As Nashville’s housing prices remain relatively high, many are shifting their home search a bit outside of town. That’s because some of the city’s surrounding suburbs offer lower housing prices on larger lots — providing the best of both worlds! Not to mention, regardless of the current real estate market, suburban living has always offered a laid-back way of life, a family-friendly feel, and a strong sense of community.
Nashville has an incredible selection of surrounding suburbs to choose from, some as close as 20 minutes from the heart of the city. These desirable enclaves are becoming increasingly popular amongst Middle Tennessee residents, who may still access Music City for work and play, yet retreat to their own private respite at the end of the day.
Let’s embark on a tour to encounter some of the best suburbs outside of Nashville. Who knows? Your future hometown just might be on this list!
Franklin
Although it is only about 30 minutes south of Nashville, the town of Franklin is a world all its own, with its own charming downtown area, historic homes, and strong sense of community amongst its residents. Franklin frequently makes it on lists of the “best small towns in America” or “best places to raise a family,” as several Williamson County Schools are among the best in the nation. Founded in 1799 and named after Benjamin Franklin, the town is steeped in history and tradition, with a number of historic sites and beautiful Victorian homes attracting visitors from all over the country. Franklin is extremely walkable, with local shops, restaurants, cafes and professional services lining the historic downtown area. Heads up: the undeniable charm of Franklin means the housing market can be quite competitive — and relatively more expensive than other surrounding suburbs!
Rachel Crawford Johnson
Realtor
BHHS Woodmont Realty
Cell 615-663-7958
Hendersonville
If you’re looking for waterfront living not far from the center of the city, look no further than Hendersonville. This town of just over 60,000 is nestled along the northern shore of Old Hickory Lake. Hendersonville neighborhoods weave throughout two massive peninsulas, providing miles and miles of coastline. And despite this prime waterfront location, Hendersonville still has relatively affordable housing options to choose from. Plus, the community is well-established and has avoided much of the new construction boom taking over other parts of the region, so you’ll find some older homes on larger lots. Hendersonville has long been a popular place for country music stars to call home, including Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash!
Brentwood
Considered the most affluent suburb of Nashville, Brentwood is a city of about 45,000 situated just 10 miles south of downtown. It is prized for its extravagant homes, proximity to Nashville, and excellent school district. Many residents of Brentwood commute into the city every day and enjoy the peace and quiet of this upscale community when they go home at night. Brentwood is near a number of parks and greenways, including Radnor Lake State Park and the Warner Parks. Not to mention, Brentwood residents can easily make the 20-minute drive south to Franklin for additional attractions and conveniences. Much like Franklin, Brentwood residents can take advantage of the exemplary school district that is Williamson County Schools. Before you get your bags packed, keep in mind that with an average housing price well over $700K, Brentwood is one of the most expensive cities in Tennessee!
I was Born and raised in Brentwood, getting to experience the growth we have seen over the last 20+ years has been inspiring. I knew that I wanted to find a way to remain intertwined in the city and Real Estate has given me an avenue to connect with community members and develop lasting relationships. I have truly enjoyed serving my clients in this market through buying, selling, and building. Brentwood is known for it’s peace and tranquility, everywhere you look you will find like minded individuals interested in contributing positively to the ecosystem that makes Brentwood so great. We sit just outside of Nashville with beautiful rolling landscapes, extravagant homes, and incredibly strong school districts the likes of which create a wonderful habitat for raising a family. In my opinion it is one of the cornerstone cities in the entire United Sates. If I haven’t sold you on it yet, give me a call and I can show you what it’s all about.
Chandler Premo (615)438-3702
Village Real Estate
Bellevue
If you get sticker shock while looking at Belle Meade’s housing prices, set your gaze a bit west of the enclave to its more affordable neighbor, Bellevue. This large suburb has a wide variety of housing options, from apartments and condos to single-family homes set amongst well-established neighborhoods. And the best part? Bellevue residents only have to drive about 20 minutes to reach the heart of downtown Nashville, so it makes for an excellent home base for experiencing the city to the fullest. And yet, Bellevue has everything you need, from grocery and home improvement stores to movie theaters and parks. In fact, Bellevue is adjacent to Percy Warner Park and Cheekwood Botanical Gardens — plus, the Harpeth River winds through the suburb, with plenty of places to go swimming or kayaking.
Madison
In recent years, Madison has emerged as an up-and-coming suburb to keep your eye on — and invest your dollars in. Situated just northeast of Music City, it is considered an extension of East Nashville, and residents can easily reach the hotspots in East, including trendy watering holes and eateries, via Gallatin Pike. Many choose Madison for its more affordable single-family homes, and the value is expected to continue to rise steadily — with more development and growth on the horizon. More and more businesses are beginning to make the move to Madison, including Yazoo Brewing, which relocated their headquarters to Madison in 2019. Conveniences are within reach in the Rivergate area, which has the mall in addition to plenty of shops, restaurants and other professional services. The future is bright for Madison!
Sarah Beth Paul
Team Lead at Sarah Beth Home
Vibe Realty
4525 Harding Pk, #244
Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 398-0832 (mobile)
Nolensville
Although the population of Nolensville has doubled over the last decade, the small town of just over 13,000 has still maintained its small-town charm and family-friendly feel. Established in 1797, this historic town is well-established and steeped in history, yet is experiencing steady growth, in both population and popularity. There are several businesses in town, including the original outpost of Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, Mill Creek Brewery, and other restaurants, antique stores, clothing boutiques, coffee shops, and more. But Nolensville residents can reach Nashville with a reasonable 30-minute drive. Due to its increased desirability, Nolensville housing prices are a bit higher than some of the other surrounding suburbs. But once you experience this area’s undeniable charm, you’ll understand why!
Goodlettsville
For those pursuing a more rural, scenic way of life, look no further than Goodlettsville. This suburb just north of Madison has experienced consistent growth, with new construction neighborhoods popping up year after year. And yet, Goodlettsville is not far from Nashville — which can be reached with a short 20-minute drive south on I-65. There are plenty of ranch, farmhouse and Gatlinburg-style homes in Goodlettsville, many of which are situated on spacious lots. Outdoor recreation abounds at the nearby 147-acre Moss-Wright Park, which has walking trails, picnic tables, a playground, and sports fields.
Mount Juliet
Nestled between Old Hickory Lake to the north and Percy Priest Lake to the south, Mount Juliet is a hidden gem of a suburb — but the “secret” may be out. The suburb has a population of just over 35,000, which makes it the perfect size — small enough to get to know your neighbors, but large enough to have a variety of amenities and conveniences. Plus, the Wilson County School District has a number of award-winning schools, making Mount Juliet an especially attractive community for families. Outdoor recreation abounds, with the two major lakes nearby — not to mention the Appalachian Mountains just to the east of Mount Juliet (there’s a reason it’s called “The Gateway to the Blue Ridge!”). You’ll find a wide variety of home styles and price points in Mount Juliet, as it has a mix of older homes and new construction properties.
“The City Between the Lakes” is just a short 20 minute drive East of Downtown Nashville. With a population of 42,413 Mount Juliet is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing communities in Tennessee and has been named one of the best places to live.
With award winning schools, proximity to top-notch healthcare, low property taxes and diverse cultural & entertainment offerings, Mt Juliet has much to offer. Featuring miles of beautiful shoreline on Old Hickory Lake, the “lake life” is one of the many draws to this thriving community. If exploring the outdoors is what your into, Mount Juliet boasts 6,000 + acres of parks and outdoor activities to top off this well rounded community as a fantastic place to put down roots. We would love to help you explore this Mount Juliet further.
Jeremy & Amanda Polzel
The | Polzel | Group of Benchmark Realty, LLC
M: 615.499.8603
E: Hello@ThePolzelGroup.com
Thompson’s Station
A bit lesser-known but equally as charming as its neighbors Spring Hill and Franklin, Thompson’s Station is a rural community with just over 7,000 residents. There’s plenty of room to spread out here, as homes reside on expansive lots with old-growth trees and peaceful country views. This small town has a few amenities of its own, like Kroger, Circa Grill, 1819 Coffee, and more, and is just minutes from Spring Hill, which has additional stores, restaurants and professional services. Thompson’s Station is home to some of the area’s best parks, including Preservation Park and Heritage Park. While the town is nearly 40 minutes from Nashville, it isn’t far from Franklin, which has additional amenities and attractions for residents to access.
Kingston Springs
Nestled in the bends of the Harpeth River, Kingston Springs is a picturesque community 20 miles west of Nashville. A perfect mix of rural beauty and small town charm surrounded by nature activities. The weekly farmers market, Turnbull Provisions coffee shop, Skyking wood fired pizza, and the legendary Fillin’ Station provide just enough action for those who want be outside of the city. Truly one of Greater Nashville’s best kept secrets.
Nicolas Dobbratz | simpliHOM
510.326.7543 nicolasdobbratz@gmail.com
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