Including apartments in neighborhoods such as Green Hills, Belle Meade, and Lipscomb University.
The West End of Nashville is perfect for those looking to live in a busy suburb with the convenience of a big city just a few miles away. It is best known for it’s gorgeous homes, amazing shopping, and a friendly feel. While most residents reside in homes with a higher price point, there are definitely some more affordable apartments for rent. You just have to look a little harder!
Let’s start with Green Hills. If you live in Nashville, you know Green Hills. If you’re visiting Nashville, you’ve likely been referred to Green Hills for shopping, dining, and overall fun! As far as shopping goes, you’ve got options. The Hill Center is a small, outdoor mall that is easy to cover in a single afternoon. For clothing, we recommend The Perfect Pair, H. Audrey, Hemline, and of course Anthropologie. They also have that athleisure store with the cult following… Lululemon, ever heard of it? As far as home decor goes, be sure to stop into West Elm, Pottery Barn, Mitchell Gold, and even White’s Mercantile. Just down the street is the Nashville mecca for all things fashion, The Mall at Green Hills. If you haven’t heard, the long-awaited Zara has finally opened it’s doors! There’s also Nordstrom, everyone’s favorite stop for mid-to-high price points and a post-shopping coffee and snack, straight from their cafe. Of course, they do house the mall must-haves like Sephora and Ulta, The Apple Store, and The Container Store. Most importantly, it’s the Nashville home of luxury retailers like Gucci, Burberry, Louis Vuittan, and Tiffany & Co.
Let’s take a moment of silence for this next stop… Yes, we’re talking about Restoration Hardware. Need we say more? This flagship store sells itself. Be sure to stop by the RH Cafe for brunch, burgers, or just to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere. If health-conscious fare is more your style, True Food Kitchen is the place for you. They even offer vegan options AND cocktails. Back at The Hill Center you’ve got the always on point, Shake Shack. Grab your burger, cheese fries, and milkshake and you’re ready to go! For my vegetarians out there, the ‘shroom burger is soooo good. If it’s pizza you’re craving, Emmy Squared is the perfect pit stop on your afternoon outing. Looking for more of a sports bar feel? The Crows Nest has casual bites, draft beer, and a large deck.
Speaking of bars, one of our personal faves is The Greenhouse Bar. If you’re wondering, it really is inside a greenhouse! It’s the perfect spot for a chill day drink or to start off your night with conversations over a cocktail. Last but not least, *drumroll please…* The Bluebird Cafe, a must-see for country music lovers. It’s one of Nashville’s most famous spots and where many musicians have been discovered over the years! Green Hills is also the home of Trader Joes and Whole Foods. No matter what area you live in, you’re likely making the drive for your grocery needs. So, why not live close by? There’s also tons of great nail salons, a public library, and even a recycling center. Just a short drive away is Radnor Lake, where you can enjoy waterfront views while hiking it’s five mile stretch.
Right on the edge of Green Hills is Lipscomb University, a private christian liberal arts college that brings many Nashville transplants to town every year. If small classes and a charming campus are your speed, Lipscomb is the way to go! Just off campus are two spots that the students love. First is The Well Coffeehouse, a non-profit organization that is famous for their delicious paninis and baked goods. Second is the Copper Kettle Cafe. Their cafeteria style set-up and unique take on southern classics keep the students coming back for more.
Now… if we’re talking the west side, we must discuss Belle Meade. The area is widely known for its incredible estates, historic landmarks, and country club lifestyle. Most Nashvillians flock to Belle Meade multiple times a year to check out the latest event at Cheekwood, a 1930s Georgian mansion on 55 acres of land with a whole lot to offer. Most notable is their botanical gardens that can be enjoyed by all ages. Kids especially love the themed gardens and sculptures scattered throughout. They were even named a USA Today Top 10 Botanical Garden, so- they’re kind of a big deal. If flowers aren’t enough for you, Cheekwood also offers art galleries with both a permanent collection and traveling exhibitions and a pumpkin patch in the fall. Be sure to stop by their cafe for a quick bite while exploring!
Another historic site is the Belle Meade Mansion and Winery, an 1840s estate that now offers an event space and tours of the site. This is not just your average plantation tour! They have an onsite African American historian who tells the stories of the formerly enslaved individuals to give a voice to those who have long been silenced. Not too far away is Percy Warner Park, the perfect place to spend your weekends enjoying the beautiful weather. Many in the community choose to join the Belle Meade Country club where they enjoy a great golf course and popular holiday events. If you’re looking for food recs, be sure to check out Sperry’s Restaurant. They have a tavern-like vibe and offer steak, surf ’n’ turf, an extensive wine list, and most importantly, happy hour. There’s also the Belle Meade Meat and Three that is keeping “The Belle Meade Tradition” alive by serving smoked meats and veggies on the same property that has hosted many distinguished events for over 200 years.
A couple more spots worth mentioning on the West Side are L&L Marketplace and West End Park. L&L houses many up and coming local businesses and a rentable event space. The park is always a great place to soak up the sun or spend a calming day in nature. With all that being said, West End is definitely a popular area for all ages to reside and spend their time.