These Nashville Suburbs May Be Singing Your Tune

Nashville may be best known for its incredible music scene, but that’s not all this charming Tennessee city is known for! Nashville is home to some of the best food in the South, a lively nightlife scene, and great recreation opportunities, too. And that’s not just within the city limits. The best Nashville suburbs offer many of the same perks as the big city.

Planning a move to the Music City area? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

Along with top-notch public and private schools, Nashville is home to some very impressive higher education options. Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University are among the largest colleges in the city, offering quality undergraduate and graduate programs. Families and young professionals are also drawn to the area’s entertainment options, incredible food, and so many other amenities.

Nashville at a Glance

• Nashville’s population is around 689,500.
• The average home value in Nashville is around $443,000, compared to around $325,700 in the state and $363,400 nationwide.
• The average rent in Nashville for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,750, compared to around $1,475 for the state as a whole and around $1,700 nationwide.
• The city is great for live music, entertainment, nightlife, southern cuisine, outdoor recreation, parks, and shopping — to name a few perks.

Q: What towns are within 30 minutes of Nashville, TN? A: Wondering what towns are around Nashville? Our favorite nearby towns include Franklin, Mount Juliet, and Hendersonville — all of which are within a 30-minute drive of Nashville.

12 Best Nashville Suburbs

Living directly in the city may seem worthwhile, but the best Nashville suburbs offer more of a secluded and peaceful feel with similar amenities you could expect from the big city. Here are 12 of our top picks for the best suburbs of Nashville.

People are especially drawn to Franklin for its variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

1. Franklin, TN

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Average home value: $893,200
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, breweries, entertainment
• Commute to downtown Nashville: 30 minutes

Franklin offers a combination of modern amenities and a small-town feel. People are especially drawn to the area for its variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. The Historic Preservation Program is also committed to preserving the history and architecture of the area.

Some of Franklin's most popular outdoor locations include the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge and the Marcella Vivrette Smith Park. And if you're craving a bite to eat and a refresher after the outdoor fun, you can head to one of the area's breweries, such as Granite City Brewery, for exceptional beer and food.

2. Oak Hill, TN

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $1.46M
• Great for: Unique sights, restaurants, jobs
• Commute to downtown Nashville: 30 minutes

The suburb of Oak Hill is in close proximity to Forest Hill and Nashville. In fact, it only takes around 15 minutes to get to Nashville from Oak Hill. The Governor's residence, also referred to as the Executive Residence, is a historical structure located in Oak Hill. It has been the official residence of the governor of Tennessee since the 1930s. 

The school system in Oak Hill is a part of the Metro Nashville School District, and one of its notable educational institutions is Julia Green Elementary. And when it comes to outdoor recreation, Radnor Lake is a beautiful state park that's located near Oak Hill and features over 1,300 acres of land with several hiking trails.

Outdoor enthusiasts living in Mount Juliet will never get bored, as there are over 6,000 acres of parks and recreation facilities throughout the community.
(Source: City of Mt. Juliet via Facebook)

3. Mount Juliet, TN

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,725
• Average home value: $552,200
• Great for: Families, public schools, housing, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Nashville: 25 minutes

The suburb of Mount Juliet, named after the Mount Juliet Estate in Ireland, was first built in 1835 and is the largest city in Wilson County.

Outdoor enthusiasts living in Mount Juliet will never get bored, as there are over 6,000 acres of parks and recreation facilities throughout the community. This includes Charlie Daniels Park, which has tennis courts, a playground, and a community center. Another popular park is the Jones Family Park, which features a volleyball court, a walking trail, a dog park, and even a miniature golf course.

5. Nolensville, TN

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $810,000
• Great for: Families, public schools, outdoor recreation, entertainment, fresh goods
• Commute to downtown Nashville: 30-35 minutes

Nolensville is a growing community that's ideal for people who love to be outside. It's surrounded by beautiful greenery and has a variety of parks and recreation facilities, including Nolensville Park, which features a playground and walking trails, and the recreation complex of Williamson County, which features various outdoor and indoor facilities such as a swimming pool and gymnasiums.

Besides recreation, residents of Nolensville also have plenty of events and entertainment options. One of these is the local Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday morning and features a wide variety of local products.

Q: What is the nicest suburb of Nashville? A: According to Niche, Nolensville ranks No. 1 as the best suburb to live in the Nashville area.

6. Forest Hills, TN

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,300
• Average home value: $1.75M
• Great for: Dining, shopping, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Nashville: 30-35 minutes

Forest Hills is a beautiful neighborhood that features rolling hills and large lots. Its proximity to Music City makes it one of the best Nashville suburbs for families, retirees, and young professionals alike. 

In Forest Hills, there are plenty of dining and retail options. In fact, the Mall at Green Hills has over 130 stores and restaurants. Seeking a more refined dining experience? Head to Roze Pony, which features an extensive wine list and a gourmet surf and turf menu.

Hendersonville is home to Rock Castle — the oldest building (and one of the first permanent homes) listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Middle Tennessee.
(Source: Rock Castle State Historic Site via Facebook)

7. Hendersonville, TN

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
• Average home value: $507,500
• Great for: Beautiful sights, outdoor recreation, shopping
• Commute to downtown Nashville: 25 minutes

Located in Middle Tennessee, the city of Hendersonville is situated in Sumner County, about 18 miles northeast of Nashville. It has an area of 32 square miles, and it's situated on a plateau.

This suburb is home to the oldest building (and one of the first permanent homes) listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Middle Tennessee, Rock Castle. It’s open to the public, making it a great place to visit with the family. But besides this iconic structure, Hendersonville is known for its shopping opportunities, including The Streets of Indian Lake.

8. Spring Hill, TN

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $510,800
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, entertainment, restaurants
• Commute to downtown Nashville: 35 minutes

Spring Hill is a suburb of Nashville that is considered to be part of the metropolitan area, which makes it an ideal location for people (like young professionals) who are looking to gain quick access to the area's culture and food without having to stay in the city's outer regions.

Fischer Park and McLemore Park are popular places for people who enjoy the outdoors in the area, with grounds and facilities designed to accommodate various types of activities, such as tennis, basketball, football, and picnicking. 

When you’re looking for some good eats, Embers Tavern & Grille is a great place to check out. It serves a variety of food and drinks, including flame-broiled burgers and the best soups around.

The city of Belle Meade features a variety of luxury homes and historical sites.
(Source: City of Belle Meade via Facebook)

9. Belle Meade, TN

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,125
• Average home value: $2.82M
• Great for: Luxury homes, restaurants, safety
• Commute to downtown Nashville: 30 minutes

The city of Belle Meade features a variety of luxury homes and historical sites, and its residents enjoy the privacy and affluence of its surroundings.

The area is known for its historic Belle Meade Winery and great restaurants, such as the Belle Meade Meat & Three.

And if you’re wondering “Is Nashville safe?,” while the city itself may not have the best crime statistics, one of the main advantages of living in a suburb like Belle Meade is its level of exclusivity. Due to the scarcity of development projects, the demand for homes in this area is high. It also functions as an incorporated city, and its private police force helps to keep the crime rate low.

Q: What is the most affluent suburb of Nashville? A: With an average home value close to $3 million, Belle Meade is one of the most affluent suburbs in Nashville.

10. Smyrna, TN

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $397,000
• Great for: Beautiful views, outdoor recreation, shopping
• Commute to downtown Nashville: 35 minutes

The town of Smyrna is ranked No. 9 on Niche’s list for “Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in Tennessee.” Situated near the Stones River, Stewarts Creek, and Percy Priest Lake, it’s also a great place to enjoy nature’s beauty.

Gregory Mill Park is an especially ideal place for families to gather and enjoy some outdoor fun, as it features various amenities such as a splash pad, picnic tables, and grills. A shelter that can accommodate up to 50 people can also be rented with a reservation.

Murfreesboro is one of the most affordable Nashville suburbs.

11. Murfreesboro, TN

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Average home value: $414,700
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, fresh produce, diversity, entertainment 
• Commute to downtown Nashville: 45 minutes

The suburb of Murfreesboro is known for its rapid growth and as the iconic home to Middle Tennessee's MTSU. It’s also one of the most affordable Nashville suburbs.

Those who love fresh air can enjoy the Wilderness Station and Barfield Crescent Park. This area is also great for team sports and picnics. There are numerous campsites and miles of hiking trails nearby, as well.

Aside from the best parks in the area, the community also has plenty of other outdoor entertainment options. For those who enjoy getting fresh fruit, the Batey Farms provides the best of the best fresh fruits and vegetables. And customers can actually pick their own berries in addition to browsing the selection at the store. 

12. Brentwood, TN

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $1.31M
• Great for: Families, public schools, outdoor recreation, restaurants, entertainment
• Commute to downtown Nashville: 15 minutes

Located south of Nashville, Tennessee, the city of Brentwood is known for its country music scene and being one of the best Nashville suburbs. After all, it ranks as the No. 2 best place to live in the entire state, according to Niche.

Brentwood has plenty of outdoor activities that are designed to keep both residents and their pets entertained. Some of these include the city's several parks and multiple indoor sports facilities, such as Crockett Park and Radnor Lake State Park. 

There are also numerous restaurants that provide full-service bars, and those who are looking for a place to meet and make new friends can go to 55 South or the Corner Pub.

Move to Your New Nashville Suburb With PODS

With so many options, it can take some time figuring out which suburb is truly the right fit for you and your family. Once you’re set, though, PODS can help you move to one of the best Nashville suburbs. They will deliver a portable moving container right to your driveway for you to load on your own. And with one month of storage included in every move, you don’t have to feel rushed. 

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.