Thinking about living in Nashville? Tennessee’s capital city continues to be a popular destination for young people, thanks to its 2.9% unemployment rate, an expanding healthcare industry, more than 15 colleges and universities, and some of the best live music venues in the country. If you’re looking for the best neighborhoods in Nashville for singles and young professionals, check out these five trendy, affordable neighborhoods!
| Neighborhood | Downtown | Germantown | The Gulch | Midtown | Music Row |
| Safer than % of the state | 2% | 85% | 2% | 2% | 2% |
| Median Home Price | $800,00 | $505,000 | $690,000 | $776,500 | $767,500 |
| Average Rent Price | $2,496 | $1,845 | $2,438 | $2,496 | $1,945 |
| Median Household Income | $96,776 | $78,972 | $63,834 | $96,776 | $73,646 |
| Median Age | 31.2 | 30.9 | 31 | 31.2 | 28 |
Use our free cost of living calculator to see how your budget would work in Nashville.
Downtown
As the heart of Music City, Downtown is one of the best areas in Nashville for young professionals and singles. With modern apartments and condos right in the center of the action, residents can easily commute to work and visit the many top-rated restaurants, bars, and live music venues along Lower Broadway—also called “Honky Tonk Highway“. The neighborhood is also home to some of the city’s top attractions, including the Tennessee State Capitol, Music City Walk of Fame, and the Johnny Cash Museum, so there’s never a shortage of things to do in Downtown Nashville!
Things to Do in Downtown Nashville
Check out exhibits on award-winning artists and bands at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum and Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Attend concerts, comedy shows, or go on a guided backstage tour at the Ryman Auditorium. Cheer on the Nashville Predators (NHL) at the Bridgestone Arena—or catch the Tennessee Titans (NFL) at Nissan Stadium. Enjoy a Shrimp Po Boy, Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo, or a Fried Alligator Basket at Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar. Savor Dry-Aged Strip Steak, Smoked Baby Back Ribs, or Double Cut Smoked Porkchop at The Southern Steak & Oyster. Order Crawfish Gnocchi, Diver Scallops, or New Zealand Rack of Lambs at Skull’s Rainbow Room. Or enjoy a Smashburger, Blackened Chicken Sandwich, Chipotle Avocado Salad at Pinewood.
Germantown
Despite being a more suburban area, Germantown is one of the best places to live in Nashville for young adults, thanks to its walkability, renovated Victorian apartments and pre-Civil War-era home styles, outdoor recreation at Morgan Recreation Center, and proximity to the year-round Nashville Farmers Market in North Capitol. Because the neighborhood was originally founded by German immigrants, it has a uniquely European vibe, which makes it the perfect home for singles and young professionals who love strolling down brick streets and sitting on patios with a cup of coffee or a beer when the weather is nice.
Things to Do in Germantown
Learn more about the history of The Volunteer State, The Civil War, and Art in Tennessee at the Tennessee State Museum. Sign up for six-week jazz classes like The Art of Harmony, Art of The Trio, and Mastering the Nashville Number System at the Nashville Jazz Workshop. Go on a guided tour, stop by the World War II Memorial, or see one of the 99 time capsules at the 11-acre Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.Catch a Nashville Sounds (MiLB) game, attend a food festival, or host a private event for friends at First Horizon Park. Catch a Tennessee Titans game on TV, join Wednesday night trivia, or stop by for happy hour drinks at Germantown Pub. Order Striped Bass, Cecamariti, or Pastured Chicken at Rolf and Daughters. Make a reservation at 5th & Taylor for a sophisticated take on Southern dishes like fried chicken, short rib, and meatloaf sandwich. Or sample a variety of naked oysters, clams, and scallops at Henrietta Red.
The Gulch
Located in a small corner of Downtown Nashville, The Gulch is an artsy urban neighborhood within walking distance of some of Music City’s best amenities, including Riverfront Park, The District, and iconic murals like What Lifts You Wings and Photowalk Nashville. Though the area doesn’t offer as much in terms of homeownership, The Gulch has plenty of modern condos, apartments, and studio lofts available for rent. This is one of the best places to live in Nashville for singles and young professionals who want to be close to job opportunities with major employers, excellent dining spots, and some of Nashville’s best cultural attractions!
Things to Do in The Gulch
Listen to local artists and bands like Richard Bennett Band, The Burnett Sisters, and The Amanda Cook Band at bluegrass venue The Station Inn. Get a taste of Nashville food, beverages, and art at the Gulch Night Market from May through December. Check out Impressionist and Realist paintings, and Art Deco architecture at the Frist Art Museum. Relax on the green space, have a picnic with friends, or attend a community event at Noble Park.Try craft brews Pirouette IPA, The Method, and Smile Lines at Marble Fox Brewing Co. Chow down a Hot Chicken Quesadilla, Hot Chicken Poutine, or “Nashville Hot” Half-Bird at Party Fowl. Feast on the Atlantic Salmon, Turkey Avocado Wrap, or Chicken Fried Chicken at Neighbors Gulch. Or enjoy authentic Cajun dishes like the Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee, or Catfish Po Boy at The Gumbo Bros.
Midtown
If you’re looking for cool neighborhoods in Nashville, it’s hard to find a better area than Midtown. With trendy apartments and lofts for rent, outdoor recreation within walking distance, career opportunities at TriStar Centennial Medical Center and Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital, and some of the city’s hottest nightlife spots, Midtown is one of the best neighborhoods for singles and professionals. Because this Nashville neighborhood is so big, you can even find a smaller community within the area that fits your lifestyle—Vanderbilt, which houses Vanderbilt University, is obviously great for college students and university staff; Elliston Place is ideal for those who want to be at the center of Midtown’s nightlife; and West End is perfect for anyone looking for the blend of suburban living with urban amenities.
Things to Do in Midtown
See Nashville’s famous Parthenon, walk around Lake Watauga, or stroll through the Centennial Art Center gallery at the 132-acre Centennial Park. Check out artists like Your Neighbors, Never Easy, and Youth Lagoon at the concert venue, Exit/In. Settle in for amazing drag performances, strong drinks, and a long night of dancing at Play Dance Bar. Check out the Arts at Vanderbilt and enjoy live dance, music, and theatre performances in the neighborhood. Start your day with Carnitas Rancheros, Belgian Waffle, or a Triple Berry Acai Bowl at Sun & Fork. Dig into Southern fried comfort with a plate of hot chicken, waffles, or a grilled sandwich from Hattie B’s Hot Chicken. Or enjoy burgers, fries, and classic milkshakes at Elliston Place Soda Shop—one of Nashville’s oldest operating restaurants.
Music Row
As its name suggests, Music Row is the heart of Music City’s recording industry and home to some of the best live music in Nashville. With famous studios and labels like Historic RCA Studio B, Warner Music Nashville, and BMI in the area, Music Row is one of the best places to live in Nashville for musicians, songwriters, producers, and radio personalities. Because of its prime location between Midtown and Downtown, this Nashville neighborhood is also popular among singles and professionals who want quick commutes into the city for work and college students attending Belmont University or Vanderbilt University. While the neighborhood does have newly-constructed condos, single-family houses, and townhomes for purchase, residences in the area are primarily lofts and apartments for rent.
Things to Do in Music Row
See the beautiful Italian-influenced architecture, gardens, and collections at the Belmont Mansion. Watch Titans (NFL) games, join in for trivia, and enjoy live music on the weekends at Tin Roof. Drink cold beer, attend Tuesday comedy nights, or listen to live music featuring country music veterans and emerging artists at Bobby’s Idle Hour. Settle in for an intimate evening with craft cocktails like the Groundhog Day, the Bee’s Knees, or Ants on a Log at The Patterson House speakeasy. Sip cocktails, dance the night away, or have a private party with friends at Vibes Bar & Lounge. Grab a fresh-brewed coffee, breakfast burrito, or a Hunka Hunka Waffle at Just Love Coffee Cafe. Listen to live music while you munch on Nash Beignets, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Turkey Tacos at The Row Kitchen and Pub. Or dig in to a Beer Battered Fish Sandwich, Fellow’s Wings or Brisket Dip Sandwich at gastropub Five Odd Fellows.
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
Home prices from Redfin and RentCafe. Crime rates from AreaVibes.
