Nashville is known for its diverse, thriving economy and excellent schools, making it a top destination for families looking to buy a home in Tennessee.
The city offers a variety of family-friendly neighborhoods that blend traditional suburban living with the convenience of city life.
What's in this article?
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of Nashville’s best family-friendly neighborhoods to help you find a home that fits your budget and lifestyle.
What makes a neighborhood family-friendly?
A family-friendly neighborhood is a safe, supportive and community-oriented environment where the whole family can enjoy a high quality of life.
Let’s look at the typical characteristics of neighborhoods that are perfect for growing families:
- Excellent schools: The neighborhood has both strong public and private options offering first-rate educational opportunities and extracurricular activities.
- Low crime rates: Family-friendly neighborhoods typically have well-lit streets and active community involvement in safety initiatives.
- Outdoor recreation: Family-friendly neighborhoods in Nashville often have well-maintained parks, playgrounds, walking trails and sports fields.
- Access to family amenities: Neighborhoods with nearby grocery stores, day care centers, pediatricians, restaurants and libraries reduce travel time and create a more comfortable lifestyle.
- Transportation options: The neighborhood should have easy access to major highways, public transportation, job hubs and walkable, bike-friendly streets.
Look for a neighborhood with a strong sense of community, including friendly neighbors or regular events that bring families together.
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Top 10 family-friendly neighborhoods in Nashville
There’s no shortage of family-friendly neighborhoods in Nashville.
Look at our picks for the top 10 neighborhoods, including the median home sale price for each location and distance from downtown Nashville.
Brentwood
Brentwood is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Nashville for families. It’s known for its top-ranked schools, spacious homes and ample green spaces.
Brentwood is located about 15 minutes south of downtown Nashville.
Median home sale price: $1,079,500
Franklin
Franklin is a historic town with a walkable, picturesque Main Street and a strong sense of community thanks to frequent events like festivals and parades.
Franklin is located about 30 minutes south of downtown Nashville.
Median home sale price: $750,000
Sylvan Park
Sylvan Park is located only four miles from downtown Nashville, making it an ideal neighborhood for those who want easy access to the city while enjoying a classic neighborhood vibe.
Median home sale price: $838,800
Hendersonville
Hendersonville is a beautiful neighborhood on Old Hickory Lake, about 25 minutes outside downtown Nashville.
Hendersonville residents love to boat, fish, swim and enjoy the local parks and playgrounds.
Many music stars, including Johnny Cash and Taylor Swift, have previously lived in or currently own homes there.
Median home sale price: $602,500
Bellevue
Bellevue is home to stunning forest areas and parks and is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville.
The neighborhood offers a variety of housing options, making it a great choice for families with differing budgets.
Bellevue is located about 15 minutes from downtown Nashville.
Median home sale price: $435,000
Mount Juliet
Mount Juliet, located about 30 minutes outside downtown Nashville, is known as the “Gateway” to the Appalachians and the Atlantic seaboard because four major interstates border it.
Mount Juliet is a safe, active community that offers a high quality of life at a comparatively reasonable price point.
Median home sale price: $589,900
Green Hills
Green Hills is a well-established neighborhood in Nashville with luxury homes, top-rated schools and upscale shopping centers.
Green Hills is only about eight miles from downtown, but driving there can take up to 20 minutes if traffic is heavy.
Median home sale price: $958,195
Belle Meade
Belle Meade is known for its stately, luxurious homes on private, tree-lined streets and historic charm.
This quiet, beautiful neighborhood is located about 20 minutes from downtown Nashville.
Median home sale price: $1,500,000
Thompson’s Station
Thompson’s Station is a small town with a peaceful, safe and close-knit environment. The town is located about 35 minutes from downtown Nashville.
Families enjoy the hiking trails, expansive parks and community-centered events.
Median home sale price: $1,016,616
Nolensville
Nolensville is known for its excellent schools and strong community atmosphere.
Located about 35 minutes southeast of downtown Nashville, Nolensville offers a small-town feel with modern conveniences and new housing developments.
Median home sale price: $1,075,000
How to choose the right neighborhood for your family
As you begin to evaluate Nashville’s neighborhoods, research the following questions or ask your real estate agent:
- What are the local school options?
- What are the crime rates?
- Does the neighborhood have parks and recreational facilities?
- Is there a strong sense of community?
- How long is the daily commute?
- What amenities are nearby?
- How much room does the neighborhood offer for growth?
The answers to these questions will help you narrow down the neighborhoods that best align with your family’s lifestyle and goals.
Tips for researching schools, crime rates and local amenities
The internet is a great resource for researching neighborhoods, but you must know where to find the most accurate information.
Check the following resources:
- City crime maps
- Local police department websites
- Redfin, Realtor.com and Zillow
- Facebook groups or Reddit forums
- Local government and city planning websites
If and when you can, visiting the neighborhoods and talking to residents is the best way to get a sense of the overall atmosphere.
Work closely with an experienced local real estate agent for the most professional and knowledgeable insights on Nashville’s neighborhoods.
Your agent can help you find homes that fit your needs and budget and advocate for you during the homebuying process.
Mortgage options for your dream home
How do you plan to finance your Nashville home purchase? Before you even begin the home search, get a loan commitment from Compass Mortgage.
A loan commitment through our Get Committed® program allows buyers to lock in their interest rate and complete most of the loan process before they make an offer.
Let us help you secure the home of your dreams in Nashville—apply with Compass Mortgage now!