offers a wide selection of apartments and condos.
10. Belle Meade
A community of just more than 3,000, Belle Meade is nestled on around 8.5 miles southwest of downtown Nashville. Its land area is just more than three square miles. While it is part of Nashville-Davidson County, this small town is distinguished for its autonomy, including its own historic street signage, police force, and mayor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nashville Neighborhoods
+ Is it safe to walk in downtown Nashville?
It's safe, but only if you stay on the main drag of lower Broadway. Don't worry, there is a police presence around and can be found at the main intersections on weekend nights where there is traffic. You can see many homeless people sleeping on the sidewalk on top of heating grates.
+ What is the nicest neighborhood in Nashville?
According to CultureTrip, the nicest Nashville neighborhoods are Hillsboro Village, Green Hills, Downtown, East Nashville, 12 South, and Downtown Franklin.
+ What is the most exclusive neighborhood in Nashville?
Granny White, Sheffield On The Harpeth, Poplar Creek Estates, and South Hampton.
+ What part of Nashville do the celebrities live?
If you're curious where celebritives live in Nashville, most celebrity homes are actually in Brentwood or Franklin, Tennessee. These two are some of the most wealthy areas in the Nashville area.
Our Takeaway: Best Neighborhoods in Nashville
While Nashville attracts its fair share of year-round tourists looking to experience the heart of country music and delicious southern cuisine, this city is also a fantastic place to live. Whether you are just out of college or are looking to settle down with a family, Nashville may have the perfect neighborhood for you to feel right at home.