The Best Neighborhoods in Nashville for Your Move to Music City

Newcomers have poured into Nashville in record numbers over the past decade — and not all of them are starry-eyed songwriters looking for their big break. Drawn by a thriving business climate, a vibrant arts and dining scene, and, yes, the spirit and mystique of Music City, new residents are moving here from all over the U.S. and discovering the charm of the best neighborhoods in Nashville. 

The Best Neighborhoods in Nashville

Variety is part of the charm of the best Nashville neighborhoods. On a 20-minute drive across town, for example, you’ll go through many of the best places to live in Nashville — neighborhoods of gorgeous estate homes, contemporary high-rise condos, and historic bungalows — with a few rambunctious tourist districts along the way.

And when you’re exploring where to live in Nashville, you’ll find that the city has a lot more to offer beyond music. But where are the best of the best neighborhoods to live in Nashville? Here are some of our Music City favorites.  

Just a few blocks from downtown Nashville’s raucous tourist mecca of honky tonks is a  vibrant urban district of high-rise condos, apartments, and lofts — one of the best areas in Nashville for young professionals. 
(Source: Mike Fox via Unsplash)

1. Downtown Nashville 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,275
• Average home value: $612,400
• Great for: Young professionals, tourists, urbanites, foodies, music lovers

Bustling doesn’t begin to describe the vibe in Downtown Nashville. Businesspeople mingle with tourists — lots of them — for an eclectic experience every day of the week. However, many locals vow never to go near Lower Broadway, a strip of clubs, shops, and restaurants known as LoBro, the Honky Tonk Highway, and other terms of endearment. If you’re not into loud music, raucous “transportainment” (think party buses), and sloshy vacationers, you’d be wise to follow locals’ lead and find another one of the best neighborhoods in Nashville to call home. 

But just a few blocks off Broadway, you’ll feel like you’re in any other vibrant, fast-growing urban core — certainly not in one of the most touristy neighborhoods in Nashville. High-rise condos and apartments have risen into the skyline, competing with the famous “Batman” building — the AT&T tower, Tennessee’s tallest — for dominance. Historic businesses are now home to condos and lofts. And with the growth of the past decade have come amenities like supermarkets (Publix and Whole Foods, for example) and a trendy food hall in the Fifth + Broadway complex. 
                                                                                       
Luxury apartments Alcove and Prime, at 34 and 38 stories, respectively, are among Music City’s skyscrapers, with rentals starting around $1,750 for a studio. Another option at 1200 Broadway offers apartments starting at $825 per month for a studio and more than $10,000 per month for a three-bedroom penthouse, as of September 2024. Pricey? Sure. But urban pioneers are adamant that downtown is the best area to live in Nashville. 

Many East Nashville neighborhoods have retained their original vibe during the gentrification era, with generations of families sticking around through all the growth. 
(Source: Zillow.com)

2. East End/East Nashville

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $662,800
• Great for: Young professionals, families, musicians, artists, fixer-uppers

A handful of distinctive neighborhoods make up the expansive area known collectively as East End or East Nashville, from the stately homes in Lockeland Springs to the bungalows of Inglewood. Lovely tree-lined streets and wide sidewalks make these neighborhoods a favorite for young families. And with hiking trails, tennis courts, and ball fields just a short drive away at Shelby Park and Bottoms, the East side is known as one of the best places to live in Nashville. 

Sprinkled throughout Five Points are plenty of apartments and houses that are home to musicians, artists, and other creative types — initially drawn a decade or so ago for cheap rent, which is now mostly a distant memory, thanks to gentrification. But you can still find some great fixer-uppers on the east side. And many districts have retained their original vibe, with generations of families sticking around through all the changes in Nashville neighborhoods. 

Five Points is the music and restaurant hub of East Nashville, walkable like many neighborhoods in Nashville and always buzzing with live bands, outdoor dining and drinking, and occasional street fests. The 5 Spot and The Basement East are local haunts that also bring in national acts (this being Nashville, local and national are often one and the same). And foodies thrive here: Among the dozens of East End hot spots are Folk, a cozy spot in one of the best Nashville neighborhoods, and Lyra, which serves delish modern Middle Eastern dishes in a casually elegant atmosphere. 

Among the historic Nashville neighborhoods surrounding downtown, Germantown is distinctive with cobblestone streets and refurbished factories and warehouses. 
(Source: Zeitlin Sotheby's International Realty via Facebook) 

3. Germantown

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,975
• Average home value: $618,200
• Great for: Young professionals, hipsters, coffee shop lovers

Just north of downtown, this historic neighborhood is known for its mix of charming 19th-century architecture and sleek new condo developments, many of which are built in refurbished factories. Werthan Mills Lofts, for example, located in a converted cotton mill’s four buildings, retains many original details, including exposed brick and high ceilings. And at Gramercy, luxury townhomes mimic the Flemish architecture found in Germany and the Netherlands, with patios and rooftop decks adding a luxurious, contemporary touch — not to mention awesome views of the iconic Nashville skyline. Like much of Germantown, one of the most distinctive neighborhoods in Nashville, these condos have a uniquely historical flavor, but with plenty of modern, upscale amenities. 

As for single-family homes, beautifully preserved and restored Victorian elements like ornate woodwork and wraparound front porches are the hallmarks of the neighborhood, which is one of the best places to live in Nashville for young adults. The houses in Germantown are generally fairly close together, which fosters a sense of community — but privacy and expansive, lush lawns? Not so much. 
 
Narrow, tree-lined streets and cobblestone sidewalks lead to some of the finest restaurants and shops in all the neighborhoods in Nashville. The award-winning Rolf and Daughters, now a Nashville classic and just as popular after more than a decade, welcomes guests for modern Italian in an industrial-chic atmosphere. And Geist Bar + Restaurant, which closed briefly following the 2020 tornado that ravaged the city, now features outdoor dining in a divine champagne garden — a far cry from the site’s original duty as a blacksmith shop.

With a variety of quaint bungalows to contemporary rentals, Music Row is one of the best places to live in Nashville for young adults.
(Source: Sotheby’s International Realty)

4. Music Row

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,275
• Median home sale price: $600,000
• Great for: Music industry professionals, students, affluent families

Bungalows and larger homes converted into recording studios and record labels characterize Music Row, the storied sites of too many dreams-come-true to count. A stone’s throw from the beautiful campus of Belmont University, the neighborhood is the epicenter of the country music industry — and it’s not called Music Row for nothing: A literal row of music businesses lines the twin one-way main streets, Music Square East and Music Square West. 

The district also features shops, restaurants, bars, and, like most college neighborhoods, lots of student-focused apartments. Moving to Music Row can be a double-edged sword, though. Obviously, industry professionals likely appreciate living in the heart of Nashville’s music business. And the neighborhood is one of the best places to live in Nashville for young adults, with a variety of housing options from historic bungalows to contemporary rentals, meeting every budget and taste. 

But thanks to all the commercial activity, Music Row tends to have a lot of traffic — even by the standards of the notoriously congested neighborhoods in Nashville — and is somewhat noisy. And parking is a competitive sport. Still, there’s a certain appeal to this historic neighborhood where icons like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn recorded their hits — a vibrancy and excitement that you just won’t find in the ‘burbs.  

6. Green Hills  

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,000
• Median home sale price: $1.64M
• Great for: Suburbanites, shoppers, families, young professionals

Shop, shop, shop — that’s the vibe in this Nashville neighborhood just south of downtown. From The Mall at Green Hills, a massive complex with every store and restaurant imaginable (including Tiffany and Co., Louis Vuitton, and other high-end boutiques), to dozens of smaller shopping centers along the main drag of Hillsboro Pike, retail dominates rooftops here. 

There are homes, too, of course — plenty of beautiful homes tucked away in the hilly side streets of this Nashville neighborhood. Charming, expansive cottages and luxurious new designs dot the tree-lined streets, offering homes in a range of budgets and tastes. It’s a popular area for families and professionals looking for space in one of the convenient neighborhoods in Nashville without sacrificing proximity to the city's amenities.

The restaurant scene in Green Hills ranges from refined — try Greenhouse or Char, which serve up expertly crafted cocktails and locally sourced fare — to casual spots like Shake Shack and True Food Kitchen. 

Don’t miss: The legendary Bluebird Cafe, an unassuming-looking restaurant tucked into a strip mall that happens to be a cornerstone of Nashville music history. You might recognize the names Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift — both of whom got their start at the Bluebird. Known for its intimate "in-the-round" performances, the cafe remains a vital venue for discovering up-and-coming artists in this bustling neighborhood in Nashville. 

Hope Gardens remains richly diverse, with generations of families, many of whom with business roots in the once-thriving Jefferson Street district, still calling the neighborhood home.
(Source: Sotheby’s International Realty)

Walkable and lively, The Gulch has a cosmopolitan flavor, characterized by high-rise apartments and condos — many with spectacular views of the city skyline and the surrounding neighborhoods in Nashville.
(Source: Twelve Twelve via Facebook)

7. The Gulch 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,300
• Median home sale price: $615,500
• Great for: Young professionals, partiers, shoppers, foodies

The odd name of this upscale Nashville neighborhood comes from an actual dip in the topography where Music City’s railroad yard once stood. But today, there’s nothing odd about the area, a vibrant, trendy neighborhood bustling with shopping and dining — and, it must be noted, traffic. Tourists love the Gulch, one of the nicest neighborhoods in Nashville, not least for Biscuit Love, once a food truck and now a coveted restaurant where you’ll unfailingly find a line of hopeful breakfasters waiting as long as it takes for a table. 

Crowds aside, the Gulch is one of the best places to live in Nashville for singles — and anyone, for that matter. Walkable and lively, the neighborhood has a cosmopolitan flavor, characterized by high-rise apartments and condos — many with spectacular views of the city skyline and the surrounding neighborhoods in Nashville. A standout residence is TwelveTwelve, a mix of units for sale ($545,000 to $2.3 million) and rent (around $2,800), with amenities including a 24-hour concierge, a private gym, and a rooftop pool. 

Besides all the Music City attractions within a short Uber ride, the Gulch is also home to a bustling retail mix of chic boutiques and well-known chains. For the musician in your household, Carter Vintage Guitars is a must-visit-often. And for essentials of the everyday variety, residents of the neighborhood turn to the beloved Turnip Truck, Nashville-owned and health-focused, with a robust selection of organic and locally sourced goods and groceries.  

Still a relatively affordable neighborhood and known to its longtime residents as the best place to live in Nashville, Cleveland Park development and renovation has been on the upswing along with the rest of East Nashville since about the early 2010s.
(Source: Zillow.com)

8. Cleveland Park 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $514,800
• Great for: Families, first-time home buyers, young professionals, suburbanites

Cleveland Park has been discovered anew by Nashvillians and newcomers drawn to the convenience and community vibe in this historically Black, middle-class neighborhood. Although phases of growth and decline characterized the district for decades, it’s been firmly on the upswing along with the rest of East Nashville since about the early 2010s. Even so, you can still find an affordable fixer-upper in Cleveland Park — one of the remaining neighborhoods in Nashville for DIYers — but act fast. 

Amid the pockets of retail and restaurants in the neighborhood are local gems — old and new, some hidden, some not. For instance, All People Coffee, a cozy storefront in a new-ish apartment building of Airbnb rentals, opened in 2022 at one of Cleveland Park’s most notoriously under-construction intersections. Just down the street is Vernon Winfrey’s Barber Shop, the longtime business of Nashville Councilman and, notably, Oprah’s father, who died in 2022. 

Other local hotspots include Nashville favorite Mas Tacos Por Favor, a tiny cash-only restaurant with the most delicious Mexican cuisine in the city. And across the way is The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden, where fans can get boisterous during sports events televised on the restaurant’s many screens — especially if one of the teams happens to be the Predators, the Titans, or the Tennessee Vols.

As is the case in many of the best neighborhoods in Nashville, a mix of old and new architecture is the hallmark of Salemtown.
(Source: Zillow.com)

10. Salemtown

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,975
• Average home value: $776,300
• Great for: Young professionals, downtown commuters, families, fixer-uppers

Just up the hill from Germantown and 1.5 miles from downtown’s Lower Broadway, this cozy community calls itself a “front-porch neighborhood.” Longtime residents are proud of its history — particularly the pivotal role of the Fehr School in Nashville’s Civil Rights Movement — but welcome the recent revitalization, which has included new multi-family housing and an influx of shops and dining. 

As is the case in many of the best neighborhoods in Nashville, a mix of old and new architecture is the hallmark of Salemtown. Victorian and cottage-style homes share the area with condos and townhomes adjacent to the formerly industrial-chic business area of neighboring Germantown.

Local brunchers flock to Roasted Salemtown, another line-around-the-block hotspot for delicious Southern cuisine envisioned by owner Chef Ericka Fizer, known as Chef E. Live music takes over on weeknights at this eatery that’s attracting hungry guests from all over town.

Bonus Highly Rated Nashville Area: Brentwood

The gated estates of Brentwood are a haven for many of Music City’s superstars, who value the privacy and room to breathe this Nashville suburb offers. 

11. Brentwood, TN

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
• Average home value: $1.28M
• Great for: Country music stars, CEOs, families, retirees

Okay, okay, so Brentwood isn’t exactly a Nashville neighborhood — it’s a suburb. But you can’t talk about living in Nashville without mentioning Brentwood. You see, in Nashville, it’s not unusual to run into music superstars at the local supermarket. And in Brentwood, your chances are even better. Residents of this elegant, upscale suburb include Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton — and many more. 

Known for its gently rolling Tennessee hills, gated estates, and easy access to the airport and downtown Nashville, Brentwood is a haven for wealthy residents who want privacy. It’s also popular among (mostly affluent) young families and outdoor lovers, with about 70 parks in the area, including Radnor Lake State Park, a local favorite with a nearly eight-mile hiking trail; a separate path for runners, bicyclists, and pet-walkers; and several educational centers dotting its almost 1,400-acre footprint.

Single-family estates are the most common home style in Brentwood, consistently named right up there with the best Nashville neighborhoods to live in — and top places to retire. And those homes are costly: The average home lists for almost $1.3 million — which is double the average price in the neighborhood just six years ago. And only about 9 percent of households are renter-occupied, with an average one-bedroom apartment going for around $1,825 a month. 

Other Nashville Suburbs Worth Checking Out:

• Nolensville, TN
• Franklin, TN
• Thompson’s Station, TN
• Mount Juliet, TN

A moving and storage company like PODS provides the flexibility and convenience you need for a move to one of the best neighborhoods in Nashville.

Planning Your Move to Music City

No matter what city you’re moving to, it’s never too soon to start planning. And flexibility is important, because no matter how thorough you are, unforeseen events always pop up that require a change in dates or moving needs. That’s why finding a moving and storage company that understands the need to move at your own pace and to plan for that unpredictability can make all the difference in a smooth move. You know what else will make your Music City move a success? Getting insider tips on the most efficient ways to pack up your belongings. For more tips and tricks, visit the PODS Blog.

Shannon Jacobs is a Tampa-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to the PODS Blog. She has lived in Atlanta, the Berkshires, and Nashville, but always returns to the warmth of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; average home values were obtained from Zillow; median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.