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Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve researched the best neighborhoods for families in Nashville for you, so you don’t have to. You’ve no doubt seen our Nashville City Guide, which includes a short section on a few of Nashville’s most popular neighborhoods.
This list and our “Best Neighborhoods in Nashville,” “Best Suburbs of Nashville,” and our “Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Nashville” lists are more in-depth neighborhood guides meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with links to popular destinations, as well as available houses for sale and apartments for rent (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—movers in Nashville and beyond).
A Little About Nashville and its Neighborhoods
You already know Nashville for its claim to fame country music scene. And most of us have tasted a few of Nashville’s classics–maybe pounded some southern-style biscuits, a few baskets of hot chicken, and several jugs of sweet tea. And let’s be honest, one or two of us have probably spent a rowdy night honky-tonkin.’
But beyond the clichés, Nashville has developed into one of the best places to live in the country over the past decade. This city is full of abundant green spaces, free concerts, pro sports, killer cuisine, and a blossoming brew scene. It’s ripe for start-ups and entrepreneurs, and as more businesses move to the city, jobs continue to grow.
And let’s not forget its long-term cultural interests. You don’t have to fly to Greece to see the Parthenon. Nashville built a full-scale copy in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. In 2021 the Frist Art Museum opened, offering 12-15 touring art exhibits from the world’s best collections. The city also boasts an excellent symphony to counterbalance the twang found in town.
Nashville’s population is rapidly expanding and now sits a little shy of 700,000, boosted by expats from the usual west coast suspects, plus escapees from Chicago, NYC and D.C. Its population is much more educated and diverse than the rest of the state too. Oh, and if you are ‘climate sensitive’ know that the January low temperature is just shy of freezing (31) and the summer average high settles in at 90.
Unless you accidentally misspelled “Asheville” and stumbled upon this page by accident, it seems that you too have been swooned by the tunes of Music City. If so, keep reading. We’ve scanned Nashville and identified 5 family-friendly neighborhoods in this small-town big city.
Before we dive in, let’s mention, since most people start in a new town by renting, apartment rentals are reasonable in Nashville. RentCafe quotes an average rental price of $1,700. Now let’s start touring.
Brentwood
Located about 25 minutes south of downtown, Brentwood is known for its incredible public schools, friendly neighborhood streets, and quieter suburban atmosphere. Removed from the bustling action of the city, Brentwood draws many long-term locals, and the area is growing with both families and young professionals.
What’s Happening in Brentwood
Just a few miles away from Radnor Lake State Park, Brentwood locals have easy access to outdoor activities on the weekends like swimming, biking, and hiking. Brentwood also offers a bunch of nearby family-friendly destinations like the Discovery Center children’s museum, Monkey’s Treehouse, and The Zoo at Grassmere. Other great spots to check out near Brentwood include Percy Warner Park and Percy Priest Lake.
Schools in Brentwood
Schools in the area include Lipscomb Elementary School, Poplar Grove Middle School, and Centennial High School among others.
Homes in Brentwood
While there are plenty of pricey and beautiful family homes in Brentwood, there are still many affordable places to live in the area. Check out some of the current houses for sale and homes for rent in the area. Zillow shows an average home price of $1,259,000 as of mid-2023, and condos at $476,000. RentCafe quotes $1,800 as the average rental price.
East Nashville
East Nashville comprises several smaller neighborhoods on the east side of the city. Centrally located (only about a 5–10-minute drive to downtown), East Nashville started gaining attention about a decade ago, and since then the area has seen some major renovations and revitalization. Today, East Nashville is one of the most ecclectic and progressive areas in the city, drawing artists, musicians, and creatives with its quirky character.
What’s Happening in East Nashville
East Nashville has become a haven for the arts, characterized by a laid-back community and culture. Its shops and stops reflect the area’s creative locals with unique eateries like Rosepepper Cantina, offering a full Mexican experience. You’ll also find modern hubs like the Eastland Cafe and cozy neighborhood shops like Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co where you can nibble and watch hand-made chocolates being made. Make sure to check out Five-Points while you’re in the area. This popular hub in East Nashville has its own unique cafes, bistros, and bars.
Schools in East Nashville
Schools in the area include Lockeland Elementary School, Meigs Middle Magnet School, and Nashville Classical Charter School among others.
Homes in East Nashville
You’ll find quirky homes and older buildings transformed into multi-unit apartments in East Nashville. Check out some of the current houses for sale and apartments for rent in the area. Homes average $596,000 and condos $550,000.
Mt. Juliet
With more affordable housing prices than other more central neighborhoods, this suburb is starting to draw a lot more young professionals and families. Settled within Wilson County, Mt. Juliet supplies its residents with great public schools. And while this suburb sits about 30 minutes east of downtown Nashville, the area is seeing a big influx of new residents.
What’s Happening in Mt. Juliet
Mt. Juliet offers a long list of family-friendly restaurants and retail shops. Stop into Big Bad Wolf Smokehouse Grill, Calabria Brickoven Pizzeria, and Cori’s Dog House for a sampling of the area’s cuisine. For nightlife spots, check out Riverfront Tavern, Kat’s Bar and Grille, The Rhythm Saloon, or Corner Pub. And visit Tia’s Boutique for some local shopping.
Schools in Mt. Juliet
Schools in the area include Rutland Elementary School, Stoner Creek School, and Wilson Central High School among others.
Homes in Mt. Juliet
Mt. Juliet is mainly full of larger single-family homes spread out on large lots. Here are some of the current houses for sale and homes for rent in the area. Average home pencils in at $545,000, condos $377,000. RentCafe quotes $1,750 as the average rental price.
Franklin
Franklin rewards its residents for its high home prices with great public schools. With about a 40-minute drive from downtown Nashville, Franklin draws families who like being a little further removed from the action and bustle of inner-city living. That’s not to say that there’s nothing happening in the area. Franklin’s downtown is charming and full of shops and eateries and hosts a number of seasonal events.
What’s Happening in Franklin
Join Franklin neighbors during the fall Pumpkinfest, the Main Street Festival, or Dickens of a Christmas. Check out all of Franklin’s community events here. Residents also enjoy Gentry’s Farm, which hosts pick-your-own-pumpkin days, education programs for school groups, and summer day camps. The Franklin Farmers Market is another well-loved local spot and fills residents’ homes with local produce, dairy, and meats.
Schools in Franklin
Schools in the area include Clovercroft Elementary School, Oak View School, and Centennial High School among others.
Homes in Franklin
Franklin features many charming, older homes in a wide range of prices. Here are some of the current houses for sale and homes for rent in the area. Zillow quotes an average home price of $869,000, condos at $433,000.
Hendersonville
Hendersonville is another Nashville suburb known for its excellent public schools. Housing in the area is still affordable if you shop around, making it a popular spot for families of all ages. Located just 25 minutes northeast of downtown Nashville, Hendersonville is home to many young and established professionals who are willing to trade a little commute for a beautiful, riverside home. Bonus: this area was once home to notable musicians like Johnny Cash, June Carter, Kelly Clarkson, and Taylor Swift.
What’s Happening in Hendersonville
With a beautiful mountain scenery and a neighboring lake and river, Hendersonville offers great recreational resources. You’ll also find plenty of local shops, art galleries, museums, eateries, and drinkeries in this charming southern town. Residents often vacation or take weekend trips to Asheville, NC, which sits just 27 miles away. The area also hosts a number of wonderful and largely attended community events like the Apple Festival and Music on Main.
Schools in Hendersonville
Schools in the area include Walton Ferry Elementary School, T.W. Hunter Middle School, and Station Camp High School among others.
Homes in Hendersonville
Hendersonville is sure to have a house that fits your family’s needs. Tiny 2-bedroom cabins to waterfront multi-million dollar mansions fill up the housing market in this suburb. Check out some of the current houses for sale and homes for rent in the area. Home prices average $500,000 mid-2023, condos $281,000.
There you have it: 5 family-friendly neighborhoods in Nashville!
We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Nashville, and we would love to help. We also help coordinate moves for nearby cities such as Knoxville and Chattanooga should you be interested!
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