What Area Of The City Do We Want To Live In?
You can scroll listings for hours, save a dozen homes, and still end up asking the same question: what part of Nashville is actually right for us.
Maybe one of you wants the buzz of East Nashville, while the other keeps clicking on quieter streets or more affordable homes in Madison or Murfreesboro. With so many “best neighborhoods in Nashville” guides, it can be hard to turn information into a clear decision.
This guide is designed to simplify that choice. Instead of just listing neighborhoods, we will:
Look at how different parts of Nashville live day to day.
Tie those areas to budget, commute, and home type.
Show where Legacy South communities fit across Nashville, Madison, and Murfreesboro.
By the end, you should have a short list of areas that feel like a true match, not just places you saw online.
Table Of Contents
How To Think About The Best Neighborhoods In Nashville
Key Questions To Answer Before You Pick An Area
A Simple Look At Nashville’s Main Living Areas
In The Heart Of Nashville
Just Outside The Core
Greater Nashville Region
In-Town Favorites: East Nashville, 12 South, The Gulch, And More
Value And Convenience North Of Downtown: Madison
Space And Suburban Comfort: Murfreesboro And The Southeast Corridor
How Legacy South Communities Fit Different Lifestyles
Step By Step: Narrow Down Where You Want To Live
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion And Key Takeaways
Key Takeaway
How To Think About The Best Neighborhoods In Nashville
Most “best neighborhoods in Nashville” articles focus on what is trendy. In reality, the best neighborhood is the one that fits your everyday routine. Recent local guides show buyers weighing commute, school options, and housing type just as heavily as restaurants and nightlife.
A helpful way to look at Nashville is by lifestyle zones:
Urban energy
Close-in residential neighborhoods
Greater Nashville regional hubs
Legacy South builds across these zones so you can choose a lifestyle first, then a home that matches it.
Key Questions To Answer Before You Pick An Area
Before you fall in love with a specific street, talk through a few questions together.
Daily Life
Do you picture walking to coffee shops, parks, and restaurants most days?
Or do you care more about a quiet street, easy parking, and quick highway access?
Commute And Flexibility
How long are you truly willing to spend in the car each day?
Would a hybrid or remote schedule make a slightly longer commute acceptable?
Home Type
Townhome with low maintenance.
Single-family home with a yard.
Lock and leave home so you can travel without worrying about upkeep.
Budget And Tradeoffs
Are you already at the top of your comfort zone?
Would you consider moving a little farther out to gain space or a newer home?
Schools And Resale
Even if schools are not top of mind right now, it is worth considering how school zones and future resale demand align across different areas, especially in family-friendly neighborhoods and nearby cities.
Once you answer these honestly, your list of possible areas gets much more focused.
A Simple Look At Nashville’s Main Living Areas
Instead of memorizing every neighborhood name, start with three big areas.
In The Heart Of Nashville
Think East Nashville, 12 South, The Gulch, Germantown, Midtown, Downtown, and SoBro. These are the areas most national and local guides highlight first.
What you can expect:
Short rideshare trips and strong walkability in many spots.
Dense mix of condos, townhomes, and older single-family homes.
Higher price tags in exchange for access and energy.
This zone is ideal if you want to feel the pulse of the city every day.
Just Outside The Core
Move a few minutes out, and you will find areas like Sylvan Park, The Nations, Green Hills, Donelson, Bellevue, Hermitage, and parts of South Nashville. These neighborhoods offer more traditional residential streets with solid access back into downtown.
Expect:
Quieter streets and easier parking.
Mix of older homes, infill, and some townhome communities.
A balance of commute time, school options, and daily convenience.
Greater Nashville Region
Finally, there are nearby cities such as Madison to the north and Murfreesboro to the southeast.
Madison is roughly eight to nine miles from downtown Nashville and is quickly becoming a “go-to” place to live as in-town prices rise.
Murfreesboro is about 35 miles southeast of downtown, with its own jobs, schools, and historic downtown, plus direct access via I-24.
This zone is ideal if you want more space, newer homes, and strong value, and you are comfortable with a longer commute on some days.
In-Town Favorites: East Nashville, 12 South, The Gulch, And More
East Nashville
East Nashville is known for its creative feel, independent restaurants, and mix of historic homes and modern infill. It is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods for buyers seeking character and a strong sense of place.
Every day life here often means:
Local coffee shops and restaurants are a short drive or bike ride away.
Eclectic housing stock, from cottages to contemporary builds.
Ongoing renovation and redevelopment on many blocks.
12 South
12 South is often described as a village within the city. It is highly walkable and well known for its boutiques, restaurants, and the “I Believe In Nashville” mural.
Expect:
Strong resale demand and limited inventory.
A premium price point for the lifestyle and location.
Parks, sidewalks, and steady foot traffic throughout the day.
The Gulch, Downtown, And SoBro
The Gulch and SoBro sit right next to downtown and offer a vertical, urban lifestyle centered around high-rise condos, hotels, and entertainment. These areas attract buyers who want to live close to offices, arenas, and nightlife.
Expect:
Condo living, often with amenities like pools and fitness centers.
Less of a traditional neighborhood feel, more of a city center experience.
Easy access to major attractions, but more traffic and visitors.
If this kind of urban energy is your priority, you will likely focus on in-town neighborhoods and nearby corridors like East Nashville before considering outer suburbs.
Value And Convenience North Of Downtown: Madison
Madison has emerged as one of the most talked-about value areas around Nashville. It combines small-town charm, river views in some pockets, and quick access to the city.
It sits about eight to nine miles north of downtown, reachable via Ellington Parkway and major interstates.
Community guides describe it as a growing “go to” choice as buyers get priced out of trendier in-town neighborhoods.
Day to day in Madison typically includes:
A manageable commute to downtown Nashville.
Established residential streets plus new gated communities.
A growing mix of local restaurants, coffee shops, and services.
Legacy South builds several communities in Madison, including Soren and The Chadwick, which offer:
Townhomes and single-family homes in gated settings.
Amenities such as a pool, cabana, fitness center, and dog park in select communities.
New construction at price points that are often more approachable than many in-town addresses.
You can explore Madison communities and available homes directly from Legacy South’s new homes search.
Space And Suburban Comfort: Murfreesboro And The Southeast Corridor
Murfreesboro is a regional hub with its own identity, about 35 miles southeast of downtown Nashville. Commute times to Nashville usually fall in the 40 to 60 minute range by car, depending on the time of day.
What you can expect in Murfreesboro:
Newer homes often have more square footage for the same budget.
Parks, greenways, and expanding shopping and dining options.
A strong family-friendly feel, its own job base, and schools.
Legacy South’s Tiger Hill community offers:
High-end townhomes with open concept layouts.
Upgraded finishes and primary bedrooms on the main level.
A location close to grocery stores, outdoor recreation, and schools.
If you want a newer home, more space, and a neighborhood that feels like its own small city, Murfreesboro is a strong contender.
How Legacy South Communities Fit Different Lifestyles
Legacy South is a Nashville-based builder focused on modern homes with character across the region, including Nashville, Madison, Murfreesboro, and Tims Ford Lake.
Urban-Adjacent: Nashville Communities
Communities such as Highland Gardens, Taylor, and the Urban Collection place you in or near Nashville’s core with:
Modern floor plans are designed for daily living and entertaining.
Access to Nashville’s expanding restaurant, arts, and employment centers.
Low-maintenance options that still feel like a true home instead of a generic unit.
North Of Downtown: Madison Communities
Soren and The Chadwick in Madison offer:
Gated neighborhoods with amenities that support an active lifestyle.
A balance of value, space, and proximity to downtown.
New-construction homes that reduce early-maintenance surprises.
Regional Hub: Murfreesboro
Tiger Hill in Murfreesboro gives you:
Townhomes with upgraded finishes and thoughtful layouts.
Quick access to shopping, outdoor recreation, and key roads.
A home in a city that offers a lower overall cost of living than Nashville, while still keeping you connected.
You can see all Legacy South communities and locations in one place, then explore the listings that fit your budget and timing.
Step By Step: Narrow Down Where You Want To Live
1. Draw Your Commute Circle
Map where you work most often, and choose a realistic commute time. That will naturally point you toward in-town, close-in, or greater Nashville areas.
2. Decide On Home Type First
If you prefer a townhome and low maintenance, you may lean toward communities like Tiger Hill in Murfreesboro or townhome offerings in Madison and Nashville. If a detached home is your priority, look closely at specific Legacy South communities that feature single-family homes.
3. Match Budget To Area
Use Legacy South’s new homes search to compare starting prices in Nashville, Madison, and Murfreesboro. This often makes tradeoffs between location and space very clear.
4. Spend Time In Each Shortlisted Area
Plan separate visits to an in-town neighborhood, a close-in area, and a regional hub like Madison or Murfreesboro. A few hours in each can tell you more than any online list.
5. Talk With A Legacy South New Home Sales Counselor
A New Home Sales Counselor can help you compare commute times, floor plans, and price ranges across multiple communities, so you do not have to start from scratch in each area. You can learn more about Legacy South’s process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are The Best Neighborhoods In Nashville For Young Professionals
Young professionals often focus on short commutes, walkability, and nightlife. Neighborhoods like Downtown, The Gulch, Germantown, Midtown, and East Nashville appear repeatedly in local recommendations for this group.
If you want a newer home close to this energy, Legacy South’s Nashville communities offer modern construction while keeping you connected to in-town amenities.
2. Which Areas Around Nashville Offer The Best Value Right Now
Value changes over time, but recent data highlights:
Antioch and the surrounding southeastern zip codes are strong volume leaders for total home sales.
Madison, north of downtown as a popular “next choice” when East Nashville prices climb.
Murfreesboro has a lower overall cost of living and more affordable housing than Nashville.
Legacy South’s Madison and Murfreesboro communities are well-positioned in these value-focused areas.
3. Is It Better To Live In Nashville Or Murfreesboro
It depends on your priorities.
Choose Nashville if access to in-town jobs, events, and nightlife is most important to you.
Choose Murfreesboro if you want more space, a newer home, and a lower overall cost of living, and you are comfortable with a longer commute into the city.
Legacy South offers communities in both areas so you can compare real homes, not just theoretical tradeoffs.
4. How Do Schools Affect Which Area We Should Choose
Many families use school zones as a starting filter, both inside Nashville and in nearby cities. Independent resources like GreatSchools or Niche, along with local district websites, can help you research specific schools and zones. Once you have a short list, you can match those areas to Legacy South communities.
5. How Can We Learn More About Each Neighborhood Before We Decide
Along with open houses and community tours, you can:
Explore neighborhood overviews from Visit Music City and other city guides to understand each area’s character.
Read updated local lists of the best neighborhoods in Nashville to see how experts rank price, walkability, and lifestyle.
Use Legacy South’s community pages to see how floor plans, amenities, and price ranges vary by area.
Conclusion And Key Takeaways
Choosing where to live in Nashville is ultimately about aligning your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans with the right part of the city.
In-town neighborhoods like East Nashville and 12 South give you energy and walkability at a premium price. Close-in areas balance quieter streets with good access. Regional hubs such as Madison and Murfreesboro offer some of the strongest combinations of value, space, and new construction homes, while still keeping you connected to everything that makes Nashville appealing.
Legacy South communities are intentionally placed across these zones so you can choose the area that fits best, then select a home that supports the way you actually live. When you match lifestyle to location and then to a specific home, the question “What area of the city do we want to live in?” becomes less stressful and more exciting.
Key Takeaways:
Start with lifestyle, commute, and budget instead of specific street names.
Use zones (in-town, close-in, greater Nashville region) to narrow your search.
Put Madison and Murfreesboro on your radar if you want new construction and strong value.
Let Legacy South’s mix of Nashville, Madison, and Murfreesboro communities help you connect the right area of the city with the right new home.
