Nashville, Tennessee, is where many legendary musicians have made it big, and hopefuls still flock to Music City to participate in the vibrant music and entertainment scene. While the capital of country music glitters, there is much more to the city than just entertainment; career opportunities abound, which is enticing job seekers to relocate here. In addition, nature enthusiasts enjoy relaxing on nearby nature preserves and passing their time in state parks. Bicyclists and hikers alike can catch some fresh air while watching for native wildlife. And the Nashville area is home to several of Tennessee’s safest cities. If you’re considering a more suburban locale, let’s look at the 10 best communities surrounding Nashville to help you decide where to build your dream home.
10. Goodlettsville
- Population: 16,859
- Median Home Value: $207,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24.5 minutes
- School Ranking: B+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 534
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 78
Goodlettsville is located about 15 minutes north of Nashville, and its name gives a distinct clue of its uniqueness. The city has earned a “good” reputation for its wineries, antiques district and historical charm. Home of the 2012 Little League World Series National Champions, the townspeople clearly appreciate the value of family activities and youth sports. Browse through these neighborhoods to find the home that’s perfect for your family’s lifestyle.
9. Lebanon
- Population: 35,050
- Median Home Value: $207,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24.5 minutes
- School Ranking: B+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 940
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 185
Lebanon is a perfect suburban retreat, with a thriving antiques district, parks, local restaurants and even an outlet mall. Commuting is quite reasonable, with downtown Nashville only about 25 miles away, meaning you can enjoy plenty of time relaxing in your new energy-efficient home. Schedule a weekend or two in Lebanon to view some of its 1,500 new homes.
8. Mount Juliet
- Population: 35,725
- Median Home Value: $255,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 31.1 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 630
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 72
Locals refer to Mount Juliet as a hidden gem. Commuters will enjoy returning home in the evenings to wraparound porches and serene, panoramic sunsets. Weekends are meant for hiking the lush Greenway trails. And if golfing is more your style, you will find plenty of elite courses with challenging fairways. Mount Juliet may be your next destination to find a new home.
7. Murfreesboro
- Population: 146,900
- Median Home Value: $215,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 26.3 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 4,417
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 613
A little over 30 miles southeast of Nashville is a city known for the Civil War battle fought there. The largest suburb on our top 10 list, Murfreesboro is now an affluent town with top-rated schools and a motto of “creating a better quality of life.” No matter if you are a history buff or are into more modern pursuits, this city has it all. Come and discover for yourself why so many individuals are planting roots here. Start looking for your new property today.
6. Smyrna
- Population: 50,775
- Median Home Value: $172,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 29.1 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 334
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 82
Smyrna offers a quiet retreat from a long workday in the bustling metropolis roughly 25 miles away. This suburb is affordable and offers stellar schools and top-rated amenities. Ready to make your move? You won’t want to miss out on Smyrna.
5. Hendersonville
- Population: 57,576
- Median Home Value: $245,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 27.4 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 914
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 113
Nestled along Old Hickory Lake, about 20 miles north of Nashville, is the upper-class suburb of Hendersonville, which has been home to numerous country music stars over the years. This “city by the lake” offers lakeside living as well as plenty of water activities, including fishing, boating and camping, making it a popular retirement destination. Get ready to find your new retreat today.
4. Gallatin
- Population: 40,457
- Median Home Value: $199,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.7 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 538
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 121
Only 20 miles from Nashville, Gallatin is also fairly close to Old Hickory Lake, making it a quick trip if you want to enjoy the water. In Gallatin itself, you will find an assortment of golf courses, museums, theaters and festivals to keep you entertained. Find your next dream homein Gallatin today!
3. Nolensville
- Population: 9,012
- Median Home Value: $428,100
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 125
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 16
The smallest suburb on our list, Nolensville is located about 20 miles from Nashville. Homes here are at the upper end of the price spectrum with a median price of around $400,000. When you do the math, be sure to add in the town’s A+ school system and low crime statistics. Now you just need to decide which home is ideal for your family.
2. Brentwood
- Population: 42,502
- Median Home Value: $622,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.5 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 403
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 35
A high-end suburb popular with country music stars like real-life couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Brentwood offers low crime rates, high-caliber schools and an abundance of parks and recreational activities. You can also enjoy the nearby Belle Meade Plantation, the Nashville Zoo or Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. Get starstruck by the new homes in Brentwood.
1. Franklin
- Population: 80,914
- Median Home Value: $385,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24.5 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 982
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 119
Earning the top spot on our list of best suburbs is Franklin. Franklin offers a vast array of live music venues as well as century-old farms. While some residents commute to Music City, others prefer to stay and work closer to home. Get ready to enjoy a new start in Franklin!
Additional Suburbs
Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Portland | 12,823 | $135,100 | 27.5 minutes | B+ | 227 | 36 |
Spring Hill | 41,464 | $257,800 | 32.2 minutes | B+ | 446 | 43 |
White House | 12,506 | $186,200 | 33.3 minutes | B+ | 201 | 36 |
La Vergne | 35,819 | $148,600 | 32.9 minutes | B+ | 820 | 157 |
Columbia | 39,376 | $137,800 | 26.8 minutes | B | 1,246 | 246 |
Dickson | 15,583 | $146,200 | 26.1 minutes | B- | 757 | 133 |
Springfield | 16,957 | $141,100 | 23.3 minutes | C+ | 530 | 145 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
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Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.