Local Expert's To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in Nashville

As part of the team here at Apartment Home Living, I am eager to tell you all about Nashville, and its amazing colleges and nearby neighborhoods that make perfect residences for students, seeking to increase their education and get out in the world and make a difference. While there is really nowhere in Nashville that isn't a great place to live, some locations are better suited for attending the world-class and highly-renowned colleges that are situated throughout the city. The following is a breakdown of some of the best local colleges in Nashville, along with the neighborhoods surrounding them that make ideal living arrangements for new residents, especially students: 

About Nashville

Nicknamed the “Music City,” Nashville is a wonderful city that boasts southern charm, plenty of diverse culinary options, professional sports teams, and revered educational institutions. From twangy honkey-tonks scattered throughout the downtown to its competitive job market and impressive low employment rate, Nashville, Tennessee, has quickly become more than a tourist destination and instead is considered a great place to get an education and then perhaps stay in the city and build a career. The renowned friendliness of the population makes Nashville a welcoming, open environment to build a life and an excellent location to get educated, thanks to its many highly rated institutions. Now, onto the colleges and their surrounding neighborhoods:

Belmont University

The picturesque Belmont University is located near the heart of the city of Nashville, Tennessee. It is a welcoming community where nearly 9,000 students from every state in the nation, along with those from more than 30 countries, have come together to partake in Belmont’s academic programs. Its mission is to provide a Christ-centered, student-focused environment to create diverse leaders who have a transformational mindset as well as a great sense of purpose, all of which come together to make the world a better place. 

Neighborhoods Near Belmont University 

Wedgewood/Houston

This fun neighborhood, nicknamed “WeHo” by the locals, is about two miles from Belmont University’s campus. Consequently, it takes only about 10 minutes to reach campus when traveling by car or riding a bike. WeHo makes up one of the most affordable neighborhoods for townhomes, condos, and apartment complexes in Nashville, making it especially popular for student housing for those on a tight budget. Of course, there are also luxury options in apartments as well within the Wedgewood/Houston neighborhood. This neighborhood also boasts historical landmarks and art galleries, along with distilleries, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. 

Edgehill

Another option for living near Belmont University is the contrasting neighborhood of Edgehill. Described as contrasting thanks to the fact that it features a quiet residential side, complete with tree-lined streets and parks, but also boasts a bustling business corridor. Living in Edgehill means you can choose to live in the quiet residential side or enjoy modern apartment complexes, vibrant nightlife, and trendy restaurants. Villa Place is a commercial strip located in Edgehill that is immensely popular with locals. Edgehill is defined as the neighborhood spanning from Wedgewood Avenue to Division Street. It takes around 20 minutes to walk from Edgehill to Belmont University. Student apartments in Edgehill are also available. 

Music Row

Not to be confused with downtown Nashville, Music Row is an industry hub located less than one mile from Belmont University. Instead of the honkey-tonks found on Broadway (downtown), Music Row is home to many historic recording studios where iconic musicians like Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and the Everly Brothers have recorded. This neighborhood consists of a few blocks, spanning from east to west, beginning at 21st Avenue South to 16th Avenue South. This is the home of the famous “Musica” sculpture in Owen Bradley Park. There are also local shops that provide services and dining options. Music Row also features single-family detached properties, modern condos, and townhouses to rent. Student apartments are also plentiful in Music Row and include a variety of options and price points. 

The Gulch

Situated just north of Music Row, the Gulch is known as Nashville’s trendiest neighborhood. Although its founding was based on industry and the railroad back in the 1900s, today, there are top-rated boutiques, restaurants, and luxury high rises throughout the neighborhood. Some apartments within the Gulch neighborhood feature rent specials, making them more affordable for student living. The Gulch is also home to the popular rooftop bar L.A. Jackson and the Station In, which often features live music. This unique neighborhood is also home to fitness studies, murals, art galleries, and one of Nashville’s most beloved landmarks, the Union Station. Getting from the Gulch to Belmont University takes around 10 minutes by car, but many locals take the bus instead. 

Fisk University

Withstanding the test of time for more than 150 years, Fisk University has been achieving academic excellence since 1866. This private university has been known as the Golden Standard for supporting students’ intellectual needs and is committed to the mission of producing graduates with diverse backgrounds who will go on to contribute to society in a substantive way through integrity and intellect. The motto D.E.T.A.I.L.S. represents the core values of Fisk and what it stands for: Diversity, Excellence, Teamwork, Accountability, Integrity, Leadership, and Service. 

Neighborhoods Near Fisk University 

Watkins Park

Considered a neighborhood identified by firsts, Watkins Park in Davidson County holds the distinction of having Nashville’s first public green space, which was made possible through gifted land donated by Samuel Watkins. Watkins Park is situated north of Charlotte Avenue, east of 1-40, and is a short walk to Fisk University. Watkins Park also features a trendy entertainment corridor, featuring shopping and dining options. Edmondson Park is nearby and features limestone sculptures that have become the identifying feature of the neighborhood. As part of Davidson County, Watkins Park also boasts a good variety of student apartment options, perfect for those attending Fisk University. 

Downtown Nashville

One of Nashville’s best-known neighborhoods is famous for its iconic row of honky-tonks, cultural attractions, and popular restaurants. Downtown Nashville also happens to be close to Fisk University, giving residents the ability to walk to the university and granting them easy access to rooftop bars, lively music venues, indie boutiques, art galleries, and more, all within a short walking distance. Living choices include high-rise options, penthouse residences, and multi-floor condos. Even downtown, there are plenty of options for student housing in the form of various apartment complexes. There is a good variety of price points, ranging from more affordable to a bit nicer options for Fisk students. 

Hadley Washington

Located just west of Fisk University and east of 1-40,  Hadley Washington is a residential neighborhood that is considered one of the city’s most beautiful areas with mature trees and older structures. It is conveniently situated less than a mile from Fisk University, making it around a 20-minute walk on foot. There are many dining options loved by the locals as well as mom-and-pop markets and fitness studios. Fisk students can also find a variety of student housing options in the form of student apartments in the Hadley Washington neighborhood. 

Buena Vista 

The historic Buena Vista neighborhood dates back to the 1910s, even though it embraces modern-day vibrancy. Many of the homes have been well-maintained and have been properly refurbished since the 1920s. This, along with the new construction, has led to a variety of real estate options within this neighborhood, including townhomes, condos, and single-family residences. Buena Vista is around a 20-minute walk to Fisk University and is situated north of Jefferson Street and between 1-65 and Rosa L Parks Boulevard. The neighborhood of Buena Vista also boasts a good number of housing options, ranging from one to even three and four-bedroom apartments, ideally suited for students. 

Vanderbilt University 

Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt University is a private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. With over 70 undergraduate majors to offer and a full range of graduate and professional degrees, this university is likely one of the best-known in the Nashville area. Vanderbilt’s accolades go beyond the renowned degree programs, though, and is backed by world-class facilities and the top research university, Immersion Vanderbilt. With more than 7,000 undergraduate students enrolled across various disciplines and passions, Vanderbilt University offers a dynamic student community. Vanderbilt, along with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, also provides students with postdoctoral research opportunities, encouraging students to participate in transformative discoveries to positively change the world. 

Neighborhoods Near Vanderbilt University 

Melrose Waverly

Situated just southeast of Vanderbilt University, the Melrose Waverly neighborhood boasts an array of services and local shops, all within easy walking distance. Students can walk or bike to campus in 10 minutes or less. Some of the most convenient amenities in this neighborhood include a shopping area featuring a Walgreens, Publix, and an Orangetheory Fitness.  In addition, the Melrose Waverly neighborhood features many student residential options, including rentals near campus priced by the room, which are ideally suited for students. 

Marathon Village

The Marathon Village district in Nashville features warehouses and brick factories that have been repurposed for modern use. Some student living options in Marathon Village include some of these multi-level brick structures, along with other options. Marathon Village overall features colorful murals, open lots, and vintage architecture to create a unique industrial-chic atmosphere. Marathon Village is conveniently located just north of Vanderbilt University, and it’s a mere five-minute drive or 10-minute bike ride away from campus. The centerpiece of this unique district is the historic Marathon Motor Works building. While it originated as a working factory, today it is home to trendy galleries, boutiques, bars, and restaurants. 

West End

Ranging from 1-40 at its northernmost point to the Centennial Park in its southeast corner, the West End neighborhood makes up a significant amount of Nashville’s midtown. Student housing options within the West End are also plentiful and come with by-the-room pricing for student convenience. Vanderbilt’s campus is situated in the southwestern corner of the neighborhood and remains just a quick stroll away from the neighborhood's central and northern areas. As a result of being located so close to the university, the West End boasts an abundance of bars, eateries, and more, including some world-class venues. In addition, the West End includes some wonderful shops and some culturally diverse restaurant options. 

Hillsboro Village

The Hillsboro Village neighborhood was, interestingly enough, developed in the late 1800s as a streetcar suburb for Nashville. Today, it embodies what it means to be a hip, modern neighborhood. Hillsboro is located just one mile south of Vanderbilt University. This means it is just a mere five-minute drive or 10-minute bike ride away from campus. In addition, locals and students alike appreciate the area's immense walkability, which gives easy access to various features like entertainment options, restaurants, shops, and more. In fact, this area is known for its unique selection of eateries situated along 21st Avenue South, with the Pancake Pantry being a local favorite. This historic neighborhood also boasts some of Nashville’s most beloved landmarks, including the Gallery of Iconic Guitars, the Belcourt Mansion, and the Belcourt Theatre. Student housing options in Hillsboro Village are also plentiful and include apartments ranging from one to four rooms. 

Elliston Place

Located just north of Vanderbilt University, Elliston Place is a neighborhood situated in the heart of Nashville’s midtown. It conveniently features several bus routes that run along Broadway and Church Street. They are ideal for students getting to and from classes. Being a resident of the Elliston Place neighborhood gives students close access to the university, allowing them to reach campus on foot in under 10 minutes. The locals know that Ellison Place features some of the best drinking holes, live music venues, and delicious eateries in the entire city. Centennial Park is also located in this neighborhood and often hosts outdoor yoga, summer concerts, and more. Real estate choices in Elliston Place include a variety of options, including condos and apartments. 

Local Colleges and Student Life in Nashville

For students who move to Nashville to pursue their education, not only is there an abundance of educational offerings, but the city is also replete with living options ideally suited for students. These apartments range in price points and amenities and offer a range of budget-friendly features, including pay-by-the-room incentives. In addition to the many living options, Nashville also boasts some amazing stores, restaurants, entertainment options, and more. Therefore, any student seeking a town to explore and enjoy during their educational years will be well-served by making the move to beautiful Nashville, Tennessee. This historic city is a perfect combination of modern accouterments and down-home friendliness.