Living in Berry Hill, Nashville: 8 Things to Know Before Moving
Posted by Gary Ashton on Thursday, August 8th, 2024 at 9:41am.
Nestled just south of Downtown Nashville, Berry Hill is a vibrant commuity that pulses with the heart and soul of Music City. Often referred to as a "city within a city," Berry Hill is more like a small town near Nashville. It offers a unique blend of residential charm, a thriving music industry, and a strong sense of community that sets it apart from Nashville proper. Whether you're a musician seeking inspiration, a foodie craving eclectic flavors, or simply someone looking for a neighborhood with character, Berry Hill has something special to offer.
8 Reasons Berry Hill Is a Good Place to Live
- Proximity to Downtown Nashville: Berry Hill is just a short drive from Downtown Nashville, offering easy access to the city's vibrant music scene, dining, and entertainment options.
- Charming Small-Town Feel: Berry Hill is an independent city and retains a small-town atmosphere with tree-lined streets, quaint houses, and a friendly community vibe.
- Diverse Dining Options: Berry Hill is known for its eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes.
- Artistic Community: The area is home to numerous art studios, galleries, and music recording studios, making it a hub for creative professionals and art enthusiasts.
- Parks and Green Spaces: Residents enjoy access to several parks and green spaces, perfect for outdoor activities, picnics, and relaxation.
- Shopping and Boutiques: The area offers a variety of shopping options, including unique boutiques and specialty stores that provide a distinctive shopping experience.
- Community Events: Berry Hill hosts regular community events, fostering a strong sense of community and providing opportunities for residents to connect and socialize.
- Walkability: Many amenities in Berry Hill are within walking distance, making it easy for residents to run errands, dine out, or enjoy recreational activities without needing a car.
The Berry Hill Lifestyle: A Melting Pot of Creativity and Community
Berry Hill's identity is deeply rooted in its musical heritage. As an extension of the iconic Music Row in Nashville, the neighborhood is home to over 40 recording studios, including the legendary Ocean Way Studios, where countless hits have been recorded.
Music publishers, instrument shops, and rehearsal spaces dot the landscape, creating a symphony of creativity that permeates the air. But Berry Hill is more than just a music hub – it's a close-knit community where residents take pride in their local businesses and fiercely independent spirit. You'll find a strong sense of connection here, where neighbors become friends, and everyone is welcomed with open arms.
Housing & Cost of Living in Berry Hill
Berry Hill offers a diverse range of housing options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Some of the most popular types of houses include 1940s bungalows, many of which have been lovingly renovated with modern amenities,while upholding the vintage charm that's hard to resist. For those seeking a more contemporary vibe, modern condos and apartment complexes offer sleek living spaces with convenient amenities. The real estate market can be competitive, but Berry Hill tends to be more affordable than some of Nashville's more upscale neighborhoods like Green Hills or 12South.
The cost of living in Berry Hill is generally in line with the Nashville average, but you might find better deals on housing here. The neighborhood's central location means that transportation costs are relatively low, with easy access to public transportation and bike-friendly streets.
Working in Berry Hill: More Than Just Music
While the music industry undoubtedly plays a major role in Berry Hill's economy, the neighborhood offers a diverse range of employment opportunities. Of course, recording studios, music publishers, and instrument shops are major employers, providing jobs for musicians, producers, engineers, and other industry professionals. But Berry Hill is also home to a thriving small business community, with unique shops, restaurants, and service providers that contribute to the local economy and create a vibrant atmosphere.
Living in Berry Hill offers residents convenient access to some of the best employers in Nashville. Located just a few miles from the heart of the city, Berry Hill provides a short and manageable commute to a wide array of job opportunities in Nashville's bustling business districts. Whether working in healthcare, finance, technology, or the vibrant music industry, Berry Hill residents benefit from the proximity to renowned companies, innovative startups, and major healthcare institutions like Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Things to Do in Berry Hill
Best Restaurants in Berry Hill
Sunflower Cafe: This highly-rated vegetarian and vegan restaurant offers a variety of healthy, organic options, including gluten-free and soy-free dishes. It's known for its gourmet veggie burgers and vegan barbecue.
Nashville Jam Café: A popular spot for breakfast, brunch, and Southern cuisine. They specialize in New Southern food and offer homemade jams, ketchup, mustards, and hot sauces.
Pancho & Lefty's Cantina: A Mexican restaurant known for its great food and cocktails. It has been voted Nashville's Best Margarita multiple times and Nashville's Best Taco in recent years.
Common Ground Bar and Eatery: This neighborhood restaurant and bar offers approachable yet elevated cuisine with a world-class cocktail program. They serve dinner, lunch, and brunch, with a daily happy hour.
Big Machine Distillery & Tavern: This spot offers a unique experience combining a distillery with a restaurant. They're known for their Sunday brunch and live music.
Mofongo Cafe: This restaurant specializes in authentic Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban cuisine. They offer both a buffet and made-to-order dishes.
Baja Burrito: A popular Mexican spot known for its award-winning burritos and fish tacos. It's a family-owned business that's been around since 2000.
Peachtree Grill: This restaurant offers an eclectic fusion of American and Mediterranean cuisines. Some of their popular dishes include the Lamb Dip, Smoked Duck BBQ, and Hot Chicken Kabob.
Shopping in Berry Hill
Berry Hill is known for its unique, independent shops often housed in converted homes, creating a distinctive shopping experience. The area blends local boutiques with some larger retail options, making it one of the best shopping destinations in Nashville.
The Wreath Stand is a highly-rated home decor and gift shop specializing in seasonal decor and unique gifts. GasLamp Antiques & Decorating Mall, one of the largest antique malls in Tennessee, features antique furniture, vintage clothing, lighting fixtures, and decorative art. Bloom Flowers & Gifts, formerly Unique Flower, is a florist and gift shop offering flower arrangements and home decor items. Nashville Crystal Store specializes in crystals, gemstones, and minerals for metaphysical and decorative purposes. White's Mercantile is mentioned as one of the best shopping options near Berry Hill, while Serendipity is another highly-rated shopping destination nearby. ME Jewelry, located on Bransford Avenue, offers a selection of jewelry, including custom designs.
Parks and Recreation: A Breath of Fresh Air
Berry Hill boasts several parks that provide welcome oases of green space in the heart of the city. Iris Park, located at 424 E Iris Dr in Berry Hill, features a children's playground with a bench and picnic table for parents. Azalea Park is Berry Hill's largest park, featuring a large shelter and located on Azalea Place off West Iris Drive. Columbine Park is another park in Berry Hill, though specific details are not provided. Nearby parks include Gale Lane Community Park, Sevier Park, Reservoir Park, Coleman Park, and Turner School Park.
While not directly in Berry Hill, some other notable parks in the Nashville area include Red Caboose Park in Nashville, which features a recently renovated elaborate playground, and Barfield Crescent Park in Murfreesboro, offering hiking trails and disc golf.
Getting Around Berry Hill: Buses, Nearby Highways & Bikability
Berry Hill's central location makes it incredibly easy to navigate. Whether you prefer to drive, take public transportation, or bike, you'll find getting around a breeze. The neighborhood is well-connected to major roadways like I-65 and Thompson Lane, and bus routes provide convenient driving access to downtown and other areas of Nashville. For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, the neighborhood's relatively flat terrain and bike-friendly streets make it a cyclist's paradise.
Is Berry Hill Calling Your Name?
If you're seeking a place to live that's steeped in musical heritage, brimming with creative energy, and boasts a strong sense of community, Berry Hill might just be the place for you. With its diverse housing options, thriving culinary scene, unique shops, and convenient location, Berry Hill offers a lifestyle that's helped in earn a reputation as one of the best places to live near Nashville.
Visit Berry Hill and experience its unique charm firsthand. Stroll through the streets, chat with the locals, sample the diverse cuisine, and immerse yourself in the creative energy that permeates the neighborhood. Who knows, you might just find yourself falling in love with Berry Hill's irresistible allure.
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.
Gary Ashton
The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage
The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!