Looking for rentals in Nashville? As one of the best places to live in the Southeast, Music City offers residents excellent dining, plenty of fun things to do, and budget-friendly rental options. Here are the five best places to rent a home in Nashville!
12 South
- Home Price: $1,983 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of Nashville neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 42%
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking for one of the most family-friendly Nashville neighborhoods with walkable streets, delicious restaurants, local boutiques, and a diverse community, check out 12 South! Nashville renters can choose from a variety of affordable apartments, as well as Tudor Revival, American Foursquare, and Craftsman-style bungalows. The community also comes together to enjoy fun events hosted by the 12 South Neighborhood Association, including the 12 South Halloween Parade and 12 South Home Tour. Plus, this Nashville neighborhood is conveniently located near I-440 and I-65, offering easy access to the rest of Music City! And with close proximity to Belmont University, 12 South is perfect for college students looking for homes to rent in Nashville.
Things to Do in 12 South
Let your kids run around the playground, attend the 12 South Farmers Market during the summer and fall months, or take fitness classes in the community center at Sevier Park. Catch a show from comedians like Matt McCusker and Ian Bagg at Zanies Comedy Night Club. Shop for clothing, jewelry, books, home decor, and much more at Whites Mercantile. Watch a musical, live music concert, dance recital, and more at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Grab a Cereal Milk Latte, or build your own Cereal Bowl, Ice Cream Swirl, or Milkshake at Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar. Try seafood dishes like the Crab Beignets, Shrimp & Grits, and Seared Scallops at Urban Grub. Sample authentic Lebanese food like the Za’atar Roasted Chicken, Sayadeya, and Lamb Shank at Epice. Or get a taste of the outback with dishes like the Aussie Sausage Roll, Aunty Joey’s Chicken Curry Pie, and the Ultimate Down Under Wonder Blunder at The Cookery.
Germantown
- Home Price: $1,947 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Nashville neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 76%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Nestled along the Cumberland River and just north of Downtown Nashville, you’ll find Germantown—one of the most historical and oldest neighborhoods in Nashville. This quaint area near the city center offers residents one of the best places to rent a home in Nashville, with plenty of housing options ranging from beautiful Victorian and Craftsman homes to modern lofts, townhomes, and condos. Germantown is mainly a residential area, though it does have rich traditions like the annual Nashville Oktoberfest—which features a pup parade, live Polka music, and contests like the Brat Eating Contest, Dachshund Derby, and 5k Bier Run. Residents also often travel just outside the neighborhood to spend the day perusing the year-round, indoor-outdoor Nashville Farmers’ Market.
Things to Do in Germantown
Learn all about Nashville history with exhibits like Forging a Nation, Tennessee Transforms, and First Peoples at the Tennessee State Museum. Enjoy a night full of jokes and laughter when you catch a weekly comedy show at Backyard Comedy. Take a guided tour, explore the World War II Memorial, or visit the gift shop at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Shop for kitschy gifts and home goods, or take a candle pouring and perfumery workshop class at The Golden Slipper. Start your weekend with brunch dishes like the Breakfast Bowl, Monkey Bread, and Cajun Steak Benedict at Germantown Cafe. Craving Italian food in Nashville? Try the Macaroni Arrabbiata, Chicken Parmigiana, and Radiatori Vodka at Pelato. Get a taste of Tex-Mex cuisine and barbecue when you order the Smoked Pork Chop, Loin Back Ribs, Chorizo Quinoa Tacos, and more at Butchertown Hall. Or make reservations to enjoy the Bacon Wrapped Quail or Meatloaf Sandwich and finish off with the Fried Apple Pie and Cranberry Ricotta Donuts for dessert at 5th & Taylor.
Green Hills
- Home Price: $1,958 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Nashville neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 32%
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without sacrificing big amenities, Green Hills is the perfect place to settle down! Not only is it one of the safest Nashville neighborhoods to live in, but it’s also a popular choice for renters. Residents can choose from a variety of housing styles ranging from affordable apartments and townhomes to quaint bungalow, Tudor, Colonial, and Cape Cod style-homes. By moving to the Green Hills neighborhood, you’ll have easy access to great restaurants and shopping, as well as close proximity to quality healthcare and education with nearby Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West and Lipscomb University.
Things to Do in Green Hills
Catch a live music performance at the iconic Bluebird Cafe—known for hosting legendary musicians and songwriters. Spend the day shopping at high-end stores and luxury retailers like Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Arhaus at The Mall at Green Hills. Take a tour to view the displays of Contemporary art paintings and sculptures at Bennett Galleries Nashville. Stroll through 55 acres of beautiful botanical gardens like the Bradford Robertson Color Garden and Blevins Japanese Garden at nearby Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Get your caffeine fix by starting your morning with an Iced Cuban, Chai Tea Latte, or Refresher at The Well Coffeehouse. Try authentic Mexican food in Nashville like the Green Enchiladas, Tacos de Carnitas, and Burrito Mojado at El Palenque. Enjoy watching sports while having elevated bar food—like the BBQ Sando or Cali Club with a side order of Loaded Fries—at Crow’s Nest Restaurant. Or order the Filet Mignon, Lemon Artichoke Chicken, and Shrimp Pignoli at Green Hills Grille.
Midtown
- Home Price: $2,214 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Nashville neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 75%
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families
If you’re looking to rent a home in one of the most lively and bustling urban Nashville neighborhoods, it’s hard to find a better area than Midtown. Residents who are working or attending classes have quick, convenient access to Vanderbilt University—one of the best universities in the nation! Plus, this popular area of town is full of everything you could want and need. From a bustling nightlife scene and affordable housing to plenty of fun things to do, this is one of the best neighborhoods for singles and young professionals looking to rent an apartment in Nashville.
Things to Do in Midtown
Let your furry friend run around the dog park, visit the art gallery inside the full-scale replica of the Athenian Parthenon, or catch a live music performance in Musicians Corner at Centennial Park. Watch musical acts like Redferrin, Dylan Marlowe, and Natalie Jane perform onstage at EXIT/IN. Watch the Vanderbilt Commodores (NCAA D-1) score touchdowns or hit home runs at FirstBank Stadium and Charles Hawkins Field. Go ice skating, swim some laps, or play a game of pickleball at Centennial Sportsplex. Looking for the best brunch spot in Nashville? Try the Fried Green Tomato Benedict, Fried Chicken Biscuits, and French Toast at Midtown Cafe. Enjoy daily live music while sinking your teeth into the Nashville Hot Chicken, Grilled Catfish Tacos, and Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon at The Row Kitchen & Pub. Dig into gourmet sliders like the Nashvilly, PB&B, and Jack FM at The Slider House. Or end the night with a sweet treat like a Nutter Butter Milkshake, Banana Split, or The Famous Soda at Elliston Place Soda Shop.
Sylvan Park
- Home Price: $1,723 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Nashville neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 41%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, retirees
Sylvan Park is a peaceful place to live for renters in Nashville that offers a variety of things to do, with plenty of restaurants and local shops along Charlotte Ave. Those moving to Sylvan Park can find rental opportunities in several apartments or a mix of historic Victorian, Craftsman, American Foursquare, and newer construction homes. Families can stay active and enjoy the outdoors with nearby parks, green spaces, and hiking trails, such as McCabe Park and England Park. Plus, Sylvan Park’s central location provides quick access to Downtown Nashville and other popular areas, making it convenient for commuting and exploring the city.
Things to Do in Sylvan Park
Practice your golf game and go for a birdie on the 27-hole course at McCabe Golf Course. Take all-ages dance classes for children or adults at the Nashville Ballet. Browse vinyl records, comic books, games, collectibles, and more at The Great Escape. Shop for specialty cheeses, become a member of the cheese club, or attend tastings and workshops at GREYS Fine Cheeses and Entertaining. Try the Mexican Street Corn Caesar, Chicken Mamacita, and West Coast Radish salads and grain bowls at Radish Kitchen. Sink your teeth into an order of the Pineapple Caramel Chicken Wings, Katsu Chicken Tacos, and the Fish Filet at Red Perch. Order the Lasagna Bolognese, Lamb Shank Toscana, and Salmon Rustica at Caffe Nonna. Or have the Barbacoa Tacos with a side order of Sweet Potato Wedges while sipping margaritas like the Ghost Pepper or The Cosmic Cactus at Pancho and Lefty’s Cantina.
***
Moving to Nashville? Extra Space Storage has several self storage facilities throughout Nashville, Tennessee to help with your transition. Find cheap storage near you!
Housing data from RentCafe. Neighborhood data from AreaVibes.