Best Places to Live in East Nashville: Walkable Streets, New Builds & Local-Favorite Neighborhoods
If you ask ten locals to draw the borders of East Nashville, you will probably get ten different maps. What almost everyone agrees on, though, is that the east side has its own personality that feels different from the rest of the city.
Tree-lined historic streets, colorful murals, chef-driven restaurants, and neighbors who actually know one another have turned East Nashville into a destination for buyers who want character and community. Many neighborhood guides highlight its arts scene, great local pride, and eclectic mix of homes and businesses.
If you are thinking about a move in and around Nashville, choosing the right pocket of East Nashville is one of the most important decisions you can make. Each micro neighborhood has its own feel, housing options, and level of day-to-day buzz.
This guide walks through the best places to live in East Nashville, which area fits best, and how new construction communities from Legacy South can plug you into the East Side’s energy with the comfort of a modern home.
Table Of Contents
What Makes East Nashville Different
How To Choose The Right Part Of East Nashville
Best Places To Live In East Nashville
Living Near Parks, Greenways, And The Cumberland River
New Construction Options In East Nashville
Who East Nashville Is Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion And Key Takeaways
What Makes East Nashville Different
East Nashville started as one of the city’s early streetcar suburbs, and many of its homes still reflect that history, from Victorian and Craftsman houses to sturdy mid-century cottages. Recent neighborhood guides describe the area as hip, walkable, and packed with independent businesses rather than chains.
A few things make East Nashville stand out:
Character in the streetscape, with front porches, mature trees, and historic architecture often sitting next to thoughtful infill homes.
A strong local scene, where coffee shops, restaurants, record stores, and small venues are part of daily life rather than an occasional treat.
Community pride that shows up in neighborhood festivals, block parties, and long-term residents who talk about the area like a small town inside the city.
Easy access to downtown, depending on where you live, with short drives across the river into the core.
The question is not whether East Nashville is interesting. The real question is which part of it feels right for your everyday life.
How To Choose The Right Part Of East Nashville
Before you fall in love with a specific listing, it helps to step back and think about how you actually live.
Ask yourself:
How close do you want to be to downtown and major interstates?
Whether you are looking for historic charm, new construction, or a mix.
If you want to be in the middle of the action or a few blocks back on a quieter street.
How important is walkability to restaurants, coffee shops, and parks to you?
Whether you lean more toward long-term value and growth potential or toward already established, premium streets.
You can think of East Nashville in three simple bands:
Core hotspots, where the east side’s food, nightlife, and energy are most concentrated.
Classic historic neighborhoods with mature trees and a strong residential feel.
Up-and-coming pockets that offer value, new construction, or both are often a little farther from the busiest corners.
Best Places To Live In East Nashville
Below are some of the most frequently recommended East Nashville neighborhoods for homebuyers. Each one offers a different mix of character, convenience, and pace.
Five Points And Surrounding Streets
Five Points is often called the social heart of East Nashville. The intersection around Woodland and 11th is a cluster of restaurants, bars, vintage shops, and coffee spots that stays busy from morning into late night.
Living around Five Points usually means:
Short walks to restaurants, pizza, cocktails, and coffee.
A mix of renovated older homes, townhomes, and newer infill properties.
More street activity and noise than in deeper residential pockets, especially on weekends.
Best for:
People who want to step out the door and immediately feel the East Side’s energy.
Buyers who like the idea of hosting friends before walking to dinner or a show.
Lockeland Springs
Lockeland Springs is one of East Nashville’s most picturesque historic neighborhoods. It is known for its beautifully restored Victorian, Craftsman, and Tudor homes on tree-lined streets, with a calm residential feel that remains close to shops and restaurants.
Living in Lockeland Springs typically offers:
Stately homes with character details, large porches, and established landscaping.
Easy access to local restaurants as well as nearby parks and greenways.
A strong sense of community, with neighborhood events and many long-time residents.
Best for:
Buyers who value historic architecture and are comfortable with a premium price point.
Households looking for an established, quiet residential neighborhood that still feels close to the action.
Shelby Hills And Shelby Park Area
Shelby Hills sits on the hillside above the river and offers views toward the skyline, plus quick access to Shelby Park and the connected greenway system.
Living here often means:
Short walks or bike rides to park trails, playgrounds, and river views.
A blend of older homes with character and newer construction on deep lots.
Residential streets that are quieter than commercial stretches but still close to them.
Best for:
People who want daily access to parks and outdoor space without giving up an urban address.
Buyers who split time between neighborhood restaurants and long walks or bike rides.
Eastwood And Greenwood
Eastwood and Greenwood sit slightly north and east of the busiest Five Points blocks and are often described as classic East Nashville neighborhoods with a mix of early twentieth-century homes and thoughtful infill.
Life in these pockets tends to include:
Tree-lined streets with bungalows, cottages, and newer homes that echo historic styles.
A quieter feel than Five Points, but still a short drive or bike ride to restaurants and downtown.
A strong residential community atmosphere, with neighbors who tend to know one another.
Best for:
Buyers who want the traditional East Side look and feel.
Households that want quieter streets while staying reasonably close to nightlife and dining.
Inglewood
Inglewood stretches farther north along Gallatin Pike and has a reputation for feeling almost like a small town within the city. It offers older ranch homes, cottages, and larger lots, plus a growing mix of independent businesses.
Living in Inglewood usually means:
More space, including bigger yards and more distance between homes.
A quieter, more laid-back feel than some core east side spots.
A variety of home ages and styles, including good renovation opportunities.
Best for:
Buyers who want a neighborhood feel and room to spread out, with reasonable access to downtown.
Families or remote workers who prioritize space and quiet over being able to walk to late-night venues.
Rosebank
Rosebank sits closer to the river and is known for its proximity to parks, water views, and winding streets. It blends older homes and newer builds in a setting that feels tucked away yet still connected.
Living in Rosebank offers:
Quick access to riverfront green spaces and trails.
A quieter, more secluded feel than some central neighborhoods.
A mix of homes that appeal to long-term residents and newer arrivals.
Best for:
People who want a strong connection to the river and outdoor recreation.
Buyers who like being a little off the beaten path, yet close to the city.
McFerrin Park And Cleveland Park
McFerrin Park and Cleveland Park are close to each other, just across the river from downtown. They are often described as up-and-coming areas that combine older homes, new modern builds, and very easy access to downtown and core East Nashville.
Residents here often enjoy:
Very short drives to downtown offices and stadium events.
A visible wave of renovation and new construction.
A city that still includes neighborhood parks and quieter side streets.
Best for:
Buyers who want to be close to downtown and are comfortable with a more urban environment.
Investors or first-time buyers looking in areas with ongoing redevelopment.
Maxwell Heights
Maxwell Heights is a smaller, quiet neighborhood that appears in some East Nashville lists as a diverse residential pocket with historic homes and a mix of long-time residents and young families.
Living in Maxwell Heights can mean:
Tree-lined streets with older homes full of character.
A friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.
Walking and driving access to nearby restaurants and shops without being directly on top of them.
Best for:
Buyers who want a quieter, more residential feel that still connects easily to the rest of the east side.
Households looking for a neighborhood where people tend to know their neighbors.
Living Near Parks, Greenways, And The Cumberland River
One of East Nashville’s biggest advantages is how easy it can be to get outside. Many residents see access to parks and greenways as a non-negotiable part of their decision.
Living near parks and greenways might include:
The area around Shelby Park and Shelby Bottoms Greenway, where you can bike, walk, or run for miles along the river.
Streets that curve toward the water in neighborhoods like Rosebank and Shelby Hills, offering views and access to trails.
Smaller pocket parks tucked into historic neighborhoods such as Lockeland Springs and Inglewood.
If access to outdoor space is a top priority, it makes sense to focus your search on these park-adjacent pockets.
New Construction Options In East Nashville
Many East Nashville homes are historic or mid-century, which is a big part of the area’s charm. At the same time, not every buyer wants to take on an older home with unknown maintenance needs.
That is where new construction communities from Legacy South come in. Legacy South has placed several communities in and around East Nashville, so you can have both the location and the comfort of a modern home.
Taylor: Urban Townhome Living In East Nashville
Taylor is a townhome community in East Nashville that sits only minutes from downtown. It offers quick access to some of the city’s best restaurants and music venues, along with low-maintenance living and thoughtful floor plans designed for modern life.
Taylor is a good fit if you:
Want townhome living with contemporary design and finishes.
Plan to split your time between East Nashville, downtown, and nearby interstates.
Like the idea of an intentional community feel instead of a scattered single infill home.
Highland Gardens: Single Family Homes With East Side Access
Highland Gardens offers single-family homes in Nashville with generous square footage and modern layouts. Homes include multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, open concept living spaces, and designs that support entertaining, working from home, or both.
Highland Gardens is ideal if you:
Want a detached home with a modern layout instead of a renovation project.
Prefer a neighborhood setting, within a short drive of East Nashville’s core streets and downtown.
Need extra space for a home office, guests, or a growing household.
When East Nashville Is The Right Fit Versus Other Areas
East Nashville is not the only appealing part of the city, but it does offer a specific mix.
It is usually the right fit if you want:
A strong local identity with independent businesses and arts.
A large concentration of historic homes and character-filled streets.
Easy access to parks, the river, and downtown.
If you want very large yards and newer master planned suburbs, or you prefer a quieter, more traditional suburban environment, you might compare East Nashville with areas like Madison, Donelson, or Hermitage. Those are excellent options for a different kind of lifestyle, and Legacy South has communities there as well.
For buyers who want character, community, and a sense of being in the mix, East Nashville usually deserves a very close look.
Who East Nashville Is Best For
East Nashville can work for many kinds of buyers, but it tends to be especially attractive if you are:
A creative professional or entrepreneur who values local coffee shops, music, and walkable streets.
A first-time buyer who wants to balance character, commute, and potential long-term value.
A family looking for tree-lined streets, nearby parks, and community events.
A remote worker who wants to spend more time in your neighborhood and less time in the car.
An investor or second-time buyer who understands the East Side’s track record for growth and revitalization.
If that sounds like you, the next step is to narrow down the specific neighborhood and home type that fits your day-to-day life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Nashville A Good Place To Live?
Yes. East Nashville is consistently ranked among the most desirable parts of the city, thanks to its vibrant arts scene, independent restaurants, and strong community feel. It combines historic homes, walkable streets, and local pride in a way that is hard to duplicate elsewhere.
What Are The Safest Areas In East Nashville?
Safety can vary by block and can change over time, so it is important to review current crime statistics, visit in person, and talk to a local real estate professional. Some resources list areas such as East End and Historic Edgewood as safer, but you should always confirm based on your own comfort and the most recent information.
How Far Is East Nashville From Downtown?
Depending on where you live in East Nashville, downtown is typically a few minutes to around fifteen minutes away by car. Neighborhoods close to the river and major corridors tend to have the fastest commute, while areas deeper into Inglewood or farther north may add a few minutes.
Is East Nashville Good For Families?
Many families choose East Nashville for its parks, community events, tree-lined streets, and easy access to both neighborhood amenities and downtown attractions. Lockeland Springs, Inglewood, and park adjacent areas like Shelby Hills and Rosebank often appear on family-oriented neighborhood lists. School preferences and commute needs will still play a major role in your final choice.
Can I Find New Construction In East Nashville?
Yes. While older homes are a big part of the east side’s charm, there are newer homes and townhomes scattered throughout the area. Purpose-built communities like Taylor, Walton Station, and Highland Gardens offer new construction in and near East Nashville, with modern layouts and community-focused design for buyers who want location and peace of mind together.
Conclusion And Key Takeaways
East Nashville is not just one neighborhood. It is a patchwork of historic streets, up-and-coming pockets, riverfront hillsides, and new construction communities, all stitched together by local pride and a shared sense of place.
Choosing the best place to live here means going beyond simple labels. It is about walking the streets at different times of day, watching how people use the parks and businesses, and being honest about how you want your everyday life to feel.
For some, that will mean being right next to Five Points. For others, it will mean a quiet block in Inglewood or a new townhome in a Legacy South community that offers modern comfort a short drive from downtown.
Key takeaways:
Start with your daily routine and think about how often you go downtown, where you work, and how much you value walkability versus quiet.
Use neighborhood bands to narrow your search: core hotspots, classic historic streets, and up-and-coming pockets a bit farther out.
Match each East Nashville neighborhood to your priorities, whether that is nightlife, parks and greenways, bigger yards, or a strong community vibe.
Consider new construction communities like Taylor and Highland Gardens if you want East Nashville access with modern layouts and lower maintenance.
Visit at different times of day and trust how you feel on the street; the right block will start to feel like home long before you move in.
