Nashville Suburbs With The Easiest Commute to Downtown (2024)

Widely nicknamed “Music City” for its connection to both modern and traditional country Music, Nashville shines brightly as a star in the Southern United States. While the city is rife with fun attractions, including bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues galore, many homeowners want a bit more room to spread out and some much-needed peace and quiet. If you are looking to move to one of Nashville’s top-tier suburbs, you are in the right place. These incredibly desirable communities offer all of the conveniences of urban living without the downsides – and the best news is that you can still easily commute into work. With drives under thirty minutes, discover your new landing pad within reach of Nashville.

Brentwood, TN

Located in Williamson County, Brentwood is a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee and is one of the wealthiest cities in America. With an upscale quality of life and plenty of green spaces, Brentwood is an attractive place for residents of all ages. The area is home to about 45,000 residents, most of whom live in single-family homes with large lots and spacious backyards. Within the community, pride in history and tradition runs strong – there are numerous Southern estate-style homes that have been designated as historic landmarks. Coupled with Brentwood’s natural beauty, lush forests, and plentiful greenways, these striking homes set the tone for an elevated life just a short drive from Music City. While the area is 90% zoned for residential living, the 5% zoning for retail space is well-used. Residents of Brentwood enjoy a bustling retail district full of trendy eateries and shops as well as many locations with stunning outdoor seating, rooftop relaxation, and more. To top it all off, you will also find a few celebrities who call Brentwood their home. In addition to several well-known country artists, Jack White, Ben Folds, and Patrick Carney live in Brentwood as well. If you are thinking of making Brentwood your home, you can expect to pay around $1.45M to purchase a residence here.

Nolensville, TN

Situated along the scenic Mill Creek, Nolensville perfectly combines rural and suburban settings without getting too far away from the urban hustle and bustle of Nasshville proper. With cultural and entertainment options just a short drive away, you can head home to Nolensville to soak up a bit of natural beauty and some much-needed peace and quiet. The area offers a strong public school system and a tight-knit community, with thriving town organizations that put on festivals, fish fries, and other fun events to sprinkle an element of social vibrancy into the mix. Residents and visitors alike can appreciate the so-called “ABCs” of Nolensville: antiques, barbecue, and chicken. Of course, the Nashville area is known nationwide for its signature hot chicken, but Nolensville takes the food scene to the next level with some of the best barbecue joints around. Many Nashville natives will journey out to the town, just 22 miles southeast of Nashville itself, to spend a day poking around delightful antique shops selling Amish goods, local ice creameries, and more. With about 13,000 residents, Nolensville feels welcoming, small, and charming – but due to its proximity to Nashville (you can commute in under 30 minutes), it provides the best of both worlds. If you are looking for a quaint, small-town neighborhood just outside of Nashville, look no further than Nolensville. Typical home prices here average about $760K.

Goodlettsville, TN

Conveniently located just 12 miles north of Nashville, Goodlettsville is home to about 17,000 residents and covers land in two counties: Davidson and Sumner. While many would consider Goodlettsville a small town, it still has some big-city appeal. This mix of convenience paired with old-school history and charm has delighted both residents and visitors for years – and Goodlettsville is continually investing in bettering its main shopping district to make living there even more delightful. Picturesque parks make it easy to maintain an active lifestyle, while unique shopping and dining options such as retro thrift stores, tasty chicken joints, and even a vegan restaurant add to the appeal of this charming area. The city even has a mobile app to encourage visitors to learn more about local happenings and participate in the town’s vibrant culture. Goodlettsville is also home to a top-notch farmer’s market that attracts shoppers from all around the North Nashville area. With historic sites, Revolutionary War reenactments, and more, Goodlettsville has something for everyone. If you are considering making a home in Goodlettsville, you will have an enviable commute of under twenty minutes. Homes here typically cost around $405,000.

Franklin, TN

Situated just south of Nashville, Franklin is a key site in the American Civil War and is home to countless landmarks and historical sites, including the McGavock Confederate Cemetery and the Carnton Plantation. Striking architecture and a bustling main street bolster the charm of this popular destination, where you will see stately Southern homes complete with balconies and Greco-Roman pillars just down the street from brick shops and well-lit streets with adorable cafés and vintage stores. For those of drinking age, Franklin is also well-known for its diverse collection of breweries and distilleries, where you will often find a lively crowd enjoying the weather on an outdoor patio. Franklin’s historic main street is a 16-block district that has received awards for its preservation efforts – you can even take a quaint trolley to explore the sights at your own pace and learn more about the area’s storied past. With attractions for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike, Franklin truly has something for everyone. In just 23 minutes, you can commute from Franklin to Nashville, making it a great place for those who work in the city but desire some extra space to spread out. Wondering how much living in Franklin will cost you? The average price of a home ranges from $850K to over $1M.

Hendersonville, TN

On the banks of Old Hickory Lake, you will find the city of Hendersonville. With a population of about 60,000 people, Hendersonville is the most populous city in Sumner County and is a major suburb within the Nashville metropolitan area. Known as the “City on the Lake,” Hendersonville has attracted some of Music City’s top talent – the late Johnny Cash owned a home on the lake while he was alive. With verdant gardens, historical landmarks, and stately architecture, Hendersonville is a beautiful place to make your home without moving too far away from Nashville. For those who plan to commute into the city, expect a drive of about 27 minutes – you will be heading south down I-65 to get to the city. If you are looking at homes in the Nashville area, Henderson real estate is typically a solid middle ground in terms of pricing. Single-family residences in Henderson, Tennessee have recently sold for around $500K, give or take.

Why Buy a Home in a Nashville Suburb With an Easy Commute?

Nashville, known for its vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage, is a dream destination for many. But when it comes to buying a home, many prospective buyers are looking beyond the city limits. Suburbs surrounding Nashville offer a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience, making them ideal for those who want a peaceful living environment without sacrificing easy access to the city. In general, choosing to live in a suburb rather than the city center offers several advantages:

• Affordability: Suburban homes are often more affordable than those in the city center.
• Space: Enjoy more living space, including larger homes and yards.
• Community: Suburbs tend to have tight-knit communities with excellent schools and local amenities.
• Tranquility: Experience a quieter lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Nashville.
• Commute: Benefit from easy access to the city for work or leisure.