The city of Nashville, Tennessee, known for its vibrant music scene and Southern charm, also has a robust public transit system. Some neighborhoods have emerged as standouts for accessibility, convenience, and connectivity. If you're considering a move to Music City or simply looking to enhance your daily commute, take some time to learn about where the best neighborhoods for public transit are located.

Downtown Nashville

There's no more exciting place to call home in Nashville than downtown, especially for transit-friendly buyers. Nearly all of the city's WeGo Transit bus routes proceed through downtown on their paths around the city, with many starting and ending at the WeGo Central terminal at Charlotte Avenue and 4th Avenue North. Downtown residents can also take advantage of WeGo Transit's Star light rail service from the Riverfront station, which heads as far east as the city of Lebanon. The area also includes numerous Nashville BCycle stations, the city's bike share program that allows riders to pick up from one dock and drop off at another. 

Naturally, downtown offers plenty to do for those hanging around their neighborhood, including the exciting bars and honky-tonks of Lower Broadway and sports and live events of Bridgestone Arena. There are also dozens of the city's best restaurants within the community, as well as park space along the Cumberland River at Riverfront Park and, just across the river, Cumberland Park. 

Due to the dense nature of downtown, would-be buyers will find almost exclusively condos and other multi-household units. These start in the mid-$300s for one-bedroom units under 800 square feet, but can reach $3–5 million for expansive penthouse-style homes with between three and four bedrooms. Most Downtown Nashville real estate ranges between $600,000 and $900,000. Buildings can also vary widely between high-end, amenity-rich luxury developments and older, more moderate options. 

Watkins Park

Watkins Park takes its name from the green space that forms its core, the city's first public park when it opened in 1901. It's a transit-friendly neighborhood great for bus users, thanks to lines that reach nearly every corner of the city, including the heart of downtown. It's also walkable to the many restaurants and nightlife spots in the Midtown neighborhood, as well as the spectacular green spaces of Centennial Park. This means significant employers and organizations like TriStar Centennial Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, and Fisk University are also nearby. 

One of Watkins Park's most distinctive attractions is the Marathon Village development, a series of striking former industrial buildings repurposed as shops, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, office space, and more. This includes multiple spots crafting adult beverages, like Nelson's Green Brier Distillery and Corsair Distillery & Taproom.

Homes in Watkins Park are a mix of mainly condos and townhomes, with occasional detached homes as well. Condo units typically sell from the mid-$400s to around $600,000. Townhomes and other properties generally start in the $800s. 

South Bank

South Bank is among the newer community identities in the core of Nashville, seeking to separate itself from the fast-paced Lower Broadway area or the more business-focused spaces of the SoBro neighborhood. It occupies the area between the Cumberland River and roughly 4th Avenue North from Broadway to Middleton Street. 

While South Bank offers a quieter, more residential alternative to the city's better-known neighborhoods, it still allows easy access to their best features by public transit. Many of the city's WeGo Transit bus routes are accessible within the community, as are several BCycle stations. South Bank residents will also find the Riverfront Star rail station nearby for trips east of the city. Residents can even stroll across the local John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge to catch a football game or concert at Nissan Stadium. South Bank is also home to numerous top restaurants like Pinewood and entertainment spaces like the outdoor riverfront Ascend Amphitheater. 

Like other dense downtown areas, South Bank housing is universally condos and multi-household buildings, including several fairly new high-end towers. Homes start in the mid-$400s for 500- to 800-square-foot one-bedrooms, with typical properties selling up to around $2 million. The priciest luxury homes can sell for twice that amount or more for spacious properties of nearly 3,000 square feet that offer commanding views of downtown and the surrounding area. 

Hope Gardens

Hope Gardens is a rapidly developing, transit-friendly community west of the Tennessee State Capitol south of Jefferson Street. Several bus routes run through and around the neighborhood, while BCycle stations are available just a short walk away at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Lovers of nature and culture will enjoy their proximity to this top attraction, known for its beautifully landscaped green spaces, memorials, and the Tennessee State Museum. 

Meanwhile, foodies will be in heaven at the nearby Nashville Farmer's Market, which offers classes and events in addition to some of the city's best local foods and produce. Hope Gardens itself is almost solely residential, providing a relaxed escape for residents without sacrificing access to public transit and to Nashville's most exciting communities like the nearby Germantown. 

Homes in Hope Gardens are a mix of newer condo developments alongside both older and newly renovated single-household properties and townhomes. The former group sells starting at around $500,000, while original detached homes in the area can also be found at around the same range. Newly renovated houses and townhomes can sell from around $600,000 to around $1 million. 

Germantown

Once a haven for European immigrants to the Nashville area, Germantown has transformed itself in recent years into a historic and convenient community. The highlight of Germantown for many residents and visitors alike is the neighborhood's diverse and thriving dining and nightlife scene. These range from the high-end American fusion of Butchertown Hall, to the down-home Southern cooking at Monell's, to the inventive Mexican of Taco Mamacita. 

Active residents can also get their exercise along the scenic Cumberland River Greenway, a top running and biking trail stretching nine miles along the water. Meanwhile, sports lovers are just a short distance from First Horizon Park, which hosts Triple-A Nashville Sounds minor league baseball games as well as other events. Germantown also provides excellent transit access, with numerous bus lines running through the area, as well as a BCycle station in Morgan Park. 

Germantown's housing is primarily condos, including many in restored historic buildings that have preserved the area's one-of-a-kind charm. These start in the $400s but reach as high as the $2 million range for top properties. Less commonly, townhomes and detached single-household homes in Germantown can be found at $600,000 and up, with historic or recently renovated properties often reaching $1.5 million or more. 

Enjoy Public Transit in These Nashville Neighborhoods

Nashville's commitment to its public transit system has transformed several neighborhoods into excellent hubs for those looking to get around the city. So, whether you're chasing career opportunities by moving to Nashville, seeking a lively urban lifestyle, or simply looking for a greener way to travel, these neighborhoods offer a convenient solution for navigating the city's bustling streets.

If the opportunities of Nashville excite you, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with local real estate agents who can help find the perfect Nashville home for you today.