Student + spouse moving to Nashville (Brentwood, Green Hill: apartments, rentals, safe neighborhood)

[jcm411]

Hi,

I know there was a recent post about a grad student moving to Nashville area, and I wanted to ask a similar question but with different needs. I will be starting grad school at Vanderbilt in the Fall and my wife and I are looking for a decent priced 1 or 2 bedroom in a quiet, safe neighborhood that does not have to be walking distance from school (I will most likely drive to campus anyway, so I'm fine with 15-20 minute commute). Though we would also like to be near some shopping areas for groceries and other needs, so that's something to think about as well... Does anyone have any suggestions for where we might start looking if our budget lies around $800-1000?

Thank you!
J

[DonCorleone]

There are a number of areas I'd suggest that would be an easy commute to Vandy.

Sylvan Park is a popular area for young professionals and would be about a 15 minute commute, but based on what I can remember there aren't a lot of traditional shopping areas nearby. Likewise Bellevue is a little further out and is more of a traditional suburb...shopping/restaurants/etc...and has more rentals available. In fact, I would probably target Bellevue first because I imagine there will be more available in your price range there. However, it would be a longer drive...anywhere from 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Green Hills and/or 12South would be convenient, but I think it would be harder to find an apartment in your price range there. Still, it is worth a look. Further out you could find a trendy area for young professionals in East Nashville, but areas there are sometimes considered "transition" neighborhoods with an increase in crime...plus shopping is a little bit of a drive. Finally, you might want to check areas south of town including the Crieve Hall area (but not too close to Nolensville Road) or the Brentwood portion of Davidson County.

Craigslist is a good resource for apartments (obviously, you have to be smart about giving out information, etc), as is Realtracs (search for Davidson County rentals).

Best of luck and let us know if we can help.

[vivelafrance]

Originally Posted by DonCorleone

There are a number of areas I'd suggest that would be an easy commute to Vandy.

Sylvan Park is a popular area for young professionals and would be about a 15 minute commute, but based on what I can remember there aren't a lot of traditional shopping areas nearby. Likewise Bellevue is a little further out and is more of a traditional suburb...shopping/restaurants/etc...and has more rentals available. In fact, I would probably target Bellevue first because I imagine there will be more available in your price range there. However, it would be a longer drive...anywhere from 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Green Hills and/or 12South would be convenient, but I think it would be harder to find an apartment in your price range there. Still, it is worth a look. Further out you could find a trendy area for young professionals in East Nashville, but areas there are sometimes considered "transition" neighborhoods with an increase in crime...plus shopping is a little bit of a drive. Finally, you might want to check areas south of town including the Crieve Hall area (but not too close to Nolensville Road) or the Brentwood portion of Davidson County.

Craigslist is a good resource for apartments (obviously, you have to be smart about giving out information, etc), as is Realtracs (search for Davidson County rentals).

Best of luck and let us know if we can help.

Nashville West and the Lions Head/White Bridge shopping center are both about 10 minutes from Sylvan Park in good traffic. I also think it would be a good neighborhood for you.

[DonCorleone]

Originally Posted by vivelafrance

Nashville West and the Lions Head/White Bridge shopping center are both about 10 minutes from Sylvan Park in good traffic. I also think it would be a good neighborhood for you.

Yeah, I guess you're right...forgot about that. There's also a Kroger's nearby that area along with a Publix too.

[ariesjow]

Originally Posted by DonCorleone

Yeah, I guess you're right...forgot about that. There's also a Kroger's nearby that area along with a Publix too.

And a Harris Teeter across from the Publix on Harding too. I hit up all three on some weekends.

[jcm411]

great, thanks for the input.

if we were to increase our price range a bit more to, say, $1200, are there any better options that fit the bill? Bellevue seems ok but as someone said above, it does seem a bit far. Green Hills seems to be a great deal closer, and I was wondering if anyone knew of any specific communities to look for (or avoid) in the area.

any suggestions? thanks!