Would appreciate your input re: Nashville neighborhoods (Germantown, Lebanon: condos, crime)

[scruz22]

Hi all,

I've been lurking in this forum for a few days and have finally decided to post.

My family is moving to Nashville in a few months. As a Vanderbilt alum who has (fairly) fond memories of living in the city, I'm excited about returning. We plan to purchase a home there. I'm familiar with Nashville, but I can't rely too much on my past experiences to help us find a place. They call it The VandyBubble for a reason...

Our family isn't too keen on living in a cookie-cutter development, nor do we wish to put down roots in the middle of nowhere. We work from home, so we need to live in a place with a real sense of community. Our hope is that we can find a location that's reasonably priced, within close proximity of things to do (coffee shops, parks, etc.), and safe. It would also be nice to be able to open the front door and go for a run.

With that said, I have a few questions:

-The Nashville realty websites indicate that there are some "up-and-coming" neighborhoods in the area behind Centennial Park and just east of downtown (in particular, there's a new condo complex near Lebanon Pike and Mt. Olivet Cemetery). Can anyone give his/her impressions of these areas?

-What is Berry Hill like? There are some new condos going up there, too, and they look nice. I've heard it's a good area.

-Any areas you would avoid like the plague if you were the parent of a small child?

I apologize in advance for potential redundancy. Also, thanks to those of you who have posted the Nashville crime map - that was very helpful.

[hml1976]

I like Berry Hill a lot, I used to live nearby over near Lipscomb which has become a little pricey but still a nice area too. You also might want to check out Crieve Hall, my friend lives there and parts are very nice. There are also sections of East Nashville that would give you what you are looking for. One more place to check out would be Germantown, they have a great community, its a little like a cult but great. None of the mentioned places have good schools but you didn't mention that as a priority.

I would avoid: Antioch, the area behind Centennial Park, most of East Nashville, and I personally would hate living right downtown.

[yazychnykdiysnist]

Why avoid Antioch? What is wrong with the area? I have lived here off of Haywood Lane for over 3 years and have no complaints yet...

[Mike in TN]

Don't you know by now that every single resident in Antioch has either been robbed or assaulted in some way!?!?!

There is no safe area in Antioch; it's just like Compton!

[scruz22]

Originally Posted by hml1976

I like Berry Hill a lot, I used to live nearby over near Lipscomb which has become a little pricey but still a nice area too. You also might want to check out Crieve Hall, my friend lives there and parts are very nice. There are also sections of East Nashville that would give you what you are looking for. One more place to check out would be Germantown, they have a great community, its a little like a cult but great. None of the mentioned places have good schools but you didn't mention that as a priority.

I would avoid: Antioch, the area behind Centennial Park, most of East Nashville, and I personally would hate living right downtown.

Thanks! That's really helpful. It's good to know that I was on the mark with Berry Hill. I'll definitely look into Germantown.

Schools... It's a priority, but I know what the deal is with Davidson County. My husband helped out in one of the middle schools for a while. Yikes. My son is still very young. If we ended up in Davidson, we'd probably home school him.

[scruz22]

Originally Posted by Mike in TN

Don't you know by now that every single resident in Antioch has either been robbed or assaulted in some way!?!?!

There is no safe area in Antioch; it's just like Compton!

LOL. I sense some disagreement here. :-)

From my own experiences in Nashville, I know that it has its issues. Every city deals with crime. That's just the way it is. But I felt much safer living in Nashville than, say, Phoenix (no offense to anyone from Phoenix).

[HouseWhisperer]

hmmm, how do I say this...you don't normally find "up and coming neighborhood" don't oten offer some of the things you are looking for. You did not mention a price, and you know the Vandy area so I assume you ruled that out. My family lives in East Nashville and it offers a great "work from home" experience with great coffe shops, restaurants, culteral events, etc. Our children go to Lockeland Springs Literature (which requires you to lottery in) and have been extremely happy. Beyond that and staying in the core of Nashville for the "feel" you might look at Sylvan Park as well. Welcome to Nashville!

[scruz22]

Originally Posted by HouseWhisperer

hmmm, how do I say this...you don't normally find "up and coming neighborhood" don't oten offer some of the things you are looking for. You did not mention a price, and you know the Vandy area so I assume you ruled that out. My family lives in East Nashville and it offers a great "work from home" experience with great coffe shops, restaurants, culteral events, etc. Our children go to Lockeland Springs Literature (which requires you to lottery in) and have been extremely happy. Beyond that and staying in the core of Nashville for the "feel" you might look at Sylvan Park as well. Welcome to Nashville!

Very helpful! Thank you. Yes, the Vandy area is out of our price range, but certain parts of East Nashville fit our budget. From what I've seen - and I realize that pictures aren't always accurate - there are some nice, re-done family homes in East Nashville. It's good to know that there's a strong community atmosphere there, too.