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Apartments for Rent in Nashville, TN under $1200 – 192 Rentals available

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Nashville’s average rent reached $1,415 in April

Nashville’s average rent reached $1,415 in April, after a 0.6% decrease since last year. A major southern job hub with a 44% renter share, Nashville is a desirable place to live and work in, with apartment prices similar to the national average of $1,417. [View Full Report]

Nashville apartment rent report

Nashville’s average rent was $1,415 in April

Nashville’s average rent reached $1,415 in April, after a 0.6% decrease since last year. A major southern job hub with a 44% renter share, Nashville is a desirable place to live and work in, with apartment prices similar to the national average of $1,417.

The average rent for an apartment in Nashville decreased compared to other surrounding cities, such as Franklin ($1,555), where prices went up by 4.4%. Meanwhile, apartment rates in Murfreesboro increased by 3.6%, reaching a $1,200 average.

Nashville apartment rent report

What it costs to rent in the largest renter hubs in the Nashville area

Murfreesboro is the city with the largest renter share in the area, 46%, with Nashville coming in second. Lebanon (40%) follows and has a $1,100 average rent, up by 2.5% since last year. Smyrna also has a 40% renter share, with apartments going for $1,196 after a 6.5% annual increase.

Last but not least, Goodlettsville's 37% share of renters places it fifth among the area’s renter hubs. The city’s average rent reached $1,179 in April, going up by 2.5% in the past year. 

The priciest and cheapest cities for renters in the Nashville area

Franklin is the priciest city for renters in the Nashville area, with apartments renting for $1,555 per month. Mount Juliet’s $1,453 rate is the second most expensive, while apartments in Nashville ($1,415) come in third.

For renters in search of budget-friendly apartments, Lebanon's $1,100 average rent is the cheapest in the Nashville area, followed by Goodlettsville's $1,179 rate. Smyrna rentals are the third least pricey on the list, with a $1,196 average rent as of April.

Nashville apartment rents in popular ZIP codes for renters

Among Nashville's most popular renter ZIP codes, 37211 has a $1,140 average rent, below the city average ($1,415). At the same time, rentals in ZIP 37203 go for $1,871, while prices in ZIP 37209 circle around $1,424. Apartment rents in ZIP 37217 clock in at around $1,083, lower than the Nashville average, while rates in ZIP 37221 average at $1,359.

Check out how average rents evolved across the Nashville area

Nashville apartment rent report

Methodology

RENTCafe.com is a nationwide apartment search website that enables renters to easily find apartments and houses for rent throughout the United States. 

The data on average rents included in our reports comes directly from competitively-rented (market-rate) large-scale multifamily properties (50+ units in size), via telephone survey. The data is compiled and reported by our sister company Yardi Matrix, a business development and asset management tool for brokers, sponsors, banks and equity sources underwriting investments in the multifamily, office, industrial and self-storage sectors. Fully-affordable properties are not included in the survey and are not reported in rental rate averages. Local rent reports include only cities with a statistically-relevant stock of large-scale multifamily properties of 50+ units.

Renter's Guide to Nashville

Welcome to Music City U.S.A, y’all!

Most people know Nashville as the home of country music, but this metropolitan city is much more than cowboy boots and line dancing. It’s the second largest city in Tennessee, as well as its capital. It's also the 5th biggest city in the Southeast.

Travel + Leisure magazine recently named Nashville the 5th Best City in the U.S., based on its food, culture, shopping, and value.

With 208 sunny days per year and seasonable temperatures, like an average of 46°F in January, and 89°F in July, it’s easy to see why Nashville is so popular. Even snow lovers get about 10 inches per year to play in. 

Settled in the northern part of Tennessee, the city is five times the size of nearby Franklin, which is just 22 miles away. You can also take a day trip to Memphis, just 212 miles away, or to Chattanooga, which is 133 miles from Nashville. 

Nashville, TN Demographics

  • Total Population455,514
  • Female 218,860
    Male 236,653
  • Median Age33

Cost of Living in Nashville, TN

The cost of living in Nashville is about three percent lower than the rest of the U.S. You can expect to share a 3-course meal with a friend for around $55, and your morning cappuccino will cost about $4.29.

Utilities in Nashville hover around $125.50 per month for electric, water, and waste disposal for a 915 square-foot apartment. That’s about $20 less than you’ll pay for utilities in the majority of the country.

If you take the bus to work, the Nashville Metro Transit Authority will get you there for $1.70 one way, or $5.25 for an all day pass. Express service, monthly, and seven-day passes are all available, as well. There's no charge for kids younger than four; all others are $1 one-way. Seniors and passes for those with disabilities are also discounted.

Average Rent in Nashville, TN

  • Nashville, TN Average Rental Price, May 2021 $1,420 /mo

    Nashville, TN Apartment Rent Ranges

    • $701-$1,00015%
    • $1,001-$1,50052%
    • $1,501-$2,00022%
    • > $2,00010%

    Nashville, TN Rent Trends

    Average Rent Mar / 2018 Jul / 2018 Nov / 2018 Mar / 2019 Jul / 2019 Nov / 2019 Mar / 2020 Jul / 2020 Nov / 2020 Mar / 2021 May / 2021
    Nashville, TN $1,283 $1,320 $1,352 $1,343 $1,406 $1,432 $1,439 $1,415 $1,399 $1,407 $1,420
    National $1,314 $1,345 $1,354 $1,358 $1,390 $1,397 $1,400 $1,392 $1,396 $1,407 $1,428
    /

    Check out the average rent prices in Nashville by neighborhood.

    Living in Nashville, TN

    Quite a mix of people call Nashville home. Its job market, numerous universities, and reasonable cost of living lure immigrants from Mexico, Asia, and Africa. The Kurdish community in Nashville is the largest in the U.S.

    The advantages of living in Nashville include being close to some of the best new music in the world. You’ll also be in a city that's constantly alive, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues to choose from.

    All the tourism the city brings in has made living in Nashville difficult, and some of the locals are unhappy with visitors “invading” their city. Another negative of living in Nashville is the fairly high crime rate, which is 60 percent higher than the country’s average.

    Things to do in Nashville

    There are so many things to do in Nashville, you may have a hard time deciding each day.

    There are tons of options for music lovers, of course, like visiting the Ryman Auditorium – the home of country music – and the Grand Ole Opry. Head to the Country Music Hall of Fame and museum, or take a drive down Music Row, where country and rock musicians alike record their hits.

    Several world-renowned music clubs in the city host both country and rock musicians, such as Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, the Bluebird Café, and the Listening Room Café. Yearly festivals in Nashville are a hit as well, including the CMA Music Festival, Wine on the River, The Tennessee State Fair, and the Music City Hot Chicken Festival.

    You can have lots of fun in Nashville as a family, too. Like visiting the Nashville Zoo, or spending the day at Nashville Shores Water Park, which features a wave pool, beach, and a lazy river. More than 90 parks are spread throughout the city, including the 374-acre Two Rivers Park.

    It has swimming pools, water slides, a golf course, a skate park, and a greenway for hiking and biking. Shelby Park, along the Cumberland River, has playgrounds, a dog park, golf courses, a fishing lake, and wildlife viewing areas.

    Sports fans can’t miss taking in a Nashville Sounds Minor League Baseball game, and the NHL’s Nashville Predators play at the Bridgestone Arena. Pro football’s Tennessee Titans are a big draw at Nissan Stadium.

    A city with this much culture has rightfully earned Travel + Leisure’s designation of the 13th "snobbiest" city in America. Nashville residents love their culinary, art, and theater scene. Several art galleries are peppered throughout the city, including the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Art Museum.

    The fine arts gallery within Vanderbilt University is another popular destination, as is the Parthenon – a reproduction of the ancient building in Greece – which is home to an art gallery of its own.

    The Nashville Repertory Theatre is home to the theatre company of the same name, while the Nashville Children’s Theatre puts on show especially for kids. Other local theater productions can be enjoyed at the Darkhorse Theatre, the Street Theatre Company, and the Blackbird Theatre.

    Employment and Economy

    Forbes listed Nashville as the 4th Best City for White Collar Jobs, and Business Facilities called Nashville the Number One City for Economic Growth.

    Many industries call Nashville home, including its largest, healthcare.  Banking, publishing, education, and of course, music are other big economy boosters. Major corporations based in Nashville include Hospital Corporation of America, Dell, Bridgestone, Nissan North America, Tractor Supply Company, and Dollar General.

    Nashville, TN Households

    • Total Number of Households190,191
    • Family 100,509
      Non-family 89,682
    • Children 47,865
      No Children 142,327
    • Average People Per Household2.32
    • Median Household Income$60,380
    • Median Housing Costs Per Month$1,190

    Education in Nashville

    Twenty-four educational institutions call Nashville home. Some of the most well-known are Vanderbilt University, Fisk University, Nashville School of Law, Tennessee State University, and Watkins College of Art, Design, and Film.

    Some of the best public schools in Tennessee are in Nashville, as well. Hume Fogg Magnet School is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 high school in the state, as well as the 49th best high school in the country. 

    The #2 school in the state is Nashville’s Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet School. Both the Lead Academy and MNPS Middle College High School were ranked bronze in national rankings.

    Nashville, TN Education Statistics

    • No High School4%
    • Some High School33%
    • Some College24%
    • Associate Degree6%
    • Bachelor Degree32%

    Tips for Renting in Nashville

    Think Nashville may be the place for you? Here are a few tips for renting there.

    There's no limit to the size of the security deposit a landlord can require in Tennessee, but they must return any deposit within 30 days of your move-out date.

    Tenants also have 14 days past the due date to pay late rent, and landlords can only file an eviction notice after the 16th day.

    Your search for apartments in Nashville, TN under $1,200 stops here

    Finding apartments for rent in Nashville, TN for less than $1,200 has never been so easy! At RENTCafé nice cheap apartments are just one click away. There are currently 192 available units in Nashville, TN, renting for under $1,200. On average, $1,249 can get you 971 Sq.Ft. in this area. Be sure to search for the apartment that is best for you. Under “More”, check the amenities that you consider a must-have, and don’t forget to look at the pet policy. Fitness enthusiasts can even check the Fitness Center box. Whether you are looking for studio apartments, 1 bedroom apartments, 2 bedroom apartments or 3 bedroom apartments, you are sure to find one that will make you want to move in right away.

    We’ll help you find the best rental near you

    Having to compromise on either price or location can turn your “apartments near me under $1,200” search into a nightmare. At RENTCafé we recognize the importance of both. Therefore, we offer a variety of filters that can help you find exactly what you want. Sorting the results by rent, ascending, will make the cheapest units show up first on the list. Try it out! You will find that right now the cheapest apartment under $1,200 in Nashville, TN goes for $823 per month. If some of the results are outside the area of your choice, you can go to the left side of the screen and draw a radius or a polygon around your location. Now you will only see results that are relevant to you.

    Finding a home nearby is easier than you think. Check out our Apartments Near Me page and take your pick!