Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Nashville

Nashville has long been a favorite when it comes to wanting to move to a new bustling, energetic and exciting city. It’s renowned for being the city of music, abundant in musicians and songwriters, but contrary to popular belief, you won’t be hearing only country music around here. In fact, there are dozens of venues that play all kinds of music, from rock and classical, to rap and blues so as to please all ears.

With bars and local coffee shops everywhere, as well as an affordable average rent, Nashville has some great neighborhoods to showcase, each amazing in its own way. So, if you’re on the lookout for a new apartment in Nashville, you’re sure to enjoy the various great options you have. To help out, we put together a list of the most googled neighborhoods among renters, so check them out and see which one suits you best.

Bellevue

• Number of large apartment buildings: 820
• Number of apartments for rent in large buildings: 11,862
• Average rent: $1,410
• Average apartment size: 993 square feet
• Median age: 38.2
• Share of renters: 37%

Located a few miles southwest of downtown Nashville, the charming Bellevue neighborhood is a great choice for any type of family. Once a farming community, the neighborhood has been booming in the last years, with an old mall turned into a multi-use community, a great increase in jobs and the development of multiple luxury apartments and houses. It’s a walkable neighborhood where carriage houses are very popular along with apartment buildings. The two gorgeous adjacent parks Edwin Warner Park and Percy Warner Park offer plenty of activities like an equestrian center, hiking and biking trails or cross-country courses.

If you plan on moving to a quiet neighborhood, with an ‘urban-suburban’ feel, then Bellevue might just be it.

Read more about Bellevue here

Germantown

• Number of large apartment buildings: 37
• Number of apartments for rent in large buildings: 2,034
• Average rent: $1,760
• Average apartment size: 805 square feet
• Median age: 31.5
• Share of renters: 66%

It’s one of the hottest and oldest Nashville neighborhoods, boasting plenty of entertainment options, creative spaces and a very rich history. Established in the 1800s as Nashville’s first suburb, Germantown has witnessed many great historic moments, such as Nashville’s Civil Rights Movement in 1960.

The neighborhood’s architecture varies considerably, from mid-century single-family homes to lofts, townhomes and condos, providing plenty of options to all those looking to move here. Germantown is also well known for its numerous art galleries, as well as its culinary scene, with great restaurants and Farmers’ Markets open year-round.

Read more about Germantown here

Midtown – Vanderbilt University

• Number of large apartment buildings: 183
• Number of apartments for rent in large buildings: 8,573
• Average rent: $1,872
• Average apartment size: 804 square feet
• Median age: 27.9
• Share of renters: 63%

Nestled between Music Row, West End and Hillsboro Village, Midtown is among the best neighborhoods in Nashville to call home, especially if you want to live close to the most prestigious university in Nashville – Vanderbilt University. It’s a mix of everything, culture, music, good food and great bustling bars.

Its housing supply varies from high-rise apartment buildings near bars and entertainment to more quaint single-family houses by the parks. There’s always something to do around Midtown, with Centennial Park being so close by and given the neighborhood’s well-known nightlife, you won’t find the time to get bored around here.

Read more about Midtown here

Green Hills

• Number of large apartment buildings: 170
• Number of apartments for rent in large buildings: 4,850
• Average rent: $1,625
• Average apartment size: 917 square feet
• Median age: 39.5
• Share of renters: 25%

Just 15 minutes away from Nashville’s downtown, this lush and upscale neighborhood is home to lovely traditional houses and great shopping places. Designed more for driving than walking, the area manages to successfully have that small-town feel, but with all the advantages of a big city. It’s very close to both the Lipscomb and Vanderbilt universities, as well as the TriStar Centennial Medical Center.

As for entertainment, the Bluebird Cafe is one of the most popular places, enjoyed by many artists that live in the area so you’re sure to bump into some well-known local songwriters that are usually hanging out there.

For those in search for quieter places where they can relax and enjoy the nice weather, there are several beautiful parks such as the Sevier Park, Edwin Warner Park or Percy Werner Park. Renters can choose between single-family homes, apartment complexes and condos as there are plenty of options here.

Read more about Green Hills here

Donelson

• Number of large apartment buildings: 192
• Number of apartments for rent in large buildings: 3,076
• Average rent: $1,202
• Average apartment size: 884 square feet
• Median age: 45.4
• Share of renters: 30%

One of the best neighborhoods in Nashville, Donelson is perfect for raising a family. Its popularity is mainly due to the great commuter rail service and the Farmer’s Market which is the largest in the region.

Homes here are mostly mid-century brick homes, but the neighborhood also offers a wide range of newly build apartment complexes. Donelson is jam packed with lots of entertainment, shopping areas, and art centers so you’ll never be out of things to do here.

Read more about Donelson here

SoBro

• Number of large apartment buildings: 157
• Number of apartments for rent in large buildings: 8,347
• Average rent: $1,905
• Average apartment size: 805 square feet
• Median age: 31.7
• Share of renters: 73%

Nestled between The Gulch and downtown Nashville, SoBro (meaning South of Broadway) boasts many interesting and exciting areas that residents can enjoy to the fullest. It has a sprawling convention center, exquisite restaurants, bars and many live music venues.

It’s a bit more costly living here, however, the price comes with some very nice benefits like living near the Nashville Music City Center where all the fun and good music is.

Read more about SoBro here

The Gulch

• Number of large apartment buildings: 153
• Number of apartments for rent in large buildings: 7,550
• Average rent: $1,896
• Average apartment size: 805 square feet
• Median age: 30.9
• Share of renters: 73%

The Gulch is one of the most walkable neighborhoods and one of the best places to live in Nashville where residents can enjoy beautiful restaurants, music venues, and also a new greenway and bike path, perfect for a little exercise. It’s also homes to lovely clothing boutiques, and popular breakfast spots such as Biscuit Love Gulch or Milk & Honey, renowned for their great food, coffee and atmosphere.

In terms of real estate, The Gulch offers plenty of choices, from lofts and condominiums to townhomes and historic homes. This neighborhood also boasts three high-rises so if you’re into great views, The Gulch will be perfect for you.

Read more about The Gulch here

Sylvan Park

• Number of large apartment buildings: 507
• Number of apartments for rent in large buildings: 7,976
• Average rent: $1,461
• Average apartment size: 961 square feet
• Median age: 37.2
• Share of renters: 42%

A close-knit historic neighborhood, Sylvan Park boasts some amazing Italian restaurants, cozy coffee shops and something for the sports enthusiasts as well. The McCabe Golf Course and the Richland Creek Greenway are great places to get that adrenaline running.

Given that it’s a historic neighborhood, you’ll find early 1900s cottages, stone bungalows and clapboard homes, all full of spark and character. However, if you’re looking for something more modern, rest assured, there are also newer developments, so varied options are not an issue here.

Read more about Sylvan Park here

12South

• Number of large apartment buildings: 206
• Number of apartments for rent in large buildings: 9,501
• Average rent: $1,817
• Average apartment size: 807 square feet
• Median age: 30.5
• Share of renters: 54%

A highly sought-after community, 12South is a vibrant and scenic neighborhood, one of the best areas to live in Nashville, with some of the loveliest restaurants and bars around.

In fact, 12South is a foodie’s heaven, with options such as BarTaco, Las Paletas or BurgerUp. But if you’re more into exercising than eating, then no worries as Sevier Park is just around the block. There are also some great events taking place in the park year-round so you’ll never run out of fun things to do.

Read more about 12 South here

Brentwood

• Number of large apartment buildings: 69
• Number of apartments for rent in large buildings: 1,807
• Average rent: $1,443
• Average apartment size: 967 square feet
• Median age: 41.8
• Share of renters: 12%

More rural than the other neighborhoods, Brentwood is a great option for those looking for peace and quiet, as well as cleaner air. It’s located just minutes away from the Nashville International Airport and it boasts several great parks such as Smith Park, which offers 400 acres of walking trails and open fields.

Read more about Brentwood here