If you’re looking to move somewhere lively but not raucous, metropolitan but not smack in the middle of downtown, and residential but accessible to the city, Germantown is your place.
One of Nashville’s hottest urban neighborhoods, this small-ish 18-square block area boasts beautifully restored Victorian homes and Gothic-style churches from the 1830s right next door to modern garages and warehouses converted to hip restaurants and bars.
Where is Germantown?
Nashville’s 9th ward lies just northwest of the city and runs right into the Cumberland River to the east.
Germantown’s walkability to so many areas is one of the things that makes it so popular. Located just a few blocks from downtown, a few blocks from the Nashville farmer’s market, and a few blocks from the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, it’s got pretty much everything you need right next door.
History
Germantown was first settled by German immigrants in the 1850s and was a bustling area for many years. It took its place on the National Register of Historic Places in the ’70s but saw an economic decline through the ’80s and into the ’90s. A movement to revitalize the area by locals saved many of the older historic structures, and it’s seen a huge resurgence in real estate and commerce throughout the last decade. Now, it’s a trendy area with modern apartments mixed harmoniously with historic homes.
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Lifestyle
Germantown is a surprisingly family-friendly area, particularly for young families because of its lovely, tree-lined streets and parks. We think the mood could be accurately described as laid-back hipster with a dash of mom jeans.
What to do
Right off the bat, we have to talk about Germantown’s annual Octoberfest celebration. Because of the area’s German heritage, you’d better believe they make it a party! The celebration draws roughly 300,000 people each year for authentic German food, beer, oompah bands and lederhosen. Needless to say, it’s a good time.
The Nashville Farmer’s Market is a staple of the neighborhood and hosts too many vendors, restaurants and shops to count. They host community workshops, cooking demonstrations from some of the city’s best chefs, an international food hall and more. You could spend a week at the Farmer’s Market, and still find new things every day to see and do.
Once you get your grub at the market, take it out back to the Bicentennial Mall and Tennessee State Museum. This beautiful park features inviting lawn space, gorgeous gardens and more. Perfect for an afternoon outside.
Or stop by Poppy & Monroe for a good old pampering session that’s bound to improve your day and wellbeing. They use non-toxic products and their services include skincare, nails, sugaring, brows & lashes and many more, so make sure you check them out.
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If you want to do a little shopping, Bits & Pieces is a cute little vintage shop with some great finds. Alexis + Bolt and Abednego are great places to pop in if you need a little wardrobe update. The Golden Slipper specializes in all kinds of home goods, and Wilder carries top of the line furniture and home décor.
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Where to eat & drink
Germantown has quickly become one of the hottest areas for amazing restaurants in Nashville, some of which feature multi-James Beard Award nominees at the helm. Places like 5th and Taylor, City House, Rolf and Daughters and Butchertown Hall are some of the most sought-after places to dine in the city.
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If you love a good cup of coffee, head to Barista Parlor x Germantown or Steadfast for a great cup of Joe and a cozy spot to get some work knocked out.
For all the beer enthusiasts out there, Bearded Iris Brewing is a must. Their menu showcases several hop-focused IPAs and DIPAs, as well as select fruited sours and stouts, but what’s special about this place is that instead of just throwing a checklist of styles at you, they put thought and effort into every beer that gets made here. You’re sure to get a whole new perspective on craft beers after checking out this place.
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Need more beer-focused spots? Go ahead and head on over to Von Elrod’s Beer Hall for a wide variety of hops, ciders, sours and many more. If you get hungry, know that they also serve brunch, lunch and dinner and the food is absolutely incredible.
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Stopping off for a nightcap on the way home at the end of a lazy summer evening is one of life’s great pleasures – and Germantown has no shortage of great places. If you want to go all out and hit a club/nightspot, The Back Corner is pretty popular. If you want something a little more… rough around the edges, check out Schultz Saloon. It’s a dive bar, but if you’re not ready to call it a night, they’ll welcome you with a smile!
Moving to Germantown
Real Estate Snapshot
The average rent in Germantown ($1,776) is a bit pricey, 24% higher than Nashville. It is, however, on par with plenty of the other urban neighborhoods in town. Its residents would argue it’s the best, and it’s well worth the cost of living there. It also happens to have some of the most modern rentals in the city so if you’re looking for a trendy apartment in Germantown, this might just be the right neighborhood for you.
Transportation
Since it’s so close to so many things, walking is the preferred mode of transportation in Germantown, but it’s got direct access to public transport options as well. You can hop on the “WeGo” and get pretty much anywhere you can’t walk to.
Schools & Employment
Plenty of corporations have put down roots right next door to Germantown in the heart of downtown. Amazon, Bridgestone Americas and Asurion all have corporate headquarters within walking distance of Germantown (to name just a few), and with the massive amounts of building still happening downtown, industry just keeps growing.
Germantown is zoned for a variety of K-12 metro schools, including some math and science, Spanish immersion and arts magnet school options.