The 8 Best Nashville Suburbs
These unique communities are just a stone's throw from the magic of Music City.
It’s no secret that Nashville, Tenn., is one of the hottest places to live in the U.S. With live music around every corner, a thriving food scene and an array of one-of-a-kind attractions, Nashville offers a big-city atmosphere complete with small-town charm that’s drawing newcomers in droves while retaining long-time residents.
Although Music City’s bright lights are appealing, many people choose to put down roots in nearby suburban communities that provide a respite from the hustle and bustle but are still within easy reach of the city. If that sounds like the best of both worlds, you’re right – and you’re in luck. We’ve identified eight of the best suburbs in the Nashville area, and chances are at least one of them will be a perfect match for you.
In This Article
Hermitage
Photo by Dana Lane under a CC 2.0 license
Median household income: $51,579
Median home price: $183,200
Average commute time: 24 minutes
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Nashville, Hermitage is a family-friendly community steeped in history. It’s home to Andrew Jackson’s mansion, which is open for tours and features many of the seventh president’s belongings. Hermitage also lays claim to Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort, a favorite spot for families to cool off during the summer, as well as Long Hunter State Park that’s conveniently located on J. Percy Priest Lake.
Goodlettsville
Photo by Army Corps of Engineers under a C.C. 2.0 license
Median household income: $53,763
Median home price: $175,900
Average commute time: 25 minutes
Goodlettsville is situated about 15 miles north of downtown Nashville, making it a perfect place for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with quick access to the big city’s attractions. The community has a quaint downtown that’s filled with antique shops and locally owned boutiques, and it offers a variety of outdoor havens like the 147-acre Moss Wright Park that is home to youth baseball, softball, football, cheerleading and soccer.
Hendersonville
Photo by Paul under a C.C. 2.0 license
Median household income: $61,786
Median home price: $201,700
Average commute time: 26 minutes
The largest city in Sumner County, Hendersonville is ideal for families with children and located just 20 miles northeast of Nashville. It has highly-rated public schools, with many receiving the highest score possible from GreatSchools, as well as plenty of kid-friendly activities and destinations. In addition, Hendersonville has more than 22,000 acres of water recreation along with several golf courses and parks, making it an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
Mount Juliet
Photo by Michael Hicks under a C.C. 2.0 license
Median household income: $75,973
Median home price: $210,100
Average commute time: 29 minutes
About 20 miles east of downtown Nashville, Mount Juliet is a growing suburban community in Wilson County. The city has top-rated public schools, a host of shopping and dining destinations, unique cultural attractions and outdoor destinations like Charlie Daniels Park and Cedar Creek Sports Center. Mount Juliet residents also have easy access to the 900-acre Cedars of Lebanon State Park in nearby Lebanon.
Brentwood
Photo by Michael Hicks under a C.C. 2.0 license
Median household income: $141,833
Median home price: $506,300
Average commute time: 24 minutes
Just south of Nashville is Brentwood, an affluent suburb in Williamson County that is home to one of Livability.com’s 10 Best Children’s Libraries. Students in the community have the opportunity to attend fantastic schools, including Brentwood High School, which is ranked one of the top five high schools in Tennessee, and residents enjoy an array of quality-of-life amenities such as a thriving shopping scene, top-notch restaurants and beautiful parks and outdoor facilities.
Nolensville
Photo by John Lamb under a C.C. 2.0 license
Median household income: $108,859
Median home price: $316,200
Average commute time: 29 minutes
For a small-town, relaxed vibe, look no further than Nolensville. The community, located southeast of Nashville in Williamson County, is fairly new as it was incorporated in 1996, and it currently comprises approximately 6,631 people. Although Nolensville is small, it’s growing steadily and has a lot to offer, including one-of-a-kind restaurants and breweries, highly-rated schools, parks and shops.
Franklin
Photo courtesy Historic Franklin
Median household income: $85,671
Median home price: $321,400
Average commute time: 24 minutes
Another south-of-Nashville suburb is Franklin, a city of more than 72,000 people that oozes historic charm. The 15-block Downtown Franklin Historic District has been named one of the Top 10 Great Neighborhoods by the American Preservation Association’s Great Places in America program, and the city has been featured on Livability.com’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list, as well as being recognized as one of our 10 Best Downtowns in the country. Franklin has high-ranking schools, adorable shops and eateries, pristine parks and dozens of annual festivals.
Kingston Springs
Photo by Hector A. Parayuelos under a C.C. 2.0 license
Median household income: $65,767
Median home price: $203,900
Average commute time: 28 minutes
A tight-knit community west of Nashville in Cheatham County, Kingston Springs is home to fewer than 3,000 residents. The quiet suburb is a top spot for outdoor recreation with 23 acres of well-maintained city parks, the Golf Club of Tennessee’s expertly-designed 18-hole course and canoeing and kayaking opportunities on the Harpeth River. Kingston Springs also lays claim to the Fillin’ Station, a fun bar and restaurant that attracts top musicians from around the world.
