What You Need To Know About Living In East Nashville
Posted by Gary Ashton on Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 at 7:09am.

East Nashville, where everyone in Nashville wants to live, right? Well, perhaps this is not completely accurate, but with almost 100 people moving to Nashville every day, transitions are happening all over the city, especially East Nashville.
East Nashville is in the middle of a drastic transformation. Driving down Gallatin Road, you will see nice cars, people walking with their children, and new establishments and developments popping up everywhere. In addition, drive down Shelby Ave, and you will see renovations on many homes and people out frolicking about in the neighborhood of East Nashville!
This transition means many different things. The neighborhood is changing on more than one level. The community population is shifting; the food and music scenes are changing, and real estate and property values are drastically reacting to these shifts. These changes are visible and almost palpable. Once an area where people would not want to visit or hang out is now a place of popular Airbnb rentals, upscale, modern homes, and delicious, locally-sourced restaurants in Nashville. For the homeowner in East Nashville, this is a great thing!
The History of the East Nashville Neighborhood
East Nashville is a trendy historic neighborhood in Nashville. This is a low-key type of area with plenty of personalities. The residents in East Nashville enjoy the ability to escape the big city without actually leaving. Since the 1916 fire destroyed over 600 buildings in the area, many find the mixture of antebellum buildings a great part of this neighborhood.
Some of the most popular hangouts found throughout the area include the Edgefield Sports Bar and Grille, which is perfect for sports fans, Mad Donna's with unique cuisine, Rosepepper Cantina, Eastland Cafe, and so many other great choices. In addition, Germantown East provides French cuisine with live music, and if you want to find some of the best local bands, spend a Saturday at The Family Wash.
A farm-to-table delight found in the area is the Holland House Bar & Refuge, with a creative menu full of cocktails and great eats. Other great choices for homemade dishes include the Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden, Mas Tacos Por Favor, the Margot Cafe & Bar, and Sweet 16.
The area is full of great restaurants, but it also features plenty of art galleries, including Garage Mahal, Art & Invention Gallery, and many others. These are home to some of the best events throughout the year, such as the Tomato Art Festival and the Holiday Artisan Show.
East Nashville is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the greater Nashville community. But, with the real estate skyrocketing from the outside, people may wonder why East Nashville? What is it about that neighborhood? With the crime high in the not-so-distant past, many people, even Nashville Natives, never made their way to the other side of the Shelby Street Bridge until now. So what's the reason for East Nashville Condos suddenly becoming a desirable form of living instead of the traditional "historic" and older homes found here?
East Nashville Home Value: Why The Shift?
So, why are home values skyrocketing? Back when the neighborhood was less popular, the real opportunity was stirring, and many visionaries in the real estate industry bought up large amounts of new construction property. In addition, the outdoor activities, food, and social scenes have played a monumental role in the shift that we have seen. Of course, Nashville has traditionally been seen as a music town. Still, under that cowboy hat and guitar, there is a belly that craves high-quality food, and Nashville has that too, especially East Nashville!
East Nashville Food Scene
The food and coffee scene of the area is one major reason why people are moving here!
From coffee shops, tea houses (featuring great selections of healthy green teas to choose from) to great bakeries, bars, and restaurants, East Nashville is a foodie's paradise, and this is also bringing more and more people to the east side. With options including vegetarian-specific restaurants like Wild Cow and gluten-free and vegan bakeries and coffee houses like Khan's Desserts and The Post East, there is something for every food allergy, dietary need, or desire. In addition, choosing locally sourced meats and cheeses is easier than ever in the East Nashville area with its very own butcher and cheese shop, Porter Road Butcher, and The Bloomy Rind. Lockeland Table, Eastland Cafe, and Pomodoro offer a little more upscale dining with menus that will keep you excited. For a burger, check out one of the best burgers in Nashville at Riverside Grill Shack!
Coffee Shops & Tea Houses in East Nashville
Barista Parlor and The Post East, and Portland Brew and Ugly Mugs have you covered for the coffee lovers, no matter which road you are driving on. If you want to stay closer to the highway, swing into Bongo Java, which always has amazing espresso and specialty drinks and food options. If you stick to tea, you can find High Garden in the Shoppes on Fatherland or grab a cup from one of their providers, like Portland Brew.
Cocktails and Happy Hour in East Nashville
For a hip and clean environment, try No.308. For a smoker's paradise, try Beyond The Edge, where smoking is allowed inside. For live music on a patio, check out Drifters. Other great Happy Hour locations include some of the restaurants mentioned above, like Eastland Cafe and wine from Rumors East on the amazing outdoor area if the weather permits. Beer can be found at Drifters, Three Crow, and the Pharmacy. Holland House has amazing apothecary-style cocktails with a great ambiance.
Overall, there IS a reason for the BOOM and transition happening in East Nashville. This amazing foodie's paradise will soon have affordable condos like SoloEastNashville.com popping up to allow more people to enjoy the benefits of the area.
The Best Neighborhoods in East Nashville
Home values in East Nashville and Inglewood are blasting off into never-before-seen values for the area. Homes are being bought and flipped all the time, and it is still a place of opportunity. If you are a homeowner in the area, this is a great time to sell your property to reap the benefits and cash in on your home's increased equity. On the other hand, if you are looking to buy a home in East Nashville, here is a brief profile on some East Nashville neighborhoods that will help you decide on the area you would like to be in:
Shelby Hills
Shelby Hills is a neighborhood within the East Nashville community that offers 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. Restaurants nearby include Far East, Bella Nashville, AMOT, the bars of 5 Points in East Nashville, and many shops in the Shops on Fatherland, located just over Shelby Ave.
Backing up to Shelby Park makes Shelby Hills the perfect place to live, with access to the park and greenways! In addition, this area will have a better chance of offering a lower-priced home. Many places in this neighborhood are being sold primarily for the property value to tear down the existing home and replace it with a new build. Visit the Shelby Hills Association for more information regarding the area, school zoning, events, and more!
Lockeland Springs
Lockeland Springs is a popular neighborhood in East Nashville. Most of this comes from its position between Gallatin and Shelby near Five Points. In addition, the convenient proximity to downtown access roads and highways, restaurants, and bars make it appealing. The homes in this area are somewhat larger on average and are more suited for remodel versus tear down and build plans if they need substantial work. In Lockeland Springs, you can expect to pay a higher price for your home. Still, there is always a good chance that you will gain equity in your home as the property values continue to rise quickly, with surrounding areas experiencing the same transition.
Additional points of interest include the Lockeland School, Holly Street Firehall, and the East Branch Public Library, all located in this neighborhood. Check the Lockeland Springs Neighborhood Association for more information!
Eastwood Neighbors
The Eastwood Hills neighborhood is another area of East Nashville that was accessed early on by rail car that allowed citizens of the area to have a home away from the downtown area that remained accessible. The architecture and design of this portion of East Nashville range from Queen Ann to classical revival to the bungalow, English cottages, and craftsman style. These make great single-family homes, and many have been removed and replaced with larger updated homes because of the original size.
If you are interested in this neighborhood, be sure and check out the Eastwood Neighbors Association for additional information and contact Gary Ashton for a current listing and available properties.
Aside from the many new homes being constructed in the area, there are larger condo developments in East Nashville, as the new East Nashville Condo Development at Solo East Nashville.
Cleveland Park
Located just northeast of downtown Nashville, Cleveland Park 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, with the median list price for homes currently about $345,000. Residents have easy access to local coffee shops, bars, and eateries, as well as public transportation.
East End
East End is close to downtown and bordered by the city's sought-after Five Points area. Five Points is known for its many restaurants, shops, bars, and festivals, giving East End residents a thriving entertainment district within walking distance. Home to nearly 700 residents, East End, features many historic homes, though many renovated properties are also due to a 1998 tornado. East End is one of the city's most walkable neighborhoods. The area boasts a mix of a suburban and urban vibe, making it attractive to home buyers. Median list prices for homes here are currently about $350,000.
East Hill
Nestled between Douglas Avenue and East Trinity Lane, east of Ellington Parkway, East Hill is home to about 2,250 residents. A construction boom in the 1960s means many residential and commercial properties are from that era. The current median list price for homes here is about $425,000. Residential areas are dominated by single-family homes, along with some small apartment buildings. Known for its mostly quiet streets, home buyers are often drawn to the neighborhood because of the many restaurants and retailers within walking distance.
Five Points
Often dubbed the hipster headquarters of Nashville and the heart of the city's east side, the Five Points district is an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, shops, and retailers. Five Points is centered at Woodland Street and North 11th Street. Homeowners here often choose the area because they want to be within walking distance to local bars and eateries, specialty shops, and galleries that define the neighborhood. After going through a revitalization in the early 2000s, the area has emerged as a thriving part of East Nashville life. The current median sale price is $590,000.
Historic Edgefield
Historic Edgefield is near downtown, 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. The colorful, historic vibe, coupled with so many amenities nearby, attracts homeowners to the neighborhood. The median list price is about $500,000.
Inglewood
Inglewood 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 comparatively newer, ranch-style residences, though there are still homes from the 1930s and '40s. The median list price is about $385,000. 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.
McFerrin Park
Close to downtown Nashville, McFerrin Park is considered to be an up-and-coming neighborhood in East Nashville. It is flanked north by Cleveland Street, Ellington Parkway to the east, Foster Street to the south, and Interstate Highway 24 to the west. Residents appreciate the affordability of homes here compared to home prices in some other East Nashville neighborhoods. Like many neighborhoods on the east side, McFerrin Park is home to an abundance of unique, locally-owned restaurants. The neighborhood is also home to its namesake, McFerrin Park. McFerrin Park homes have a median list price of about $350,000.
Rolling Acres
Rolling Acres is found between Porter Road, Riverside Drive, and Shelby Park. Most homes sit on half-acre lots, with the majority offering basements, though mostly unfinished. The majority of homes in Rolling Acres were built between the 1940s and 1960s. While not as walkable to retail and entertainment districts as some nearby neighborhoods, residents appreciate that most homes are within easy walking distance to the Shelby Golf Course and Shops at Porter East. Rolling Acres homes have a median list price of about $400,000.
West Greenwood
West Greenwood, often referred to as Greenwood, has about 2,300 residents in East Nashville. The neighborhood offers easy access to Ellington Parkway and can walk comfortably from residential areas to grocery stores and other retailers. West Greenwood is bordered by Ellington Parkway on the west, Douglas Avenue to the north, Gallatin Avenue on the east, and Cleveland Street and West Eastland Avenue along the south. The neighborhood has a median list price of about $320,000.
Porter Heights
Porter Heights has plenty of appeal for its residents, from live music and great restaurants to a relaxing walk in the park. In addition to its bistros and eateries, there is easy access to Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Park, 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. The median list price of homes here is just over $400,000.
Barclay Drive
Barclay Drive neighborhood is bordered by the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and Greenway to its south and east, Shelby Golf Course to the west, and Eastland avenue to the north. About 1,200 residents call the Barclay Drive area home. Residents of Barclay Drive neighborhood are within a 15-minute commute to downtown Nashville. A dog-friendly neighborhood with quiet streets and well-kept yards is what residents say they appreciate about Barclay Drive. The median list price is currently about $432,000.
Rosebank
Located adjacent to East Nashville's Shelby Bottoms Greenway, Rosebank has attracted the attention of home builders in recent years. 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. 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
Highland Heights' architectural diversity is part of its appeal for homebuyers. Here, you'll find the popular craftsman style, as well as everything from Tudors to cottage homes. You'll also find stunning homes built in the 1920s. For those looking for new construction, Highland Heights has that, as well. 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. The median sale price for homes is about $335,000 currently.
Buying a Condo in East Nashville
Saturday in Middle Tennessee was one of those days that everyone enjoys especially because it was a weekend. Clear blue skies and temperatures in the high 60's made it a great day to explore some of the attractions and areas that have made Nashville one of the top destinations for tourists and new residents.
One of these areas that have really become popular to people moving to Nashville is East Nashville. The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage is considered one of the companies engaged to market and sold an affordable condo project called Solo East. So I decided that Saturday was a great day to explore the East Nashville area a little and revisit some of the highlights of this community.
20 years ago or more, East Nashville was in danger of becoming part of the inner city urban decline. Still, a few residents and investors saw the appeal of a community with interesting architecture and infrastructure that would appeal to many people who wanted to live in an area that supported local merchants and welcomed a diverse resident population.
Today East Nashville is featured as one of the areas to visit in travel magazines and TV shows which such staples as the 5 Points area for bars and restaurants, coffee shops, live entertainment. Rose Pepper is perhaps one of the oldest restaurants and became a magnet for other stores and restaurants such as the Silly Goose and the Ugly Mugs coffee shop.
The demand for homes in East Nashville has grown consistently over the last 10 years, and now the demand is reflected in the average cost of a home here, which is in the mid $300,000 range and goes to close to $1,000,000. As a result of this demand, Bruce McNeilage, a local developer, saw a need to supply a growing demand for affordable homes in the East Nashville area. As a result, he developed a condo project called Solo East, listed by The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage.
If you are interested in an affordable condo in one of the most popular neighborhoods in Nashville, make sure you check out our listings for Solo East condos and discover everything this community has to offer.
Great Apartments in East Nashville
Whether you are only planning to be in the area for a short while, or you enjoy the convenience of apartment living, you want to find the best apartments to rent in the East Nashville area. Many excellent options range from huge complexes with all the amenities you could want or need to smaller, boutique apartments with style and a unique outlook on apartment living.
Some of the top complexes in the area include Tapestry of Brentwood, The Grove, Parc at Metro Center, and One Metrocenter. However, this list only scratches the surface of what is actually available. The most important thing is to check out the options and find an apartment that fits your lifestyle and budget. With all of the choices in Nashville, this should be no problem at all.
View Homes For Sale in East Nashville Today
Whether you're looking for a great neighborhood full of history or you want a place you can enjoy restaurants, shopping, art, and entertainment right at your front door, the East Nashville area is a perfect choice. Every corner features something different with plenty of music, great food, and more.
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.
Gary Ashton
The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage
The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!