Hi there, I am Brandie Parton, your local expert for Nashville, TN, with ApartmentHomeLiving.com. While I do reside south of the Music City now, I once called it home and have many friends who still reside there, keeping me abreast of the details. Also, I do venture up frequently as well, so I know what neighborhoods are growing and areas are thriving.

Today, we are going to look at some of the best neighborhoods for homes, condos, and apartments in Nashville as it relates to major local employers. As you know, location is important in real estate in particular, so finding a residence close to your place of employment is important.

Thankfully, we have you covered with the detailed information listed below outlining some of the best neighborhoods to rent near major employers in Nashville:

Vanderbilt University & Medical Center

Although these are technically two different legal entities, they are located adjacent to each other, are situated on the same campus in Nashville, and were only relatively recently separated in legal terms in 2016. Combined, these two institutions employ around 50,000 individuals. Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) by itself employs nearly 40,000 Tennessians, while Vanderbilt University has a smaller staff of around 9,253. Together, they contribute nearly $22.13 billion to the Tennessee economy. Along with being the official health care provider of the Tennessee Titans, VUMC is the largest comprehensive health system in the Mid-south and manages over 3.2 million patient visits on an annual basis.

Neighborhoods Near Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center:

West End & Midtown

Taking up a large portion of Nashville Midtown, the West End is just a few minutes away from the Vanderbilt University area. This neighborhood boasts many eateries and bars, such as the Springwater Bar, the oldest continuously open and operational bar in the entire state of Tennessee, and the fine-dining French establishment Chateau West. Living here also gives close access not only to Vanderbilt but also Centennial Park. Condos make up the largest bulk of the real estate market, but there are some detached properties and townhomes as well.

Hillsboro Village

Hillsboro Village was first developed as a streetcar suburb in the late 1800s. Today, it is a modern, chic neighborhood and is just a five-minute drive away from Vanderbilt University, being one mile away. The area has many shops and entertainment options and is known for its walkability and abundance of eateries. It is also home to Nashville favorites like the Belcourt Mansion, Belcourt Theatre, and the Gallery of Iconic Guitars. Housing in this neighborhood consists mostly of new construction, modern condos, and 1900s bungalows.

Edgehill

The Edgehill neighborhood offers a different scope of real estate options with its quiet residential, tree-lined streets with brick ranch houses and modern condominiums. It is also home to some of the city’s best parks, but still offers an urban commercial side with its Villa Place strip, meaning it offers a bit of everything. Villa Place is home to many noteworthy restaurants and residents of Edgehill are within walking distance of not only Vanderbilt but also of several of Nashville’s largest green spaces, including the Edgehill Community Garden, Rosa Park, and Reservoir Park.

Bellevue

Although a bit outside the city, Bellevue is a great neighborhood choice if commuting is a viable option. It boasts more affordable real estate and is only about 13 miles southwest of downtown Nashville. It is known for its hilly, scenic landscape and bountiful green spaces. Within the larger scope of Bellevue, Stephens Valley offers new and more luxurious construction, while River Plantation is home to many townhomes. There are also subdivisions within Bellevue, such as Poplar Creek Estates and Traceide, which are ideally suited for commuting professionals and families.

Nissan North America

Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, in the Nashville area, Nissan North America is another Nashville area employer that has a significant manufacturing presence in the state. The Smyrna assembly plant employs approximately 8,000 employees, but other regional roles span the finance, marketing, and engineering fields. Overall, the total number of individuals employed by Nissan North America is over 17,000. Nissan has been named as a great place to work and has brought new residents to the area as a result since its opening in 1983.

Neighborhoods Near Nissan North America:

Brentwood

This suburb of Nashville is known as a safe, family-friendly, and upscale residential neighborhood. Brentwood is ranked among the best, education wise, with high performing schools like Ravenwood and Brentwood High. Luxury real estate is the name of the game in this area as it is one of the wealthiest areas in the nation. It is situated close enough that it’s an easy commute from the Brentwood area to Nissan HQ.

Nolensville

Another option that is great when working at Nissan North America, neighborhood wise, is Nolensville, which is about 12 to 15 miles away from Nissan North America. This is another Nashville suburb, and it boasts a small town, close-knit community feel with local favorites like the Nolensville Farmer’s Market. It has new construction with historic charm. Other fun local events include the Broken Wheel and Buttercup Festivals.

Arrington

Offering a rural atmosphere but still boasting easy Nashville access, Arrington is an affluent community near Franklin, TN. It is home to spacious real estate, sprawling homesteads, and beautiful organic farms. This neighborhood is also the host of the Tennessee Renaissance Festival at Castle Gwyn annually.

HCA Healthcare

Headquartered in Nashville, with various campuses all over America, HCA Healthcare is a major Nashville employer that contributes significantly to the local economy. Currently, there are over 10,000 employees listed as employed for HCA, Nashville. NCA stands for Hospital Corporation of America, which was the corporation's original name. It was founded in 1968 in Nashville, and today encompasses hospitals, urgent care centers, and emergency rooms across the nation. HCA accounts for such a significant number of hospital services in the U.S. that it is often named the leading provider in health care services.

Neighborhoods Near HCA Healthcare:

Forest Hills

Located outside of Nashville proper and part of Davidson County as an independent city, Forest Hills offers high-end residential homes with a mixture of older homes along with custom and modern options. It is a non-commercial area that boasts privacy and nature, and as such offers forests and expansive lots. The amenities enjoyed by those who live in this area are mostly found in Green Hills, but residents of Forest Hills are close to Percy Warner Park as well as Radnor Lake State Park.

Glencliff

As an up-and-coming neighborhood located on the southside of Nashville, Glencliff is another option for individuals working at HCA. This neighborhood, which features a wide variety of ranch-style homes as well as Cape Cods, offers an eclectic multicultural dining scene and diverse neighborhoods, especially appealing to young families. It is situated near the Nashville Zoo, and residents can easily access Coleman Park Community Center. The WeGo public transit serves the area as well, which provides a reasonable commute option into the city.

12 South

Considered one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods, 12 South is a trendy Nashville neighborhood that is located just south of downtown Nashville. It is known for its popular restaurants, vibrant murals, coffee houses, and stylish boutiques. It is often described as having a “Beverly Hills” type vibe and is popular with both visitors and residents alike. Located near Sevier Park, 12 South offers detached homes, condos, and apartments. This neighborhood is only about 7 to 12 miles away from HCA, making it a great option for employees.

Antioch

As a more affordable residential neighborhood, Antioch is located outside of Nashville and consists of single family homes built between the 1950s and 1980s, apartment complexes, and subdivisions. It is often considered one of the most diverse areas in Middle Tennessee and it boasts many international shops and restaurants along Antioch Pike. Popular recreation options include the Ford Ice Center, which is a popular skating facility, and Cane Ridge Park.

Green Hills

The neighborhood of Green Hills is another good option for HCA employees and their families. It is near downtown and is known for its top-tier dining, upscale shopping, and luxury homes. Some key spots include the famous Bluebird Cafe and the Mall at Green Hills. The overall vibe in Green Hills is family-friendly, safe, and quiet with tree-lined streets and a mixture of housing options, including condos, newly constructed single home dwellings and older ranch-style homes.

Amazon

Located in Nashville Yards and often dubbed HQ3, the Nashville Operations Center of Excellence for Amazon is a major hub for transportation, customer fulfillment, and supply chain management for Amazon. This facility spans over 1 million square feet and employs over 8,000 individuals. It is considered the Nashville Tech Hub and is home to the Skills to Job Tech Alliance, which trains Nashville residents for cloud and AI-related job roles. Amazon continues to grow, leasing even more space within the CAA building.

Neighborhoods Near Amazon:

As a quick aside, many neighborhoods that I have already mentioned are also great options for Amazon employees, including Green Hills, 12 South, Brentwood, and Bellevue, some being close and some more of a commute. The following are a few additional options, not already highlighted:

Germantown

This historic Nashville neighborhood is highly walkable and is known for its 19th century brick Victorian homes with tree-lined streets, top-tier dining options, and brick sidewalks. It was established in the 1850s but provides a welcome blend of historic charm and modern residential options. Notable dining options include Monell’s, Rolf and Daughters, and City House. Although known for its historic architecture, Germantown also offers townhomes and other residential options for professionals and families. This neighborhood hosts popular community events like the Nashville Oktoberfest.

East Nashville

As another good option for Amazon employees, East Nashville is situated right across from the Cumberland River. It is known for being eclectic, vibrant, and highly walkable and has an abundance of trendy restaurants and historic bungalows that add to its artistic hipster vibe. One of the most popular areas within East Nashville is Five Points, a hub with shops, restaurants, and an abundance of nightlife options, named for its five-point intersection at its hub. Of course, the entire area boasts not only historic homes but modern high-end construction as well. Residents can easily access nearby Shelby Bottoms Greenway Nature Center along the river and there is excellent access to downtown Nashville even on bike if residents so desire. East Nashville is favored by artists, musicians, and families who desire a more indie feel.

The Gulch

Last, but certainly not least, when it comes to the best places to live near Nashville employers, The Gulch is a trendy and LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) neighborhood with high-rise condos and luxury apartments. This modern neighborhood, with high-end design, is one of the most walkable (with easy access to Amazon offices) and modern Nashville options and is ideally suited to the type of tech-forward individual employed by Amazon. The Gulch is also home to the Frist Art Museum, The Station Inn, and many high-end boutiques. The Gulch neighborhood was once an abandoned industrial area that has undergone welcome urban revitalization, creating a mixture of modern and historic residential options and a unique overall appeal.

Living in and Around Nashville

I hope my outline of some of the best neighborhoods near Nashville’s largest and major employers has given you the right impression of this city that I love. Nashville has a wide range of options, fitting many lifestyles and preferences. From traditional homes to modern and artistic offerings, there is something for everyone to love. Whether you want a secluded, quiet neighborhood with lots of green spaces and a small town feel, or you would rather have a bustling nightlife, lots of entertainment options and luxurious amenities, there is a bit of everything to choose from in and around the Nashville area. The neighborhoods listed above are just a sampling of the many options in and around Nashville. The Music City most certainly has an abundance of options to choose from, which only adds to its overall appeal even more!

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