Your Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Nashville

Nashville may be known as “Music City” for its strong roots in country music, but there’s much more to this bustling urban metropolis. With a soaring population growth of 20% in the past decade, this area offers exciting opportunities to those living in Nashville.

Whether you want to attend spirited football games at Nissan Stadium, explore the city’s numerous outdoor arts festivals, or hear the latest up-and-coming artists at the many bars in Nashville with live music, you’ll have your hands full exploring the magic of this city.

If you’re thinking about moving to Nashville, how do you know which part of this city best suits your style? Read this guide to get to know the best neighborhoods in Nashville, including: 

• Downtown Nashville
• East Nashville
• Germantown
• Green Hills
• Wedgewood-Houston
• SoBro

Let’s get started! 

1. Downtown Nashville 

If you want to feel the pulse of the city, head to Downtown Nashville. This densely packed area is probably what you imagine when you think of Music City, with its Country Music Hall of Fame, professional hockey arena, and iconic honky tonks.

But look past the touristy attractions of Lower Broadway and you’ll begin to see the true charm of downtown—with its beautiful high rises and diverse nightlife, it’s no wonder this downtown neighborhood is a favorite place to live among young professionals.

Those who live in the downtown area love to frequent:

• Upscale restaurants: There’s no shortage of options for a special night out downtown, whether you’re looking for a place to grab dinner with friends or a romantic Nashville restaurant for date night. We recommend trying out fusion restaurants such as Sunda Nashville, which specializes in Asian fusion cuisine, and French culinary star Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Drusie & Darr. Residents can also visit classy hotel restaurants such as The Continental for high-end eats like Red Snapper with beluga lentils and potato scales. 

• Fresh groceries: Beyond the convenience of Whole Foods and Publix, the local Southernaire Market & Deli is the perfect place to grab a quick bite to go while you’re shopping for this week’s groceries. Try the Nashville Farmers Market near Capitol Hill for fresh produce and artisanal food. 

• Chic cafes: Grab a nutritious farm breakfast and sip on seasonal drinks at the locally famous Frothy Monkey or enjoy the high-end coffee at the Barista Parlor. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet, visit Porch Coffee & Market for a cozy reading spot.

• High-in-the-sky nightlife: Sip on your favorite cocktail and enjoy the Nashville skyline at the retro Rooftop Lounge at the Bobby Hotel and the swanky L27 Rooftop Lounge. Find a more storied experience with the Printer’s Alley stronghold Jane’s Hideaway. There are also many breweries in Nashville to explore while you’re in town.

2. East Nashville 

Hip, quirky, and artsy, East Nashville might just be the perfect place to live if you’re a free, independent wanderer in the urban jungle. With diverse local boutiques, beautiful Victorian homes, and more pubs and clubs to count, this neighborhood is ideal spot to live for all those who love a Bohemian lifestyle. 

When you live in East Nashville, you’ll have access to a slew of unique charms, including:

• Vegetarian and vegan eateries: Order the classic Italian sandwich at the BE-Hive for a taste of perfect vegan pepperoni, or head to Graze Nashville for house-made biscuits with a plant-based twist. You can also get your morning cappuccino fix from The Post East, which specializes in locally sourced, organic fare. 

• Local groceries: Order freshly made, organic juice from the Turnip Truck’s juice bar while shopping their local produce. For an outdoor experience, head to the year-round East Nashville Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays. There is also a Kroger and Publix for convenient shopping.

• Outdoor fun: The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center is a can’t-miss outdoor activity in Nashville with its expansive bridges, prime location along the Cumberland River, and Greenway of more than five miles of trails. For an artsy afternoon, head to the Five Points Alley Shops for your pick of independent bookstores, art galleries, and jewelry shops.

• Bustling bars: Enjoy a refined signature cocktail in the intimate Fox Bar & Cocktail Club before attending a live music show at The Basement East. For an adventurous night to remember, go low-key with the Nashville branch of New York City’s famous Attaboy speakeasy.

3. Germantown

Nashville’s historic Germantown neighborhood sits right above the city’s downtown, offering a quieter alternative in the heart of the city. With wide streets, plenty of cafes, and quaint Victorian buildings, this historic location feels like a small town nestled in a larger metropolis. 

Drink in all that Germantown has to offer with the following destinations:

• Comfort food: For a fancy twist on your favorite comfort foods, try the irresistibly gourmet pizza at City House. 5th and Taylor has elevated southern favorites such as beer-can chicken and sausage-cheddar biscuits. And, residents can catch the annual Germantown tradition of Oktoberfest in the fall!

• Diverse groceries: With a neighborhood Kroger and gourmet markets like the Savi Urban Market—which has its own in-store butcher—you’re sure to find the supplies you need to craft a delicious southern meal. 

• Pristine parks: Head to the nearby Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for historical monuments and your daily walk. If you prefer a quieter location, the Morgan Recreation Center or Cumberland River Greenway might be more your style. 

• Starry nights: Keep Oktoberfest going year-round at the outdoor Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen. For more patio bar options, try The Optimist’s Jacqueline bar or the neighborhood Sonny’s Patio Pub & Refuge. 

Tips From a Landing Member

4. Green Hills

If you want the space and quiet of an affluent suburb and easy access to downtown, look no further than Green Hills. Located in the southwest of the city, this neighborhood features large homes, convenient living, and vibrant green spaces.

The people who live here love this neighborhood’s:

• Trendy eats: If you want the city’s hottest pizza without having to brave the crowds at the Gulch, try out Emmy Squared’s Green Hills location. For large parties with diverse dining preferences, visit the local Green Hills Grille with menu items spanning American, Italian, and Mexican cuisines. 

• Gourmet groceries: In addition to staples such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, local markets such as Little Gourmand and Green Hill Market have you covered when it comes to gourmet food items.  

• Fabulous fitness: With numerous yoga, barre, pilates, and cycling options, as well as a boxing club, you’re sure to find the best workout for you. National chains such as Corepower Yoga and Neighborhood Barre offer convenience, and local favorites such as Full Ride Cycling and barre3 will have you sweating. 

• Well-loved music venues: Grab a beer at the laid-back Corner Pub and enjoy a Tennessee Titans game before crossing the street to listen to up-and-coming musicians at the cozy and historic Bluebird Café. 

5. Wedgewood-Houston

With dozens of art galleries and converted warehouse space, Wedgewood-Houston, or WeHo, is home to the city’s lively cultural scene. Its proximity to downtown Nashville makes it a popular living area for young professionals, but it also offers some much-needed breathing room from the downtown crowds. 

Try out these places for an authentic taste of WeHo: 

• Food trucks: For a relaxed, casual alternative to Nashville’s eclectic dine-in options, dive into the food truck scene. Satisfy your craving for Mexican cuisine with Birria Babe Taco Truck and The Saguaro Shack. Or, try Music City Brisket for southern-fusion cuisine like its brisket tacos, which are loaded with pico de gallo, diced jalapenos, and a blended sriracha sauce. 

• Artsy cafes: Don’t order your coffee to-go when you visit the Americano Lounge. With its luxurious seating and weekend jazz performances, you’re bound to call this spot a favorite. For outdoor seating that features local artwork, head to The Loading Dock.

• Cultural activities: If WeHo is your style, you can’t miss all the fun things to do in Nashville here, such as the neighborhood Art Crawl on Saturdays. Keep soaking in all things culture with the sculpture garden at the Grassroots Art Park. 

• Laid-back bars: Try your hand at karaoke at Santa’s Pub, a dive bar running out of a trailer, or throwback with a beer at Never Never, located in a former welding shop.  

6. SoBro

For the diehard music lovers out there, SoBro, or South of Broadway, is heaven on earth. Home to the iconic Ascend Amphitheater and the Johnny Cash Museum & Cafe, this neighborhood is the perfect place to experience Music City authentically. 

Beyond SoBro’s strong roots in country music, the neighborhood also offers a lively array of shops, dining, and bars. Find your favorites among the following options: 

• Elevated dining: From the delectable mixture of international cuisines at Etch to the mouthwatering crispy duck and waffles brunch option at The Chef & I, there is no shortage of fine dining in SoBro. And, for the quintessential southern steakhouse, visit Bob’s Steak & Chop House or Bourbon Steak. 

• Artisanal coffeehouses: With coffee beans from Colombia, Peru, and Yemen, the quality of Crema Coffee Roasters is unmatched. Add a muesli or avocado toast for an afternoon pick-me-up. For a no-fuss cafe with an outdoor terrace, head over to the Fresh Pick Market Cafe. 

• Delectable drinks: Don’t miss happy hour at the locally sourced Farm House, or enjoy their richly flavored cocktails after hours. You can also spend your evening at the Bar Sovereign for an artsy gastropub atmosphere. 

Landing: Find your dream Nashville home in your dream neighborhood

Think you’re more of a Downtown Nashville person but can’t stop thinking of the spacious freedom of Green Hills? Landing is here for you. With our no-fuss short-term living options, you can try out both!

We offer furnished apartments in Nashville’s best neighborhoods with flexible leases, so you can move forward into your next adventure and leave behind the hassle of a hectic move.

Not sure where to start? Browse our apartment options for your perfect fit, or contact us to take the first steps toward a Landing membership and access to thousands of apartments throughout the country. Say hello to flexibility with Landing!