East Nashville, a vibrant and eclectic area with a distinctly different lifestyle than you'll find west of the Cumberland River, offers a unique living experience. Known for its artistic flair and home to several of Nashville's best neighborhoods, this area combines the charm of historic architecture with the allure of sleek new builds.

From local music venues and art galleries to diverse culinary offerings, living in East Nashville means residing in a hub of creativity and innovation. East Nashville has much to offer, whether you're drawn by the music, the food, or the friendly, laid-back vibe.

If you're considering a move to Music City, here's what you need to know about living on the East Side.

Highlights of Life in East Nashville

• East Nashville is known for its vibrant arts scene, strong community spirit, and eclectic culture.
• From historic Lockeland Springs to up-and-coming Cleveland Park, the east side offers a range of housing options.
• East Nashville is packed with local restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and top-notch coffee shops.
• East Nashville residents enjoy excellent parks and trails, including Shelby Park and the Shelby Bottoms Greenway.
• East Nashville has seen major development and remains a hot spot for homebuyers and investors.

East Nashville: From 19th Century to Today

East Nashville's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and undeniable character. Initially developed in the late 19th century, this area across the Cumberland River from Downtown Nashville began as an affluent suburb. Since then, it has remained a hotspot for Victorian homes in Nashville, many of which still provide character and color today.

But East Nashville's trajectory shifted dramatically after the Great Fire of 1916, which destroyed more than 600 buildings and forced the community to rebuild from the ground up. That moment marked a turning point—not just in infrastructure, but in spirit. Over the decades that followed, East Nashville evolved into a more diverse and tightly knit neighborhood known for its grit and sense of identity.

Throughout the 20th century, East Nashville experienced various economic and social change cycles. For example, the construction of the interstate in the 1960s brought about physical division and economic challenges—though it would prove vital to the development of Nashville's economy. Despite these trials, the neighborhood's spirit endured, setting the stage for its renaissance in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

East Nashville is celebrated today for its eclectic mix of artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. It has become a hub of creativity and innovation, renowned for its local music venues, art galleries, and diverse culinary scene. The area's rich history has shaped its unique identity, making East Nashville a beloved and vibrant part of Nashville's urban landscape.

East Nashville Real Estate

East Nashville’s real estate scene has taken off in recent years—and it’s easy to see why. Back in 2020, the average home price was around $400,000. Fast forward to today, and that number has jumped to over $580,000. Rising prices reflect just how in-demand homes in East Nashville have become, thanks to its mix of charm, creativity, and community vibe.

Strolling through East Nashville, you’ll find everything from lovingly restored Victorians and cozy Craftsman bungalows to some of the most sought-after new construction homes in Nashville. Many older homes have been thoughtfully updated, blending original character with fresh, functional touches.

Whether you're dreaming of a porch swing on a tree-lined street or a contemporary home near the action, there’s something here for just about every style. Homes don’t stay on the market long, though—so if East Nashville is calling your name, it’s worth acting fast. This neighborhood isn’t just growing—it’s thriving.

East Nashville's Schools and Community Services

East Nashville has a mix of public, charter, and magnet schools that attract families looking for educational options in a creative, close-knit community. Operated by the Davidson County School District—which oversees the public schools in Nashville—one of the most sought-after schools is Lockeland Elementary Design Center, a top-performing magnet school known for its arts-integrated curriculum and engaged parent community. Other popular options include East End Prep, KIPP Nashville, and Isaiah T. Creswell Middle Magnet School of the Arts.

Beyond schools, East Nashville is rich in community services that support residents of all ages. Local nonprofits like The Branch of Nashville and East Nashville Hope Exchange offer resources ranging from food distribution to literacy programs. The East Nashville Farmers Market and community events like the Tomato Art Fest also help foster a strong sense of belonging. Libraries, health clinics, and expanded WeGo transit routes add to the neighborhood’s accessibility, making East Nashville a supportive and well-connected place to call home.

East Nashville's Coffee, Cocktail, and Culinary Scene

East Nashville’s food and drink scene is as dynamic and eclectic as the neighborhood itself. Whether you're craving a cozy coffee spot, inventive fine dining, a quirky cocktail bar, or some of the best Nashville hot chicken restaurants, this part of town delivers big flavor with a strong local vibe.

For coffee lovers, staples like Barista Parlor, The Post East, and Ugly Mugs still reign, while newer gems continue to pop up, giving creatives and commuters plenty of fuel. Brunch crowds flock to Cafe Roze, where the menu is both stylish and satisfying. Cafe Roze is located at the meeting point of popular neighborhoods like Porter Heights and Eastwood.

When it comes to dinner, Pelican & Pig continues to impress with its wood-fired dishes and warm, rustic atmosphere. Modern Middle Eastern standout Lyra is still a go-to, and the chef-driven Audrey by Sean Brock has become a major draw for elevated Southern cuisine. Fans of global flavors love Noko for Asian-inspired wood-fired fare, and Peninsula remains a favorite for intimate tapas-style dining.

East Nashville’s bar scene is equally vibrant. Attaboy offers a personalized cocktail experience in a sleek speakeasy setting, while CHOPPER brings a playful, tiki-meets-robots flair that never takes itself too seriously. For something new, Pearl Diver has emerged as a laid-back favorite with tropical cocktails and an island-inspired patio. Craft beer enthusiasts will also appreciate the ever-rotating taps at local spots like Smith & Lentz and Southern Grist.

Best Neighborhoods in East Nashville

The price of homes in Nashville has steadily increased for years, and the housing boom and huge population influx have further driven prices up. For homebuyers moving to Nashville and considering the East End, becoming familiar with some of the best neighborhoods on this side of the city is key.

Shelby Hills

East Nashville's Shelby Hills neighborhood offers a blend of new and old homes, with many changes yet to come. Still considered a transitional neighborhood, the area has some streets that are further along than others. Consisting of the area between Shelby Park to the east, 10th Street to the west, Shelby Ave to the north, and the river to the south, this old rail car neighborhood is a great option for those looking to move into the area.

Backing up to Shelby Park makes Shelby Hills the perfect place to live, with access to the park and greenways. While the neighborhood is very much in flux, its share of the luxury homes in Nashville is spectacular, and its sense of community is abundant. Homes here are usually priced from the $500s to more than $2 million.

Lockeland Springs

Lockeland Springs is a popular neighborhood in East Nashville due, in large part, to the tremendous convenience and accessibility provided by its location. In addition, the convenient proximity to downtown access roads and highways, restaurants, and bars make it doubly appealing. Homes in Lockeland Springs typically list for between $700,000 and $2 million. Additional points of interest include the Lockeland School, Holly Street Firehall, and the East Branch Public Library.

Cleveland Park

Located just northeast of downtown Nashville, the Cleveland Park neighborhood is home to about 2,200 residents and is considered one of East Nashville's up-and-coming neighborhoods. It is bordered on the north by Douglas Avenue, the west by Dickerson Pike, the south by Cleveland Street, and Ellington Parkway to the east.

The area is known for its distinctive architecture, dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cleveland Park has seen increased property values and development in recent years, and residents have easy access to local coffee shops, bars, eateries, and Nashville's public transportation.

Historic Edgefield

Historic Edgefield, one of Nashville's most walkable neighborhoods, is located just across Interstate 24 from the Nissan Stadium, extending eastward as far as South 10th Street. As its name would imply, the Historic Edgefield neighborhood is known for its charming and colorful Victorian homes. While the neighborhood is mostly residential, it adjoins the Five Points and East Park areas, which offer a wide assortment of restaurants, bars, and specialty shops.

Known for its charm and beauty, Historic Edgefield is home to some of the most luxurious homes in East Nashville. Homes in Historic Edgefield regularly list above $1.5 million.

Inglewood

The Inglewood neighborhood encompasses the northeast corner of East Nashville, bordered by Briley Parkway to the north, the Cumberland River to the east, Cahill Avenue and Porter Road to the south, and Gallatin Pike and railroad tracks to the west. Unlike other East Nashville neighborhoods, Inglewood isn't known for its historic homes. Instead, it offers an abundance of Nashville new construction homes, though there are still homes from the 1930s and '40s. Residents of this sprawling neighborhood lay claim to Riverside Village, home to unique eateries and pubs. The area has also seen an influx of artists and artisans. While it is less walkable than many East Nashville neighborhoods, residents are attracted to the area's urban feel.

Porter Heights

Porter Heights has plenty of appeal for its residents, from live music and great restaurants to a relaxing walk in the park. There is easy access to Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Park—one of Nashville's best parks—which consists of 960 acres, including three miles of Cumberland River frontage. There are over five miles of paved trails and another five miles of natural trails with open fields, wetlands, streams, and forests. Porter Road borders Porter Heights to the north and west, the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and Greenway to the east, and Carter Avenue to the south.

Rosebank

Also located adjacent to East Nashville's Shelby Bottoms Greenway, the Rosebank neighborhood has increasingly attracted the attention of homebuyers. However, you will still find available existing homes, some dating back to the 1930s. Residents have found Rosebank housing to be more affordable than some other East Nashville neighborhoods. Homes here usually list from the $400s to $1 million.

The neighborhood is encircled by Eastland Avenue on the south and east, while Carter Avenue borders it to the north. Rosebank extends as far west as the railroad tracks just beyond Riverside Drive. The median list price of homes here is about $470,000.

Highland Heights

The architectural diversity in the Highland Heights neighborhood is a major part of its appeal to homebuyers. Here, you'll find the popular Craftsman homes and everything from Tudors to cottages. You'll also find stunning homes built in the 1920s. For those looking for new construction, Highland Heights has that, as well.

Highland Heights homes are typically priced from the $400s to $1.5 million. The Highland Heights neighborhood sits just north of Cleveland Park, bordered by Dickerson Pike to the west, Douglas Avenue to the south, Ellington Parkway to the east, and East Trinity Lane.

Coming Home to East Nashville

Living in East Nashville provides a colorful tapestry of experiences, blending artistic expression with a strong sense of community. This neighborhood is more than just a place to live; it's a community where creativity and collaboration thrive and where access to Nashville's outdoor activities is unmatched. With its array of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, East Nashville invites residents to engage in an enriching and invigorating lifestyle. For those drawn to a place where tradition meets modernity, East Nashville stands out as a neighborhood that accommodates and celebrates diverse interests and backgrounds, making it a truly unique and vibrant place to call home.

If you're looking for a home in East Nashville, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to speak to a local real estate agent and discover your East Nashville dream home today.