Moving To Nashville Tenn: Top 10 Suburbs You'll Want to Call Home in 2025
Moving To Nashville Tenn: Top 10 Suburbs You'll Want to Call Home in 2025
Thinking about Moving To Nashville Tenn? As a native Nashvillian and local realtor, I've put together an honest, neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to the top 10 suburbs people are talking about for 2025. This article is based on rankings from third-party sources and on-the-ground experience—so whether you’re hunting for lake life, top-rated schools, historic charm, or a family-friendly cul-de-sac, you’ll find the perspective you need to narrow your search.
Why “Moving To Nashville Tenn” is more than choosing a city
If you’re Moving To Nashville Tenn, you need to know one thing up front: Nashville isn’t a single neighborhood with one vibe. It’s a diverse region made up of small towns, bedroom communities, lakeside hideaways, historic downtowns, and upscale enclaves. Each community has its own character, price points, commute considerations, school systems, and trade-offs.
That means choosing where to live is a little like matchmaking—you’re not just shopping for a house, you’re choosing a lifestyle. And yes, “there’s a place for everyone.” But finding the right place takes research, local insight, and a clear sense of priorities. Below I walk through the top 10 suburbs to help you do just that.
How I ranked these suburbs
These communities are pulled from a combination of reputable third-party rankings (Niche, DreamFindersHomes, and others) and local knowledge. For each suburb I cover the median home price, the schools, safety, typical lifestyle, pros and cons, and who this area best fits. My goal is to make your move smoother and to save you hours of scrolling late at night on Zillow while you try to figure out which neighborhood suits your needs.
Quick note: resources I recommend
- Download a relocation guide—no fluff, just local facts to get you started.
- Use localized search tools that let you filter by community so you don’t accidentally search the wrong city limits.
- Talk to a local realtor for a 30-minute strategy call if you’re serious—location, timing, and school boundaries all matter.
Top 10 Suburbs (in reverse order): What to expect
10 — Spring Hill
Median home price (approx.): $525,000 (varying by side of town)
Why Spring Hill ranks here: Spring Hill offers relative affordability compared to Franklin and Brentwood while still delivering newer construction, sidewalks, and an active family community vibe. It sits on the southern side of Williamson County and spills into Maury County—so one of the main value distinctions is which county your home is in.
Schools and value: The Williamson County side commands premium prices because those schools are among the top in Tennessee. If you’re Moving To Nashville Tenn with school priorities, that county line matters a lot.
Pros: Newer neighborhoods, family-friendly amenities, easy access to daily shopping and big-box retailers.
Cons: Traffic and infrastructure struggles from rapid growth—expect longer commutes at peak hours.
Best for: Growing families who want newer homes and top schools without Franklin/Brentwood price tags (on the Williamson side).
9 — Murfreesboro
Median home price (approx.): $420,000
Why it ranks here: Murfreesboro is a mini city—home to Middle Tennessee State University, a classic downtown square, and plenty of shopping and services. It’s one of the more affordable options inside the greater SMSA.
Schools and institutions: Rutherford County schools are solid, and the presence of MTSU adds higher-education energy, cultural events, and college-town amenities.
Pros: A true downtown with dining and boutique shopping, inexpensive housing options, and amenities close to home—great for those who prefer not to commute into Nashville every day.
Cons: Crime rates vary by neighborhood; it’s higher than some tiny suburbs, so neighborhood selection matters.
Best for: Buyers wanting affordability with city-like conveniences, students, faculty, and professionals who want a mid-sized city feel while Moving To Nashville Tenn.
8 — Hendersonville
Median home price (approx.): $475,000
Why it ranks here: Known as the “city by the lake,” Hendersonville lives and breathes Old Hickory Lake. If lake days, boating, and relaxed weekends are your priority, Hendersonville is a natural draw.
Schools and safety: Sumner County scores above average for elementary and high school performance, and the city offers family-friendly, low-crime suburban living.
Pros: Weekend lake life, parks, festivals, and a calmer pace than downtown Nashville. About a 45-minute drive to downtown Nashville.
Cons: Commute times can add up, and peak-season lake traffic can be a factor on certain weekends.
Best for: Families who love the water, second-home buyers seeking lake access, and buyers who want suburban calm with recreational amenities.
7 — Oak Hill
Median home price: high (luxury market)
Why it ranks here: Oak Hill is an upscale enclave just south of downtown. The appeal is privacy, expansive lots, established trees, and proximity to top private and public schools.
Schools and lifestyle: Think private schools many have heard of (the area provides easy access to Harpeth Hall, Father Ryan, and others), plus proximity to Percy Warner parks and Radnor Lake State Park for outdoor lovers.
Pros: Privacy, prestigious schools, large lots, and a peaceful, almost park-like setting within easy reach of the city.
Cons: High buy-in price, larger yards (which require upkeep), and architectural controls that can limit renovations. Oak Hill doesn’t have its own police force—municipal services vary by area.
Best for: Buyers seeking established luxury neighborhoods, natural settings, and top-tier school access while still being a quick drive into Nashville.
6 — Forest Hills
Median home price: very high (exclusive)
Why it ranks here: Right next to Oak Hill, Forest Hills is another exclusive neighborhood with extremely large lots, a quiet, tucked-away feel, and long-time residents who rarely leave.
Schools and character: Zoned for top Davidson County public schools and conveniently positioned close to private school options. The area’s history means many properties are being renovated or replaced by custom new builds.
Pros: Safety, privacy, mature landscapes, and access to Radnor Lake and parkland. It’s Old Money meets nature preserve—if you like that, you’ll love Forest Hills.
Cons: Very high costs, limited inventory (homes rarely come up for sale), and the maintenance associated with large properties.
Best for: Established buyers wanting privacy, space, and easy access to the best nature preserves around Nashville while remaining close to the city.
5 — Thompson's Station
Median home price (approx.): $750,000 (as of Aug 2025)
Why it ranks here: Thompson's Station gives rural charm with modern conveniences—rolling farmland, new subdivisions, and a close-knit community feel. It’s in far southern Williamson County, past Franklin but before Spring Hill.
Schools and community: Great Williamson County schools are a major draw. The area is seeing rapid growth and new developments that combine rural aesthetics with modern neighborhood amenities.
Pros: Strong community, scenic rolling hills, close proximity to Franklin for dining and shopping, high-quality schools.
Cons: Limited interstate access—no direct I-65 interchange in town—so commuting can be slow. Infrastructure is playing catch-up with growth.
Best for: Buyers looking for a rural vibe without sacrificing excellent schools or wanting acreage near Franklin and Nashville.
4 — Mount Juliet
Median home price (approx.): $500,000
Why it ranks here: Mount Juliet is often called the “city between the lakes” (Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake). Providence Marketplace is the major amenity—a retail hub with shopping, dining, and offices that keep a majority of jobs right in Mount Juliet.
Schools and growth: Wilson County schools have expanded rapidly to meet growth and remain well regarded.
Pros: Balances safe suburban neighborhoods with retail convenience; many people live and work locally without daily drives into Nashville. Close to the airport as well.
Cons: Rapid growth can mean new construction zones and changing traffic patterns.
Best for: Families and professionals looking for convenience, lake proximity, and a suburban lifestyle within a short drive of Nashville.
3 — Franklin
Median home price (approx.): $950,000 (wide range depending on historic vs. new)
Why it ranks here: Franklin’s ranking slipped slightly due to price pressures, but there’s a reason it’s consistently rated among the best small cities in America: history, charm, festivals, and a walkable downtown that feels like a small city with big heart.
Schools and character: Williamson County schools remain top-tier. Downtown Franklin’s safety and historical character are major draws. This area is teeming with boutiques, festivals (think Dickens of a Christmas and others), and Civil War history.
Pros: Historic appeal, strong community events calendar, excellent dining and shopping in a compact downtown.
Cons: Price—expect to pay a premium for historic homes and proximity to the downtown core.
Best for: Buyers who value historic charm, walkability, festivals, and a strong sense of community culture while Moving To Nashville Tenn.
2 — Brentwood
Median home price (approx.): $1,100,000
Why it ranks here: Brentwood is classic suburban luxury with top Williamson County schools, large homes, excellent parks, and easy access to corporate hubs in Cool Springs and Maryland Farms.
Schools and safety: Brentwood High and Ravenwood are powerhouses. Brentwood is incorporated with its own police force—safety and municipal services are strong.
Pros: Large lots, country clubs, greenways, trail systems, and proximity to major employers. This is where you find families looking for long-term roots and a stable investment in both home and school quality.
Cons: High cost of entry; expect to pay for the lifestyle. But for many families, saving on private school costs with top public schools makes financial sense.
Best for: Buyers wanting classic, upscale suburban life, top public schools, and proximity to major corporate centers.
1 — Nolensville
Median home price (approx.): $700,000 (note: prices continue to evolve)
Why it’s #1: According to the list I referenced, Nolensville(often pronounced by locals with slight variations) combines community charm, strong Williamson County schools, reasonable price for that county, and a family-oriented lifestyle. It’s become a top pick because it gives buyers a sweet spot—quality of life without Brentwood’s top-tier price tags.
Schools and safety: Located within the Williamson County School District, Nolensville benefits from the county’s strong educational reputation and a very family-friendly, safe environment.
Pros: Small-town charm with modern amenities—farmers markets, Friday night lights, family-focused community events, and new restaurants. Easy access to Cool Springs for higher-end shopping and big-box stores when you want them.
Cons: Infrastructure and growth growing pains—like other popular suburbs, roads and public services are working to catch up with demand.
Best for: Buyers who want a community-first lifestyle, excellent public schools, and a more reasonable entry point into Williamson County than some of the ultra-high-end enclaves.
How to choose the right suburb when Moving To Nashville Tenn
When you're Moving To Nashville Tenn, think through these questions before you start house hunting:
- What is your commute tolerance? (Daily into downtown, hybrid, or local work?)
- Are schools a top priority? If so, which school district matters most?
- What lifestyle do you want—lake days, urban nightlife, historic downtown strolls, or rural peace?
- How much yard and upkeep are you prepared for? Larger lots mean time or expense for maintenance.
- What is your budget and where does that place you in the market (Franklin vs. Spring Hill vs. Murfreesboro)?
Answer these and you’ll narrow your list fast. For many buyers, the school district and commute are the top two filters that quickly eliminate or highlight neighborhoods.
Search smarter: my recommended local tools
One of the most common frustrations I hear is “I don’t know which community Zillow is showing.” To cut through that noise, use a targeted local search tool that lets you choose a community name and see only listings inside those boundaries. My website (which I use to help clients) highlights each suburb and lets you run a home search with community filters and price parameters.
Want an example? You can search a neighborhood, pick your price range, and see exactly what’s available—no guessing whether a listing is in Williamson, Maury, Rutherford, or Davidson County. If you’re Moving To Nashville Tenn, this kind of accuracy saves time and prevents surprises when you go to see a property in person.
On that site you can:
- View each suburb highlighted on a map so you can see proximity to Nashville and to neighboring towns.
- Filter by price, beds, baths, lot size, and school zone.
- Download my relocation guide to get local rules, average utility costs, and realistic commute times.
Practical tips for your move
Moving is stressful—especially when you’re also learning a new region. Here are practical tips that I share with every relocating client:
- Plan a reconnaissance trip: Spend a day in each neighborhood you’re seriously considering. Visit the downtown, dine out, drive the school routes, and check the commute during rush hour.
- Bring a local expert in sooner rather than later: A 30-minute strategy call can help you map out realistic neighborhoods and budget expectations.
- Know your school boundaries: School zones change, and county lines matter more than many people realize when it comes to price and taxes.
- Expect growth-related trade-offs: Many suburbs are rapidly expanding, which means both new amenities and new traffic patterns.
- Think long term about resale: Popular school districts and neighborhoods adjacent to greenways and lakes tend to hold value.
Final thoughts on Moving To Nashville Tenn
If you’re Moving To Nashville Tenn, congratulations—you’re looking at one of America’s most dynamic regions. Whether you’re drawn to historic Franklin festivals, lake weekends in Hendersonville, the convenience of Mount Juliet, or the upscale comfort of Brentwood and Oak Hill, there’s a place that fits your priorities.
Remember: the “best” suburb depends on what matters to you—schools, price, commute, lifestyle, or green space. Use this guide to start a focused search and then visit the areas in person. Consider a relocation guide and a short planning call to get a tailored strategy that saves time and money.
If you want help creating that game plan—whether you plan to arrive in six weeks or two years—I offer a 30-minute consultation to help map out neighborhoods and realistic budgets. A little upfront planning goes a long way toward making your move smooth and joyful.
Good luck, and welcome to Middle Tennessee. There’s a place for everyone here—we’ll find yours together.

Susan Thetford
As a Nashville native, real estate agent, and retired general contractor, I bring a unique perspective to home buying and selling. My background allows me to help clients understand a home’s true potential, costs, and value—beyond what meets the eye.
With my mother-daughter real estate team, we provide a seamless, client-first experience with personalized service and expert guidance.