INSIDERS’ GUIDE® to Nashville

If you're relocating to Nashville, have recently moved here, or are in the market for a new home in the area, this chapter is for you. In the following pages we'll tell you about Nashville-area neighborhoods, give you the scoop on the real estate scene, and provide a list of resources that will come in handy. Nashville has come a long way since the pioneering folks of 1779 established a settlement on the banks of the Cumberland River. The city has continued to grow and expand its boundaries in every direction, and the population has boomed. Today more than 1.3 million people live in the 13-county Nashville–Davidson–Murfreesboro Metropolitan Statistical Area. (MSA counties are Davidson, Cannon, Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Macon, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Wilson, and Williamson.)

GETTING ESTABLISHED

This section offers information on resources related to Metro government, schools, utility connections, vehicle registration and driver's licenses, libraries, hospitals, and more. See our Education & Child Care, Retirement, Health Care & Wellness, and Media chapters for other useful newcomer information. Most of the listings in this section apply to the Metropolitan Nashville–Davidson County area only.

METRO GOVERNMENT, (615) 862-5000 (information); nashville.gov. Metro Nashville's website—nashville.gov—is an excellent source of information on all things related to Metro government. You'll find information on business, education, employment, health care services, residential resources, transportation, and much more.

The Nashville Chamber of Commerce can provide general information about the area as well as information on businesses. For information on other local chambers of commerce and visitor bureaus in the Nashville area, see the individual write-ups on counties, cities, and neighborhoods in this chapter.

The Nashville Public Library has 20 branches throughout Davidson County in addition to the main location downtown. The library also operates the Nashville Talking Library, an audio reading service that broadcasts around-the-clock readings to those who cannot read normally printed matter because of a visual or physical impairment or because of a reading disability. Visit the library online at nashville.org or call (615) 862-5800 for more information about the library system or to search the card catalog and check for availability of materials.

NEIGHBORHOODS

With so many great neighborhoods, choosing one in which to live can be tough. You can use the neighborhood descriptions in this section to aid you in your search or just to learn more about the different communities in and around Nashville. We use the term neighborhood pretty loosely. While Green Hills could be considered a neighborhood, the area also has several smaller neighborhoods that each has its own character and style. The same is true for most other areas we call “neighborhoods.” If you are relocating or are considering moving to another part of town, we highly recommend making several exploratory visits to different parts of town so you can get a good feel for what these areas are like.

This very urbanized county includes those satellite cities mentioned previously as well as other extensive residential areas. Following is an overview, including some history of Metro neighborhoods.

Among downtown Nashville's numerous historic neighborhoods, the oldest—Second Avenue, or “the District” as we sometimes call it—offers city living in the truest sense. Serious urbanites who want to feel the pulse of the city—day and night—can live here in the heart of downtown, among the neon lights and hustle and bustle of Music City. The Second Avenue area is rich in history. Second Avenue Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Until 1903 Second Avenue was called Market Street. The center of commercial activity in the last half of the 1800s, the street was lined with 2- to 5-story brick Victorian warehouses that were 1 block deep. Their back entrances on Front Street (now First Avenue) received goods unloaded from vessels that had traveled down the Cumberland River. Groceries, hardware, dry goods, and other items were sold out of the buildings’ Market Street entrances. Most of the buildings were built between 1870 and 1890. Later, as the railroads became the preferred method of transporting goods, and as shipping on the Cumberland declined, many of the buildings closed their doors; others served as warehouses. In the 1960s, when Nashvillians moved to the suburbs in droves, these historically significant buildings were largely unoccupied.

Burgeoning interest in historic preservation during the 1970s was a boon to this district. Businesses such as restaurants and retail shops opened in the old warehouses, and development boomed during the late 1980s. Today Second Avenue's restored 100-year-old warehouses contain unique shops, galleries, restaurants, nightclubs, and offices. For information about residential options in the downtown Nashville area, call the nonprofit Nashville Downtown Partnership at (615) 743-3090 or visit the website at nashvilledowntown.com.

Bordered by Eighth and Third Avenues N. between Jefferson and Hume Streets and spanning about 18 city blocks, historic Germantown is Nashville's oldest residential neighborhood. In the past few years, investment and redevelopment in the area have boomed.

German immigrants established the community in the late 1840s, and it grew into a truly diverse neighborhood, home to both wealthy and working-class families. The diversity is reflected in many of the area's homes. Architectural styles here include Italianate, Eastlake, and Queen Anne Victorian homes as well as modest worker cottages. After World War II, many German residents moved out. That exodus, the rezoning of the area to industrial in the 1950s, and the city's urban renewal projects in the 1960s led to the demolition of many of Germantown's historic homes. Preservationists arrived in following decades, however, and have renovated many of the buildings. Much of the new development, such as the row of frame town houses along Fifth Avenue N., is modeled after the area's older buildings.

Today Germantown boasts an interesting mixture of residential, commercial, office, and retail, as well as a diverse community of professionals, blue-collar workers, and others who enjoy living in the inner city. The area attracts lots of single professionals and older professionals who work from their homes. Germantown has its own neighborhood association, Historic Germantown. Visit the association online at historicgermantown.org, or write to it at PO Box 281074, Nashville, TN 37228.

Nashville's historic Germantown area was designated as an Inner City Arboretum by the Nashville Tree Foundation in 1993. Germantown contains more than 135 varieties of trees and major shrubs. For more information about the Nashville Tree Foundation and its Arboretum designations, visit nashvilletreefoundation.org or call the tree hotline at (615) 292-5175.

Between Charlotte Avenue and Jefferson Street and 12th Avenue N. and 28th Avenue S., Fisk-Meharry is a large historic neighborhood full of renovation potential. It is named for nearby Fisk University and Meharry Medical College. Fisk opened in 1866 as a free school for newly freed slaves and is the home of the world-famous Jubilee Singers. Meharry, founded in 1876, was the first medical college for African Americans and today educates 6 out of every 10 of the country's African-American physicians and surgeons.

Architectural styles here include late-1890s and early-1900s 2-story post-Victorian brick homes and American foursquares and stone-and-brick Tudors and clapboard cottages built from 1910 to 1940.

There are several historic districts on the east side of the Cumberland River. The closest to the downtown business district is historic Edgefield, which extends from South Fifth Street eastward to South 10th Street, between Woodland and Shelby Streets. It includes most blocks on Shelby, Boscobel, Fatherland, Russell, and Woodland Streets. Edgefield is one of Nashville's oldest suburbs and was the city's first residential National Trust Historic District (1977) and first locally zoned Historic District (1978), only the second in the state at the time. Edgefield was also Nashville's first urban neighborhood to begin revitalization. Because of Edgefield's designation as one of only two locally zoned historic preservation districts, all new construction, additions, demolition, alterations, and fences must be approved by the Metro Historical Commission.

Though it has changed over the years, Edgefield retains much of the charm of an early Nashville suburb. Tree-lined streets, Historic Edgefield signs marking neighborhood boundaries, an active neighborhood association, and a mix of professionals, young families, and longtime residents combine to create a definite neighborhood feel.

This area was dubbed “Edgefield” by an early resident, Neil S. Brown (Tennessee's governor from 1846 to 1850), who was inspired by his view of the distant fields enclosed by forests. In 1880 Edgefield was incorporated into Nashville's city limits.

Thanks to the arrival of preservationists in the 1970s, Edgefield today boasts a wonderful assortment of lovingly restored old homes, including 2-and 3-story Victorians, post-Victorian Princess Anne cottages, American foursquares, and bungalows. In addition to restoration of historic properties, Edgefield has seen the construction of new single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums. Residents formed the nonprofit neighborhood association Historic Edgefield Inc.in 1976.

This small, middle-class, urban neighborhood east of downtown Nashville is home to professionals, blue-collar workers, and artists, many of whom were drawn to its historic appeal, quietness, and convenience to downtown. East End is between the neighborhoods of Edgefield and Lockeland Springs, extending from Woodland Street to Shelby Avenue between 10th and 14th Streets.

The neighborhood was named East End because at one time it was at the eastern city limits of Edgefield, which was incorporated in 1868. East End boasts nice examples of a variety of architectural styles, including Victorian, Italianate, Eastlake, and Queen Anne.

The third historic neighborhood in the urban area of downtown/east Nashville is Lockeland Springs, just past East End between Gallatin Road and Shelby Avenue, 2 miles northeast of downtown. It's bordered by 14th Street, Eastland Avenue, and Shelby Park. The area was named for Lockeland Mansion, built in the early 19th century by Col. Robert Weakley, whose wife, Jane Locke, was the daughter of Gen. Matthew Locke of North Carolina. Water from the property's Lockeland spring, which some believed to have curative powers, won a grand prize for its mineral composition and “salubrious quality” at the St. Louis Exposition in 1904. The city of Nashville purchased the mansion in 1939, demolished it, and built Lockeland School on the site.

Like East End, Lockeland Springs benefited from the electric streetcar lines installed in the late 1800s. Streetcars allowed residents to travel easily to Nashville's business district across the Cumberland River and made it practical for the middle class to move away from the crowded city.

The well-preserved and architecturally diverse homes in this neighborhood were built from about 1880 to 1940. In the past 2 decades, the neighborhood has seen quite a bit of renovation. This large area is popular with professional renovators as well as first-timers eager to try their hand at restoring a home.

Inglewood is a friendly and pleasant community that, according to some local Realtors, is one of the best investment values in Nashville, appealing to first-time buyers as well as investors looking for good rental properties. The neighborhood is just east of Lockeland Springs, off Gallatin Pike. It is bordered roughly by the railroad track at Gallatin Pike, north of Trinity Lane, and extends to Briley Parkway.

Lovers of historic houses will feel right at home here. Inglewood boasts lots of 1920s and 1930s homes with brick and stone exteriors, marble fireplaces, ceramic tile, and good structural quality. There are some newer ranch-style homes, too. You'll find small lots as well as large, well-shaded lots with houses set back off the road. Tidy, well-maintained yards, colorful window boxes, perennial gardens, and lots of green areas add to Inglewood's cheerful personality.

If you're in the market for a new home and planning to visit open houses, keep in mind that they are usually held on Sunday. When the Tennessee Titans have a Sunday home game, however, some open houses are held on Saturday instead. The Tennessean's weekend editions list the date, location, and other details about open houses.

Until recently, it was sort of hard to pinpoint the location of the Madison community—one of Nashville's earliest suburbs. If you weren't familiar with the north and east Nashville areas, you could drive right through Madison without even knowing it. Even some longtime Nashvillians are not quite sure where Madison begins and ends. To help identify itself, the community installed signs at several entry points to the area in 1999. Madison doesn't have an identifiable town square or center, just lots of retail areas lining Gallatin Road and established neighborhoods tucked along the side streets.

This neighborhood sits on the northeast edge of Metro Nashville–Davidson County, 8 miles from downtown Nashville. It's south of Goodlettsville and southwest of Old Hickory. The busiest part of town extends along Gallatin Road between Neeley's Bend Road and Old Hickory Boulevard. The community was established in 1840, although a church known as the Spring Hill Meeting House existed in what is now south Madison in the late 1700s.

Between 1859 and 1865, Madison Stratton was hired as a contractor for the L&N Railroad, which passed through the area. The depot he constructed was named for him, putting Madison on the map. The Nashville-Gallatin interurban streetcar track also ran through this community. The old depot was in an area known as Amqui. As the story goes, trains came to such a quick stop in Madison that if you wanted to load something on the train, you'd better do it “damn quick.” Madison residents dropped the d, n, and the ck and came up with the more polite Amqui to name their section of town.

Today Madison is home to more than 32,000, including many longtime residents, and has one of the oldest commercial districts in the state.

Goodlettsville is one of those cities that offers the best of both worlds: a quiet, small-town feel with all the conveniences of city life close by. An incorporated city within Metropolitan Nashville–Davidson County, Goodlettsville is north of Nashville and Madison and east of Hendersonville.

It encompasses areas around Dickerson Pike, Long Hollow Pike, and I-65. Goodlettsville incorporated in 1857 and again in 1958, but like Nashville's other satellite cities, it remains part of Metro government. Goodlettsville straddles the Davidson and Sumner County lines, so the property taxes vary depending on the county.

Goodlettsville residents receive Goodlettsville city services, not Metro services. The city has a separate police department, including 30 uniformed officers; a separate fire department with 15 full-time firefighters plus volunteers; and separate public works departments, a planning commission, and city manager/city commission government structure. Goodlettsville's easy access to I-65 and the excellent security provided by its police and fire departments make the area appealing to industries. Many businesses have relocated or moved their distribution operations here.

Goodlettsville was originally known as Manskers Station, established by pioneer Kasper Mansker around 1780. For more on Goodlettsville call the chamber of commerce at (615) 859-7979 or visit goodlettsvillechamber.com.

Affordable homes draw lots of young families to this southeast Nashville community, which was developed in the 1950s and ‘60s. The dominant architectural style here is the 1-story ranch. According to a market value report by local real estate appraisers Manier & Exton, homes in the Donelson area have maintained strong appreciation rates since 1993.

In addition to affordability, good location is another plus here. Situated between the Stones and Cumberland Rivers, Donelson offers easy access to the airport and downtown (via I-40) as well as J. Percy Priest Lake. The Tennessee School for the Blind also is located here.

Donelson, named for John Donelson, one of Nashville's founders, is a conservative community with many longtime residents. It boasts a strong chamber of commerce and lots of civic-minded residents. For more information about this area, contact the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce at (615) 883-7896 or visit d-hchamber.com.

This east Davidson County community lies between the Stones and Cumberland Rivers. Hermitage Station, a stop along the Tennessee & Pacific Railroad line, once was here. The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, is nearby.

Affordable land and fairly easy interstate highway access encouraged a lot of speculative building in the Hermitage–Priest Lake area in the 1980s, and the community experienced one of the largest population gains in the area. Today lots of affordable single- and multifamily residences lure home buyers to this neighborhood. For more information about this area, contact the Donelson–Hermitage Chamber of Commerce at (615) 883-7896 or visit d-hchamber.com.

Located in eastern Davidson County between the Cumberland River and Old Hickory Lake, Old Hickory is an unincorporated community of about 9,800 residents. The village was built in 1918 by the DuPont Co. of Philadelphia. The company constructed hundreds of homes for workers at its gunpowder plant, which produced smokeless gunpowder for use in World War I. Today, the area appears much as it did in 1918. Some of the historic homes are being renovated by new owners. The community, which includes the small, incorporated town of Lakewood, is well established and offers affordable housing.

Recently, Belmont-Hillsboro has become the hot residential district. Property values have skyrocketed as the academic crowd, artists, musicians, and young professionals clamor for homes in the historic, middle-class neighborhood. Situated between 21st Avenue S./Hillsboro Road and Belmont Boulevard, the area extends north toward Wedgewood and south toward I-440. It's convenient to downtown, Music Row, Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Green Hills, West End, hospitals, and bus lines. The neighborhood hot spot is Hillsboro Village, a shopping district of eclectic stores, restaurants, and pubs that scores high on the “hip” meter. In the 19th century the area was part of the estate of Adelicia Acklen (see the Belmont Mansion entry in our Attractions chapter). In the early 1900s an electric streetcar line along Belmont Boulevard accelerated the neighborhood's transition to a streetcar suburb. Most homes here were built between 1910 and 1940 and range from 1,200-square-foot cottages to 3,500-square-foot bungalows and foursquares on sidewalked streets.

One of Nashville's oldest neighborhoods, Hillsboro–West End is a large middle- and upper-middle-class neighborhood extending from around Blakemore Avenue to just past I-440, and from Hillsboro Road to West End.

Many Nashvillians refer to this neighborhood as the “Vanderbilt area.” The location is great: It's close to Vanderbilt University, Hillsboro Village, Belmont University, Green Hills, and West End, which means there are plenty of places to shop and dine. In fact, many of Nashville's best restaurants are just minutes away. Homes are situated on small, shaded lots, and there are lots of winding, shaded streets leading to little pocket neighborhoods that have their own unique personalities. As for architectural styles here, you'll find mostly classic Tudors, Cape Cods, and bungalows built between 1920 and 1940. There also are some newer properties, including condos.

For more information on this neighborhood, visit the Hillsboro–West End Neighborhood Association online at www.hwen.org.

Since the late 1990s, this urban neighborhood has become one of the hottest areas for renovation. The 12th South area has transformed into a hip, eclectic neighborhood with an interesting assortment of businesses, including trendy restaurants, a popular pizzeria, and clothing boutiques.

Renovators are also doing their part, restoring many of the area's old homes, most of which were built from the 1890s to 1930s. Waverly-Belmont is a large neighborhood extending from Belmont Boulevard to Ninth Avenue S. and from Gale Lane north to Bradford Avenue, near Wedgewood. The area includes Waverly Place, adjacent to Woodland-in-Waverly, which is also sometimes considered part of the Waverly-Belmont district. It is convenient to I-440, Music Row, Green Hills, universities, downtown, and the Melrose shopping district. In the center of the neighborhood is Sevier Park and its antebellum Sunnyside Mansion.

The area's great assortment of historic homes makes it appealing to those with an eye to the future. The neighborhood is filled with large Queen Anne, American foursquare, and 1900–1915 Princess Anne homes as well as smaller 1900s shotgun homes and 1920s and 1930s Tudors and bungalows awaiting a renovator's touch.

When you turn off Eighth Avenue S. onto Douglas Avenue (at Zanies), you'll be greeted by a WELCOME TO WAVERLY PLACE sign. Waverly Place is a small, historic district tucked between Woodland-in-Waverly and Waverly-Belmont, from Eighth to 10th Avenues S. and Wedgewood to Bradford Avenues. It is often considered part of the larger Waverly-Belmont, also referred to as Sunnyside (see separate listings in this section), a larger district that is ripe for renovation.

Sidewalks line both sides of the street, and the small lots are accented with numerous tall trees, ivy, and colorful flowers. Waverly Place features a wide mix of architectural styles, including frame-and-brick cottages, American foursquares, Tudors, and 1- and 1.5-story bungalows from the 1890s and 1930s.

One of Nashville's first streetcar suburbs, Woodland-in-Waverly, is south of Wedgewood Avenue, between I-65 and Eighth Avenue, convenient to downtown, Music Row, colleges, the Melrose area, and Eighth Avenue antiques shops. This is one of Nashville's three “historic preservation zoning districts” (the others being Edgefield and Second Avenue). This zoning means that all exterior additions, alterations, demolitions, new construction, and fences must meet the approval of the Metro Historical Commission.

According to the Historical Commission, Woodland-in-Waverly could serve as a model for neighborhood design now being emulated by progressive new subdivision developments. Part of Woodland-in-Waverly was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The neighborhood features many well-preserved homes built mainly from the 1890s through the 1930s. Queen Anne, English Tudor, and American foursquares and bungalows are among the architectural styles found in this small neighborhood, which offers plenty of choices for renovators.

In the 1830s the area was farmland owned by historian and author A. W. Putnam, who named his house Waverly and his farm Waverly Place for the novel by Sir Walter Scott. The farm was sold in 1858. Development increased in the late 1880s following the installation of an electric streetcar line on Eighth Avenue S. that provided easy access to downtown Nashville. This streetcar suburb was a fashionable address and remained so until around 1940, when automobiles became the preferred method of transportation. The neighborhood eventually evolved into an urban middle-class neighborhood. A few houses built during this period still remain.

This neighborhood was named for the Melrose Estate, which was granted to its first owner, John Topp, in 1788. Named for the Scottish ancestry of the then-reigning mistress, the mansion was the site of many notable events in Nashville society. The original 2-story brick building burned in 1950 and was rebuilt as a 1-story structure. The rebuilt home was gutted by fire in 1975.

Melrose is bounded by Wedgewood Avenue and I-440 between Franklin Pike and Granny White Pike. It's convenient to downtown, I-440, and Nolensville Road. You'll find a variety of home styles here, ranging from late Victorian to contemporary.

This tiny satellite city, developed in the 1940s and early ‘50s, covers approximately 1 square mile, between Thompson Lane near 100 Oaks Mall and Craighead Avenue, and between Franklin Road and into Woodlawn Cemetery.

The city was incorporated in 1950 and today has its own mayor, city manager, and city commissioners. The city provides police protection and other services for its citizens. In 2008 there were approximately 700 residents and about 500 businesses.

Berry Hill's residential area is transitioning into a quaint commercial district. Businesses have opened in some of the small 1950s cottages that were once homes. Bohemian types are discovering the Berry Hill District, where you can shop for garden supplies, vintage clothing, used records, and quirky gifts in a tree-lined 3-block area. Music Row has also discovered Berry Hill; more than 40 recording studios, including one owned by John and Martina McBride, have moved into the area.

Historic Richland–West End encompasses a triangular area between Murphy Road, I-440, and West End. Developed in the early 1900s on the outskirts of the city, this was an upscale suburb popular with professionals who wanted to escape the noise, smoke, and crime of the city. After World War II some homes were converted to apartments, but young professionals and upper- and middle-income families have been restoring them since the 1970s.

The neighborhood has lots of longtime residents, and many take an active part in the community. Richland–West End features lots of well-preserved early-1900s homes, including spacious bungalows, built from 1910 to 1930, and American foursquares.

Sidewalks, lots of old trees, and a definite community feel are strong selling points for this neighborhood. Location is another plus: It's a straight shot down West End/Broadway to downtown, I-440 access is right off West End, and it's close to Music Row, Green Hills, Belle Meade, and Hillsboro Village. For more information visit the Richland–West End Neighborhood Association's website at rwena.org.

This historic west Nashville neighborhood has enjoyed a wave of popularity in recent years. Young professionals, families, creative types, and retirees in search of affordable homes moved to this former blue-collar area and have carefully restored many of the homes. Interest has now expanded to the adjacent Sylvan Heights area near 37th and Charlotte Avenues.

Sylvan Park also has a trendy commercial district that's home to several popular restaurants. If you're new to the area, note that you can usually recognize Sylvan Park by its street names. When the area was planned back in the 1880s, the streets were named after states in hopes that people from across the country would want to relocate to the neighborhood.

Lots of trees, sidewalks, nice landscaping, cheerful window boxes, and a business district contribute to the personality and close-knit feel of this charming neighborhood. Sylvan Park is between West End Avenue and Charlotte Pike and is convenient to West End, I-40, I-440, and downtown. To learn more about Sylvan Park, visit the Sylvan Park Neighborhood Association online at sylvanpark.org.

Green Hills is considered one of Nashville's most desirable addresses. This Area 2 community is bounded by I-440, Belle Meade, Oak Hill at Harding Road, and Forest Hills. It's minutes from Vanderbilt, West End, Music Row, Hillsboro Village, and downtown. If you're looking for an upscale neighborhood;large, well-tandscaped lots; and tree-lined streets, you can't miss with Green Hills. Families will find the good schools a bonus.

The area was developed in the 1930s and ‘40s, and building continues today, so you'll find everything here from modern and spacious homes loaded with amenities to pockets of cluster housing and smaller older properties. There are also some nice condominiums/town houses.

This desirable west Nashville satellite city extends from Harding Road to Old Hickory Boulevard and from Belle Meade toward Oak Hill and Franklin Road. Forest Hills is home to about 4,700 residents. There is no commercial area.

First developed in the 1950s and ‘60s, Forest Hills boasts spacious ranch style homes as well as some architect-designed custom homes. Newer housing developments can be found along Old Hickory Boulevard and Granny White Pike. Houses sit on large, well-tended lots that offer a good amount of privacy. Some have great views.

A popular choice for music business executives and “move-up” families, Oak Hill is where you'll find the Governor's Mansion and other stately homes, including former homes of the late Tammy Wynette and Minnie Pearl. Covering an area of 8 square miles, Oak Hill extends from Forest Hills to I-65 and from Woodmont Boulevard to Old Hickory Boulevard. You'll find Oak Hill divided between Area 1 and Area 2 on the Nashville real estate maps.

As its name suggests, this residential community of 5,000 boasts lots of rolling tree-covered hills. It is characterized by low-density development, with most homes situated on at least 1- to 2-acre lots. Many of the ranch-style and 2-story colonial homes here were built during the past 30 to 40 years. There are also some beautiful contemporary homes. Incorporated in 1952, this is a well-established, stable neighborhood, and residents often prefer to renovate rather than move out.

If living in one of the area's most prestigious neighborhoods is a must, look no farther than Belle Meade. This traditionally old-money west Nashville community is the address of choice for many of Nashville's most prominent citizens . A city of about 1,120 homes and about 3,200 residents, Belle Meade is the fifth richest city in America and the richest in the state.

It is one of Nashville's oldest communities—actually a city in itself, having incorporated in 1938. Today it has its own police force, street signs, and building codes, and the powers-that-be keep a pretty tight rein on the neighborhood. It was originally part of the Belle Meade Plantation, a world-renowned thoroughbred farm. The plantation's Belle Meade mansion is now a tourist attraction (see our Attractions chapter).

Belle Meade's unique and architecturally interesting homes are surrounded by large, professionally landscaped lawns. Many homes here were built during the 1920s, but Nashville's elite find this address so de rigueur that many are willing to pay top dollar for an older home, demolish it, and build an enormous, new traditional-style home in its place.

Belle Meade is bounded roughly by US 70 (Harding Road), Lynnwood Boulevard, Chickering Lane, and Page Road, and it is bisected by Harding Place. Belle Meade is a residential-only city.

Another Area 2 community, West Meade/Hillwood is just west of Belle Meade, across the railroad tracks that parallel Harding Road/US 70. The area is bounded by White Bridge Road, Davidson Drive, and I-40 and encompasses the Vaughns Gap Road area to the south.

This well-established neighborhood is one of Nashville's oldest planned communities. Most homes were built in the 1950s and ‘60s, so there are lots of ranch-style dwellings. Houses sit on large, shady lots, and the neighborhood's winding streets take you over hills and along forested areas. The Hillwood area, which developed around the Hillwood Country Club, has some of the largest and most expensive homes.

For those who want a fashionable Area 2 address but find such areas as Belle Meade, Hillwood/West Meade, and Green Hills a little pricey, Bellevue is a good choice, offering lots of newer, upscale homes that are affordable for many first-time buyers. This west Nashville community is about 2.5 miles west of the US 70𠄽Highway 100 split, about 7 miles from Green Hills, and about 13 miles from downtown. Most areas are easily accessible to I-40. Bellevue is bordered on one side by the Warner Parks along Tennessee Highway 100 and on the other by Charlotte Pike.

As the WELCOME TO BELLEVUE sign on US 70 S. informs you, this community was established in 1795. The rolling green hills and wooded valleys inspired the name (French for “beautiful view”). Bellevue remained a largely rural area until the mid-1900s. Development moved in this direction in the 1940s, but it hasn't completely taken over yet. Despite rapid growth since the 1970s, the area still offers a pleasing mix of urban and rural life. Bellevue has maintained a sort of small-community feel that some Nashville suburbs lack. A few farm areas remain around the perimeter, but the conveniences of “city life” are close by for those in the more rural areas.

Development of this Area 1 neighborhood centered on Trousdale Drive and Blackmon Road in the 1950s, so you'll find lots of ranch-style homes here. Unlike many of Nashville's new developments, Crieve Hall boasts large lots accented with big shade trees. Homes are well maintained and nicely landscaped. It's a nice, quiet area convenient to downtown, Harding Mall, the 100 Oaks/Berry Hill area, and the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.

Affordable housing and location lure many Nashvillians to this diverse southeast Nashville community, which has experienced an enormous boom in new home construction in the past few years. Antioch is convenient to I-24 and the airport, and is a short drive from downtown via I-24. The area is bordered to the north by Harding Place and extends west from Percy Priest Lake to just past the I-24/Bell Road intersection.

In the past 2 decades, Antioch has undergone tremendous growth, including lots of commercial development along Bell Road, Nolensville Pike, and Harding Place. Large numbers of new housing developments and apartment complexes have joined the ranch-style homes built here in the 1960s.

The area's best-kept neighborhood secret may be just west of Davidson County: Cheatham County (Area 13). Some real estate agents expect this 305-square-mile county to be the next boom area, but houses are still affordable here, and most of the new developments feature 1-acre lots, large by Middle Tennessee standards. In recent years it has been one of the state's fastest-growing counties. Cheatham County is convenient to Bellevue in west Nashville, easily accessible to I-24 and I-40, and is a 25- to 40-minute drive to downtown Nashville, depending on which side of the county you're on. In addition to location, strong drawing points of this rural area include quality of life and lots of outdoor-recreation opportunities. The 20,000-acre Cheatham Wildlife Management Area is popular for hunting, horseback riding, and hiking, and Harpeth River State Park is a good spot for canoeing, fishing, and hiking. Cheatham Lake is popular with boaters.

The four largest cities in Cheatham County are Ashland City, Kingston Springs, Pegram, and Pleasant View. For more information contact the Cheatham County Chamber of Commerce (615-792-6722; cheathamchamber.org).

In central Cheatham County, Ashland City developed around a shallow area along the Cumberland River where riverboats ran aground and had to unload their cargo. Locks have since solved that problem, and today Ashland City is a rapidly growing area.

Ashland City is about a 40-minute drive from downtown Nashville; from courthouse to courthouse, it's about 20 miles. Ashland City's courthouse, with its croquet lawn, is still the focus of downtown. The city is also known for its antiques shops and catfish restaurants. The 3.7-mile Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail, a former railroad right-of-way, is popular for walking, horseback riding, and bicycling along river bluffs, past waterfalls, and through wetlands.

Kingston Springs, on the south side of Cheatham County, appears to be one of the next neighborhood hot spots. The area is a nature lover's paradise. All sorts of songbirds, as well as deer, wild turkey, and other wildlife, make their homes here. Affordable homes, easy access to Nashville via I-40, and a quiet rural setting are also part of the scenic bedroom community's appeal. Those who want to live in a country-style home with a big wraparound porch or in a log cabin or hillside chalet will feel right at home in Kingston Springs.

At 3,440 acres, this is the smallest of Cheatham County's four cities. This quaint little rural town (population 2,093) is on the south side of the county, next to Bellevue and about a 25-minute drive from downtown Nashville. If you'd like to get a feel for what Pegram is like, visit on July 4, when the town puts on the big Pegram BBQ.

Incorporated in 1996, Pleasant View, a growing community of about 4,000 residents, is located in northern Cheatham County. There is no property tax; the city operates on state and local sales taxes. Pleasant View is the kind of community where the volunteer fire department hosts an annual parade and barbecue for residents. The city also has its own 5-member police department. There is a lot of new home construction under way.

Dickson County (Area 15), just west of Nashville past Cheatham County, is a largely rural area with the lowest population density of any county surrounding Metro Nashville. Officials with Dickson County Chamber of Commerce (615-446-2349, dicksoncountychamber.com) say that is changing fast. Like most counties surrounding Metro, Dickson County is growing. In 2013 its population was 50,266.

The 600-acre Dickson County Industrial Park, established in 1976, is attracting a steady stream of industry. The county's chamber of commerce actively recruits new businesses. At the same time, many city dwellers and suburbanites are deciding they want to live in the country and are heading to Dickson County areas such as Dickson, White Bluff, Burns, and Charlotte. Lower home and land prices are a big draw.

Affordable homes and a quiet, small-town setting are luring more people to Dickson these days. New subdivisions are being developed in this city of almost 15,000. Land sales are strong, too, especially small farm properties of 20 acres or less. Dickson is about 40 minutes from downtown Nashville and easily accessible to I-40, so it's a feasible choice for Nashville workers who don't mind the commute; it's a shorter drive for those who work in west Nashville.

Dickson County was established in 1803, and the city of Dickson dates from 1899. There are a few historic homes here, but most of the area is still rural. A sign of Dickson's progressive growth is the Renaissance Center, an educational technology center on Highway 46. This unique public facility offers traditional art, music, and drama education; instruction in high-performance computing; a 450-seat performing arts theater; computer classrooms; a 136-seat domed interactive theater with graphic- and laser-projection systems; a science theater; and more.

For more information call the Dickson County Chamber of Commerce at (615) 446-2349.

With a strong agricultural base and diverse manufacturing industries, Robertson County (Area 14), about a 35-minute drive north of Nashville, is growing fast. According to the 2013 US Census, Robertson County's population is 67,383. County officials attribute the growth to improved quality of life. The majority of this 476-square-mile county is farmland. Principal crops include tobacco, corn, wheat, and soybeans. There are also dairy and beef cattle farms here. Historic family farms and beautiful country scenery surround Robertson County's incorporated cities and towns, which include Adams, Cedar Hill, Coopertown, Cross Plains, Greenbrier, Orlinda, Ridgetop, Springfield, and White House.

To contact the Robertson County Chamber of Commerce, call (615) 384-3800 or visit robertsonchamber.org.

Renovations and new construction are increasing in busy Springfield, population 16,659. Buyers have snapped up and begun renovating several historic homes. The highest concentration of older residences, including Victorian homes, is in the district north and west of the historic town square. New-home prices are keeping pace with the increase in new construction. Residents who want a night on the town can drive to Nashville in about 45 minutes.

In the geographic center of Tennessee, Rutherford County (Areas 21–34), southeast of Nashville, is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation. Most statistics put it neck-and-neck with adjacent Williamson County in population growth with 281,029 in the 2013 census. The county has a diverse economic base and is enjoying a booming economy.

Despite the growth, Rutherford County maintains a small-town charm. Its 615 square miles still include nearly 234,000 acres of farmland. The area is also rich in history. The Battle of Stones River, one of the major battles of the Civil War, was fought near Murfreesboro. You can take a self-guided tour of the battlefield today (see our Attractions chapter).

Affordable homes and easy access to Nashville via I-24 are among the county's other pluses. Rutherford County encompasses Murfreesboro, LaVergne, Smyrna, and tiny Eagleville (population 620).

For more information call the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce at (615) 893-6565 or visit rutherfordchamber.org.

Rutherford County's largest city, Murfreesboro was home to 117,044 as of 2013. And the population is growing every day. This city, established in 1812, still has the feel of a small town. The courthouse, built in 1859, is the focal point of the historic and still-lively town square. (The first courthouse, built in 1813, burned before the Civil War. It served as the state capitol from 1819 until 1826, when Nashville became the capital.) A variety of shops and businesses line the square. On the tree-lined streets surrounding the square, you'll find some wonderfully restored old homes, the grandest of which are on West Main between the courthouse and MTSU's campus. East Main Street has some especially lovely Victorian architecture. There are several neighborhoods of 1950s and 1960s ranch-style brick homes as well as newer developments around the city's perimeter.

Every now and then, when one of Nashville's country stars sells their home, they hold a moving sale and invite the public. Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Barbara Mandrell, and Tanya Tucker all have held sales. You can't count on the stars showing up in person at these events, but you never know…

This former farming community between La Vergne and Murfreesboro enjoyed a boost when the Nissan plant came to town, bringing 6,000 jobs and hastening the development of farmland into subdivisions. In 2013 Smyrna's population was 53,060. While you won't find many tree-lined streets here, you will find plenty of new construction and affordable housing. Nearby I-24 provides easy access for Nashville commuters.

Aviators will want to take note of this city. The Smyrna Airport, formerly Sewart Air Force Base, is still active.

Just across the Davidson County line in northeast Rutherford County, La Vergne has experienced dramatic growth. By 2013, the city's population had grown to a total of 34,077. The city is a top pick for incoming industries. It's about a 30-minute drive from downtown Nashville and is close to the Nashville International Airport. Relatively inexpensive homes make this area a viable choice for first-time home buyers.

Sumner County (Area 9), Nashville's northeastern neighbor, has several diverse communities and recreational opportunities that make it a popular choice for everyone from young families to country music stars. This county's communities have distinct personalities. Some remain largely rural, while others have a definite urban feel. Country general stores, pastures, rolling creeks, and antebellum homes are common sights in the more rural areas, while Old Hickory Lake, with its hundreds of miles of shoreline on the county's southern border, boasts some luxurious, upscale properties. Sumner County is also a historic area, the site of two settlements established by long hunters in the late 1700s (see our History chapter for details).

Like many other Middle Tennessee counties, Sumner County is growing. In 2013 the population was 168,888. Lots of major business developments in Gallatin, numerous recreational and upscale residential areas in Hendersonville, abundant retail stores in Goodlettsville, and an extensive industrial base in Portland have contributed to the growth.

Hendersonville, Tennessee's 10th largest city, offers small-town appeal and resident country music stars. It's about a 30-minute drive from downtown Nashville, with easy access from I-65 and Gallatin Pike/US 31E. Some of the biggest country music stars, including Garth Brooks and Johnny Cash, have lived here, along with lots of retirees, families, and professionals. In 2013 the city's population was 54,068.

Hendersonville's 534 square miles offer plenty of residential choices. There is a rural side, a lake side, and lots of apartments, condominiums, and high-density developments. Houses on Old Hickory Lake are in big demand.

For more information call the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce at (615) 824-2818 or visit hendersonvillechamber.com.

About 45 minutes from downtown Nashville, 10 to 15 miles northeast of Hendersonville on US 31E, is Gallatin, the Sumner County seat. Gallatin is one of Tennessee's original five “Main Street Communities.” Its quaint downtown district features more than 25 historic buildings, some of which were built before the Civil War. There are also several historic attractions nearby, including Cragfont and Wynnewood.

In 2013 Gallatin's population was 32,397. The economic base here is 50 percent industrial and 50 percent agricultural.

Call the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce at (615) 452-4000 for additional information or visit gallatintn.org.

Half of this historic area, 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, is in Davidson County and half is in Sumner County. See the listing under Metropolitan Nashville–Davidson County in this section for more information.

As the Nashville area continues to expand on all sides, Wilson County (Area 11), about 20 minutes east, is experiencing a boom in residential, commercial, and industrial development. As of 2013 the population was 121,945.

An abundance of affordable land is luring families in search of a more peaceful lifestyle. With its wide-open spaces, small historic towns, and easy access to Nashville via I-40, Wilson County offers what many are finding to be the right mix of country and city life. Businesses also have chosen to make Wilson County home.

For more information call the Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce at (615) 444-5503 or visit lebanonwilsontnchamber.com.

How this small town got its name is something of a mystery. Some say it was named for Aunt Julie Gleaves, a sort of guardian angel of the area, someone who was always helping others. The problem with that story is that she was only 18 years old in 1835, the year Mount Juliet was formed. Most believe the city was named for a castle in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Whatever its beginnings, Mount Juliet, incorporated in 1972, is reputed to be the only town in the world with that name.

If you like rolling green hills, spacious lots, and a relaxed lifestyle, Mount Juliet may be for you. Just about 25 minutes from downtown Nashville and a short drive from the Nashville International Airport, Mount Juliet is an increasingly popular choice for families. As of 2013, 28,222 people called Mount Juliet home.

Lebanon, named for the biblical land of cedars, may be the largest city in Wilson County, but it's also big on small-town appeal. About a 30-minute drive from Nashville, Lebanon (population 28,408) offers a slower pace.

The city was laid out in 1802 and chartered in 1819. A Civil War battle was fought on the town square in 1862, and after the Confederates’ defeat, many homes and businesses were burned. The town was rebuilt, and today the Public Square boasts lots of historic buildings. This area, once the site of mule sales, is known mainly for its great collection of antiques shops. In fact, Lebanon has earned the nickname “Antique City of the South”—for antiques lovers, a visit to this town is a must—and has been featured in Southern Living magazine.

Wealthy Williamson County (Area 10), south and southwest of Nashville, is the fastest-growing county in the state. The population in 2013 was 198,901. Williamson County includes the rapidly expanding Cool Springs business community, one of the hottest retail and corporate office locations in the country. Cool Springs straddles Brentwood and Franklin along I-65. Williamson County is a definite relocation hot spot in Middle Tennessee, luring more and more Nashvillians and newcomers with its high quality of life, excellent schools, beautiful rural settings, and upscale shops and restaurants. It's about a 20- to 25-minute commute to Nashville via I-65 (if there are no traffic snarls, that is), so neighborhoods here are popular with Music City workers who prefer the Williamson County lifestyle. Lots of music business executives, country stars, professionals, and families live in Brentwood, Franklin, Leiper's Fork, and other areas of the country.

For more information about the county, visit the Williamson County Convention and Visitors Bureau's website at visitwilliamson.com.

Nestled among green rolling hills, about 8 miles south of downtown Nashville, is the popular middle-class suburb of Brentwood. A mix of suburban and rural areas covering 35.4 square miles, Brentwood has seen its population grow dramatically since the city incorporated in 1969. The 2013 population was 40,021. Brentwood's location along I-65 and Franklin Road just across Old Hickory Boulevard offers easy commuter access to Nashville.

The city's well-planned new residential and commercial developments lend a brand-new, fresh look. Planned growth includes green spaces around office buildings and commercial complexes and 1-acre lots in subdivisions.

Home buyers can choose from established neighborhoods of 2-story or ranch-style homes and newer developments in upscale “McMansion” subdivisions offering superspacious floor plans, modern amenities, and security.

Although it's only about a 30-minute drive from downtown Nashville, Franklin seems worlds away. Its old-fashioned but revitalized town square remains the hub of this town. The 15-block original downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Restored 19th-century buildings downtown that house trendy boutiques, antiques stores, restaurants, art galleries, and other unique shops line the square. Franklin's participation in the National Main Street Program brought brick sidewalks, period lighting, underground wiring, and trees to the downtown area.

Many fine old homes on the streets near the square have been restored. The 2-block Lewisburg Avenue Historic District features numerous late-19th- and early-20th-century homes. Sound appealing? Tens of thousands of new Franklin residents would agree. The 2013 population was 68,886.

This quiet, rural community about 25 miles southwest of downtown Nashville has little in common with its Williamson County neighbors Brentwood and Franklin. Fairview is about 10 miles from Bellevue on Highway 100; it's also accessible via I-40. As of 2013, Fairview's population was 8,086. Many of its residents work in nearby Franklin, Brentwood, and Dickson. Fairview incorporated in 1959, so many of the homes here are brick ranches, although a few subdivisions and condos have been built recently. For more on Fairview, visit fairviewchamber.org.

REAL ESTATE

There's a lot of buying, selling, and building going on in and around Nashville. In some areas new subdivisions and apartment complexes seem to pop up almost overnight.

Local Realtors report a robust real estate market—in-town and suburban homes as well as condos—in and around Nashville, continuing a trend that's lasted several years. In 2015 the average number of days on the market in Middle Tennessee was 45.

New jobs, a diversified economy, and incoming business have contributed to the housing boom. Relatively low interest rates have made it easier for first-time buyers to purchase a home and for families moving up to buy a more upscale property.

As a result of recent accelerated construction, there are many new homes on the market. Counties surrounding Metro Nashville are growing rapidly. Williamson and Rutherford Counties have been growing fastest, Rutherford being particularly popular among first-time buyers. Some local Realtors expect to see more buyers looking to other counties—Cheatham and Dickson, in particular—in search of more value for their dollar.

If you are considering buying or selling a home, you may want to consider working with a Realtor, who can help ensure your home search, purchase, or sale goes more smoothly. A Realtor's knowledge of the market and the ins and outs of real estate transactions can save buyers and sellers time, headaches, and hassles.

Certainly, there are many other good firms in and around Nashville, so don't limit your options. As a good place to start looking for a Realtor, call the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors at (615) 254-7516 (gnar.org) or the Tennessee Association of Realtors at (615) 321-1477 (tarnet.com). The Sunday edition of The Tennessean is also a great source of information on properties for sale or rent. Each week you'll find hundreds of properties, a list of interest rates from area lenders, information on Realtors, plus news on the housing market. In addition, many real estate companies have their own websites; some even include “virtual” tours of selected homes. Other helpful home-hunting resources include several free real estate and apartment guides, which you can find at grocery stores and other locations around town.

Looking for a Good Home

If you're looking for a home in the Nashville area, or even if you're already settled in, you might want to consider sharing your home with a companion. A furry, four-legged companion. Local animal shelters are filled with dogs and cats in need of good, loving homes. If you would like to add a pet to your household, consider adopting from one of the local shelters. There are several shelters in Middle Tennessee. The two largest such facilities in Nashville are the Metro Animal Services Facility, which is operated by the Metro Public Health Department of Nashville/Davidson County, and the privately funded Nashville Humane Association.

THE METRO ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL FACILITY, 5125 Harding Place, Nashville, TN 37211; (615) 862-7928; nashville.gov. The Metro Animal Control Facility is on Harding Place, near Nolensville Road. The state-of-the-art facility can house about 400 animals per month; in any given month, about 100 to 200 pets are adopted. You can adopt a pet there Tues through Sat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fees, including rabies vaccination fees, microchip, and spay/neuter fees, is $90 for dogs, $60 for kittens, and $40 for cats.

THE NASHVILLE HUMANE ASSOCIATION, 213 Oceola Ave., Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 352-1010; nashvillehumane.org. The Nashville Humane Association adopts out as many as 2,000 pets each year. The facility, located just off White Bridge Road in west Nashville, has space to house about 145 animals. Adoptions take place daily except Wed, when the shelter is closed. Adoption fees range from $45 to $165 and include spaying/neutering and vaccinations. Visit the Humane Association's website to view some of the pets available for adoption or to obtain more information.

Relocation

GETTING ESTABLISHED

NEIGHBORHOODS

REAL ESTATE