Looking for the best of the best when it comes to Nashville neighborhoods? You’re in the right place, my fellow renters! Nashville is best known as Music City, abounding with everything from country music (yee-haw) and small town charm to tourist attractions and big-city amenities. Whether you already live in the area or you’re moving to the city in hopes of a fresh start, you’re probably still familiar with the historic gems and new locales that Nashville offers both its tourists and residents. But Nashville is more than just a tourist town – it’s the perfect place to find an apartment if you love music, community, sports, and a happening nightlife!
But where is the best place to live, you ask? It just depends what you’re looking for – whether that be safety, a family-friendly environment, a central location, entertainment, or affordability! As of May 2019, according to CoStar data, the average asking rent for an apartment in Nashville is $1,239 – not bad! Though rents vary greatly depending on which part of town you desire, the cost is definitely worth the gain (an awesome apartment in an awesome city).
Just for you, we’ve gathered what we believe to be the best neighborhoods for finding an apartment to call home in the heart of Music City. So sing (read) along, if you will, while we explore a few of your options.
Downtown
You may be thinking, “Well, duh. Downtown in any city is always one of the best neighborhoods.” But let me just say, that’s not always the case! Downtown Nashville is an obvious choice because it boasts a welcoming community, abundant attractions, and great walkability that you may not find in every downtown district. And one of the main reasons it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Nashville for renters is that (according to Apartments.com data) it houses over 1,400 available apartments for renters just like yourself.
Though Downtown may be a little pricier than other outer neighborhoods, it’s truly the place to be if you’re hoping to be in walking distance of major attractions in this musical town. Downtown actually encompasses many other unique neighborhoods, and this is because Downtown is continuously growing and developing with new high-rise apartments and various other residential and commercial buildings. Downtown Nashville is truly on the rise.
In the heart of this neighborhood, you’ll discover historic musical sites such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Music City Center, Ryman Auditorium, and Ascend Amphitheater overlooking the Cumberland River. And if you’re not an NHL fan, you might want to prepare yourself for body slamming while catching up on some ice hockey slang – after all, it’s truly an unbeatable experience watching a Nashville Predators game at Bridgestone Arena. You can spend your nights strolling along Nashville’s famous streets filled with hundreds of honkey-tonk bars, live music venues, and incredible local restaurants. Get your taste buds prepped and your ear drums ready because Downtown Nashville is as loud as it is proud!
East Nashville
Feeling like getting a little farther out from Downtown Nashville? We get it – there’s a more suburban, peaceful feel that comes with venturing out of the city’s inner bounds. You’ll find a plethora of apartments, houses, and townhomes for rent that will give you a real sense of home in East Nashville. It’s a family-friendly place – a place where you can walk along the streets and feel at ease.
East Nashville is separated from Downtown by the Cumberland River, so it’s only a few miles northeast of the hustle and bustle of Downtown. So yes, you get that suburban feel you so desire. More trees, bigger rentals, and less noise, but in just a few minutes (by car), you’ll find yourself right smack dab in the middle of the honkey tonk! And right before you get to Downtown, stop into East Bank to catch an NFL game or event at Nissan Stadium, or enjoy the stunning Nashville skyline from Cumberland Park overlooking the river!
But just because East Nashville is more suburban than Downtown doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have some attractions of its own. In this neighborhood, you’ll discover delectable cuisine at numerous local eateries, such as Five Points Pizza, the Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden, and Butcher & Bee. Though this neighborhood is pretty wholesome, there are still numerous happening bars in town that’ll make you feel like you’re in a downtown district (without having to drive to one).
Germantown
Germantown is the cutest little thing you ever did see (said in my southern accent)! Quaintly nestled along Cumberland River, Germantown is technically situated within Downtown’s borders, just north of all of the city’s famous honkey-tonk bars. Though Germantown is associated with its proximity to Downtown’s entertainment destinations, it has a personality all its own.
We love the heart of Nashville for its unique bars, constant nightlife scene, and musical atmosphere, but in Germantown, you’ll discover exactly what it is that makes historic urban neighborhoods so charming. This neighborhood’s history speaks for itself, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but there’s so much more to be said about this part of town. Its proximity to Downtown is incredible – that can’t be denied!
But in this neighborhood you’ll find attractions like the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, not to mention the adorable storefronts that house local shops and some of the city’s most notable restaurants. If you thought your taste buds were tempted in Downtown, just wait until you find your perfect apartment in Germantown! From 5th & Taylor to Butchertown Hall, you’ll be amazed at the culinary brilliance and historic charm that resides in Nashville’s Germantown.
Green Hills
Most notable for its claim to fame on CMT’s former hit show Nashville, Green Hills is the home of the famous Bluebird Café. It may not look like much, but it’s the inspiration for this country music-based drama series, and it’s a true staple to the community. Many up-and-coming artists have played at this tiny, iconic café – it’s a great spot to grab a drink and enjoy the abundant talent in Nashville.
Green Hills is a pretty busy area residential-wise, meaning that there are so many available apartments, houses, condos, and townhomes to choose from according to Apartments.com – currently over 200 to be exact! This eclectic neighborhood offers a true blend of historic homes and picturesque, modern structures and is the proud home of Lipscomb University. Its convenience is key to its popularity, as it houses The Mall at Green Hills with restaurants and retailers, along with nearby grocers such as Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market – only dedicated grocery shoppers know what a luxury it is having these three on the same street (if you know, you know).
And because this neighborhood is just a few miles southwest from Downtown Nashville, you can be enjoying the best of Downtown Music City in no time!
Midtown
Get ready for the excitement that comes with living in the bustling urban neighborhood of Midtown Nashville! Nestled just outside Downtown, Midtown currently houses over 500 available apartments, houses, condos, and townhomes according to Apartments.com – one of which could be your new home (positive thinking, am I right?)! Situated directly next to Nashville’s famous Music Row, Midtown offers a blended atmosphere of college town and happening urban neighborhood.
What college, you ask? None other than the prestigious Vanderbilt University, of course! Feeling cool and intellectual yet? Renting in Midtown is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience with famous locales like Centennial Park and the Parthenon. History is cool, my friends. From elegant hotels to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars (not everything in Nashville is honkey-tonk-like, don’t worry), you’re sure to find your favorite spot in town. Looking for a suggestion? If you’re in the mood for Southern cuisine, the Row Kitchen & Pub has you covered, but if you’re wanting some classic dishes, try the long-standing Midtown Café!
