Nashville is a beautiful, lively city famous for its music scene, delicious food, and friendly Southern attitude. If you want to live nearby but prefer a more suburban lifestyle, check out these top 10 cities near Nashville, where you can still access all of the excitement of Nashville but with a bit quieter surroundings.
The best cities near Nashville
- Franklin
- Murfreesboro
- Hendersonville
- Brentwood
- Clarksville
- Gallatin
- Mount Juliet
- Smyrna
- Spring Hill
- Nolensville
1. Franklin
- Driving distance from Nashville: 21.5 miles
- Commute time to Nashville by car: 33 minutes
- Population: 86,895
- Median household income: $111,032
- Median rent: $2,375, according to July Rent Research
- Best for: Families, history buffs, and those seeking a charming downtown area
- Attractions: Downtown Franklin, Carnton, and the Natchez Trace Parkway
Why Franklin is a great place to live
Franklin is an idyllic city with a historic downtown area full of boutique shops, restaurants, and beautifully restored buildings. The city hosts numerous festivals, including the Main Street Festival. With good schools and a welcoming community, Franklin is an ideal place for families.
2. Murfreesboro
- Driving distance from Nashville: 34.1 miles
- Commute time to Nashville by car: 47 minutes
- Population: 162,398
- Median household income: $93,961
- Median rent: $1,765 according to July rent research
- Best for: College students, young professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts
- Attractions: Middle Tennessee State University, Stones River National Battlefield, and the Murfreesboro Greenway System
Why Murfreesboro is a great place to live
Murfreesboro is home to Middle Tennessee State University, which makes this a great location for anyone who loves a college-town atmosphere and parks, golf courses, or historical landmarks like Stones River National Battlefield. With a growing job market, young professionals and families will enjoy Murfreesboro.
3. Hendersonville
- Driving distance from Nashville: 18.0 miles
- Commute time to Nashville by car: 28 minutes
- Population: 15,321
- Median household income: $86,954
- Median rent: $2,095, according to July rent research
- Best for: Retirees, lake enthusiasts, and those seeking a quiet suburban lifestyle
- Attractions: Old Hickory Lake, Drakes Creek Park, and the Streets of Indian Lake shopping center
Why Hendersonville is a great place to live
Situated along the shores of Old Hickory Lake, Hendersonville has ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities and is an attractive option for retirees and families. With its proximity to Nashville, Hendersonville offers a great balance of suburban living and city access.
4. Brentwood
- Driving distance from Nashville: 10.3 miles
- Commute time to Nashville by car: 20 minutes
- Population: 66,127
- Median household income: $251,875
- Median rent: $1,641 according to July rent research
- Best for: Affluent families, professionals, and those seeking top-rated schools
- Attractions: Brentwood Library, Smith Park, and the Brentwood Farmers Market
Why Brentwood is a great place to live
Brentwood is an affluent suburb known for its excellent schools, upscale shopping, and beautiful parks. These aspects, along with its sense of community and short drive to Nashville, make Brentwood a great option for professionals seeking a luxurious suburban lifestyle.
5. Clarksville
- Driving distance from Nashville: 47.9 miles
- Commute time to Nashville by car: 59 minutes
- Population: 176,974
- Median household income: $58,838
- Median rent: $1,450 according to July rent research
- Best for: Military families, college students, and those seeking affordable housing
- Attractions: Dunbar Cave State Park, Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, and the Clarksville Greenway
Why Clarksville is a great place to live
Military families might enjoy Clarksville the most—it’s home to the Fort Campbell Army base, so military personnel have a short commute. The city is also home to Austin Peay State University, giving it a youthful atmosphere. While the drive to Nashville is about an hour, the median rent price here is a bit lower, so renters willing to trade a longer commute for a lower cost of living will like what Clarksville offers.
6. Gallatin
- Driving distance from Nashville: 29.9 miles
- Commute time to Nashville by car: 39 minutes
- Population: 48,194
- Median household income: $90,104
- Median rent: $1,607 according to July rent research
- Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a small-town feel
- Attractions: Lock 4 Park, Gallatin Public Library, and the Palace Theater
Why Gallatin is a great place to live
Renters who care about having access to cute shops and restaurants will love Gallatin’s historic downtown area. Families, in particular, will find Gallatin an ideal home; this charming city has a small-town atmosphere, plenty of parks, and is within commuting distance of Nashville.
7. Mount Juliet
- Driving distance from Nashville: 19.6 miles
- Commute time to Nashville by car: 29 minutes
- Population: 42,548
- Median household income: $108,066
- Median rent: $2,120, according to July rent research
- Best for: Families, golfers, and those seeking a quiet suburban lifestyle
- Attractions: Charlie Daniels Park, Providence Marketplace, and the Cedar Creek Sports Center
Why Mount Juliet is a great place to live
Mount Juliet is a lovely town just 30 minutes outside of Nashville. With its plethora of parks and community events—including a farmers market—Mount Juliet is a great home base for anyone commuting to Nashville who also wants to foster a strong community network, especially families and young professionals. It’s also home to a large shopping center with hundreds of shops and dining options, making it perfect for people who value convenience.
8. Smyrna
- Driving distance from Nashville: 23.8 miles
- Commute time to Nashville by car: 37 minutes
- Commute time to Nashville by public transit: 56 minutes
- Population: 56,160
- Median household income: $89,936
- Median rent: $1,649 according to July rent research
- Best for: Young professionals, families, and those seeking a balance of city and suburban living
- Attractions: Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center, Gregory Mill Park, and the Smyrna Golf Course
Why Smyrna is a great place to live
Smyrna is a growing suburb with a diverse population, good schools, and proximity to parks and outdoor spaces, including golf courses and an outdoor adventure center. It’s a popular choice for renters who want to live near Nashville and have easy access to the entertainment options the city offers, but prefer the suburban lifestyle.
9. Spring Hill
- Driving distance from Nashville: 36.4 miles
- Commute time to Nashville by car: 41 minutes
- Population: 116,882
- Median household income: $100,286
- Median rent: $1,825 according to July rent research
- Best for: Families, commuters, and those seeking a small-town feel
- Attractions: Harvey Park, Rippavilla Plantation, and the Tennessee Museum of Early Farm Life
Why Spring Hill is a great place to live
One of Spring Hill’s major perks is its location along the I-65 corridor, which allows easy access to Nashville and Williamson County. Along with its location, Spring Hill offers residents the best of rustic Southern charm and suburban living. It is full of open green space and close to historical landmarks, such as the Rippavilla Plantation and the Tennessee Museum of Early Farm Life.
10. Nolensville
- Driving distance from Nashville: 21.6 miles
- Commute time to Nashville by car: 36 minutes
- Population: 16,872
- Median household income: $164,839
- Median rent: $3,000 according to July rent research
- Best for: Affluent families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a tight-knit community
- Attractions: Mill Creek Brewing Co., Nolensville Farmers Market, and the Nolensville Park and Recreation Center
Why Nolensville is a great place to live
With its beautiful scenery, great school district, and access to recreational activities—such as parks, a farmers market, and a local brewery— Nolensville appeals to affluent families seeking a tight-knit community within commuting distance of Nashville.
Whether you’re looking for a bustling suburban lifestyle, excellent schools, or scenic outdoor activities, these top 10 cities near Nashville provide diverse living options that cater to various preferences and needs.
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