Nashville’s Most Popular Suburbs: Where to Live in 2026

Relocating to the Nashville area or considering a move within Middle Tennessee? Choosing the right suburb can make all the difference when it comes to schools, commute times, lifestyle, and long-term home value.

From historic downtowns and top-rated school districts to fast-growing communities with newer homes, the Nashville metro area offers a wide range of options for families, professionals, and investors alike.

Below is a breakdown of Nashville’s most popular suburbs — plus several up-and-coming areas to watch.

Franklin

Historic Charm, Top Schools, and Premium Living

Franklin is consistently ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in Middle Tennessee. Known for its historic downtown, strong sense of community, and excellent public schools, Franklin attracts families looking for long-term stability and quality of life.

Why buyers love Franklin

• Access to Williamson County Schools, one of the highest-performing districts in Tennessee

• Walkable downtown with local shops, dining, and year-round events

• Strong home values and established neighborhoods

Best for: Families, professionals, and buyers prioritizing schools

Price point: Higher than surrounding suburbs, but historically strong appreciation

Spring Hill

Fast-Growing, Family-Friendly, and Great Value

Spring Hill has become one of the fastest-growing suburbs south of Nashville. Positioned between Franklin and Columbia, it offers newer housing developments, expanding amenities, and more attainable pricing than many Williamson County markets.

What makes Spring Hill appealing

• New construction and master-planned communities

• Access to both Williamson and Maury County schools

• Convenient commute to Franklin and Nashville

Best for: Young families and first-time buyers

Market trend: Rapid growth with increasing demand

Murfreesboro

A Large Suburb With City-Level Amenities

Murfreesboro is one of Tennessee’s largest cities and offers a mix of suburban living and urban convenience. Home to Middle Tennessee State University, the city provides extensive shopping, dining, parks, and employment opportunities.

Key benefits

• Strong Rutherford County school options

• More affordable home prices compared to closer-in suburbs

• Self-contained city with continued infrastructure growth

Best for: Families seeking space, amenities, and value

Commute: Approximately 35–40 minutes to downtown Nashville

Mount Juliet

High-Demand Suburb With Excellent Schools

Often called the “City Between the Lakes,” Mount Juliet is one of the most sought-after suburbs east of Nashville. Strong schools, newer developments, and a convenient commute make it especially popular with families.

Why Mount Juliet stands out

• Highly rated Wilson County Schools

• Newer residential neighborhoods and retail centers

• Proximity to Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake

Best for: Families and professionals

Market trend: Consistently high demand and limited inventory

Hendersonville

Lake Living With Suburban Convenience

Located along Old Hickory Lake, Hendersonville offers a lifestyle centered around outdoor recreation while still providing easy access to Nashville. It remains a popular choice for families seeking established neighborhoods and water access.

Highlights

• Access to Sumner County Schools

• Lakefront and water-adjacent communities

• Strong community amenities and shopping options

Best for: Buyers prioritizing lifestyle and outdoor living

Columbia

Small-Town Charm With Growing Interest

Columbia offers a quieter pace of life with historic charm and more affordable housing than many Nashville-area suburbs. While farther from downtown Nashville, it appeals to buyers seeking character, space, and value.

Why buyers consider Columbia

• Lower home prices compared to metro suburbs

• Historic downtown and local culture

• Ideal for remote or flexible commuters

Up-and-Coming Areas Near Nashville

Several nearby communities are gaining attention for growth and long-term potential:

• Thompson’s Station – Rural feel with proximity to Franklin

• Nolensville – Rapid residential and retail development

• Gallatin – Expanding infrastructure and affordability

• Lebanon – Growth east of Nashville with strong commuter appeal

School Districts and Home Value

School quality is one of the strongest drivers of home demand in Middle Tennessee:

• Williamson County Schools – Franklin, parts of Spring Hill

• Wilson County Schools – Mount Juliet

• Sumner County Schools – Hendersonville

• Rutherford County Schools – Murfreesboro

• Maury County Schools – Columbia and parts of Spring Hill

Homes in top-performing school zones typically see stronger resale value and buyer demand.

FAQs

What are the best suburbs to live in near Nashville?

The most popular Nashville suburbs include Franklin, Spring Hill, Murfreesboro, Mount Juliet, Hendersonville, and Columbia. Each offers a different mix of schools, commute times, housing styles, and lifestyle amenities.

Which Nashville suburb has the best schools?

Franklin and Mount Juliet are widely known for top-rated public schools, with Franklin served by Williamson County Schools and Mount Juliet by Wilson County Schools.

What is the most affordable suburb near Nashville?

Spring Hill, Murfreesboro, and Columbia generally offer more affordable home prices compared to Franklin or Mount Juliet, while still providing access to growing amenities and schools.

What suburbs near Nashville are up and coming?

Up-and-coming areas include Thompson’s Station, Nolensville, Gallatin, and Lebanon. These communities are seeing growth in new housing, retail, and infrastructure.

How far are Nashville suburbs from downtown?

Commute times vary by location. Franklin and Mount Juliet are typically 25–35 minutes from downtown Nashville, while Murfreesboro and Spring Hill average 35–45 minutes depending on traffic.

Is it better to live in Nashville or the suburbs?

Many buyers choose suburbs for better schools, more space, newer homes, and quieter neighborhoods, while still commuting into Nashville for work or entertainment.

Thinking of making a move? Contact our team today!

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