The Top Criteria Middle Tennessee Homebuyers Look For

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Current real estate trends reflect a desire for homes that provide more space and privacy. Because many families currently work, study, exercise, entertain and live at home, they require a home that suits them. And while urban living likely won’t go out of style anytime soon, realtors in the local area continue to see an increase in demand for larger homes on larger lots in desirable Middle Tennessee neighborhoods. As a Nashville native and internationally ranked Top 100 RE/MAX Agent, Realtor Maria Holland has watched the city grow and attract more people each year. “Inventory is lower than this time last year, and sales are higher — that means everything is moving so quickly,” she says.

“When I ask people what they love about Nashville, there are countless reasons: the seasons, our bright blue skies, entertainment options, great restaurants and the friendly nature of our city,” continues Maria, an agent with RE/MAX Homes and Estates, Lipman Group. “They know what Nashville has to offer before they come here.”

People move to Nashville for myriad reasons, and each neighborhood offers something different. To understand exactly what homebuyers are looking for, we turned to Maria to gather today’s real estate trends that clients most often desire. In turn, Maria shared common criteria for new-to-Nashville homebuyers and the neighborhoods that meet their needs and wants.

Criteria: Community and Amenities

Neighborhoods to consider: Westhaven, Berry Farms, Ladd Park, Tollgate Village

Nashville-area neighborhoods are diverse in style, affordability, and offerings. Those looking for an all-inclusive neighborhood with amenities at their fingertips gravitate towards mixed-use planned communities, such as Westhaven, Berry Farms, Ladd Park and Tollage Village, all of which are located on the outskirts of Nashville in Williamson County. Homebuyers drawn to these types of neighborhoods have “close-knit community” and “amenities” at the top of their home-buying wishlist.

Westhaven

With its social spaces, clubhouse, 18-hole golf course, pools, event lawn and family homes, Westhaven is one of Franklin’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Nearly 3,000 homes in the neighborhood sit within walking distance to Westhaven Town Center, which features shopping and dining. Buyers are also attracted to the local school district and bounty of nearby conveniences.

This Westhaven home was listed and sold by RE/MAX Homes and Estates, Lipman Group Agent Kelly Feeney for $784,060.

Berry Farms

Another mixed-use, master-planned community, Berry Farms is located on 600 acres in the heart of Williamson County. The neighborhood offers pedestrian-friendly walkways, a trail system, community gardens, a neighborhood farmer’s market, pools and shopping districts with everything from grocery stores to hair salons. The community includes 1,100 residential units, 1.8 million square feet of retail and 3 million square feet of office space, and it’s located in the Williamson County Schools district.

Berry Farms is a delightful, walkable neighborhood with many conveniences at the ready. Maria Holland sold a Berry Farms home in June 2020 for $415,000.

Ladd Park

Find a variety of housing options in Ladd Park, a neighborhood with multiple smaller communities, miles of walking and running trails, parks, pools, playgrounds and nearby shopping and dining. You can choose from 1,200 homes at various price points and styles. The neighborhoods are currently zoned for Oakview Elementary, Page Middle and Page High School — all Williamson County Schools.

Maria Holland sold this Ladd Park home for $469,900 in February 2020.

Criteria: Privacy and Green Space

Neighborhoods to consider: Brentwood, Forest Hills, Oak Hill, Leipers Fork

While urban housing is perfect for homeowners who prefer a fast-paced life, condo living and walkability, it isn’t for everyone. Those interested in spacious yards and privacy look to larger lots and bigger homes out of view from their neighbors. With so many folks moving from larger markets, including those in California and New York, the demand for privacy and green space is higher than ever.

Brentwood

Located 10 minutes south of Nashville, Brentwood is a Williamson County community with middle-income and high-income housing that ranges from $500,000 to $1.4 million — with options in between and on either side of those price points. The larger lots, nearby parks and libraries attract homeowners to this area.

This Brentwood home features two offices and a large lot. Maria Holland sold this home in October 2020 for $979,000.

Oak Hill and Forest Hills

Because the Oak Hill and Forest Hills neighborhoods have so much to offer, there is limited inventory in the area. When homes do come on the market, they are typically listed at a higher price point, but many homebuyers find that the investment is worth it. The residential area is surrounded by rolling hills, and Radnor Lake State Natural Area and Green Hills are both nearby, offering the best of both worlds.

Oak Hill is a Middle Tennessee neighborhood with ranch-style homes.

This Oak Hill home is located on a large lot and provides a close commute to Downtown. Maria Holland sold this property in October 2020 for $438,500.

Leiper’s Fork

This small town just outside of Franklin is bursting with charm. The main strip is home to art galleries, such as The Copper Fox Gallery, Leiper’s Creek Gallery and David Arms, and hometown eateries, such as Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, The Country Boy and 1892. Residences in this area are often located on multiple acres of land that give the green space and privacy so many crave with shopping and dining nearby. Plus, the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway is nearby.

Don’t miss this four-bedroom, $2.199,000 Leiper’s Fork home listed by Mike Bonagura.

Criteria: Walkability

Neighborhoods to consider: The Nations, Sylvan Park, Hillsboro Village, downtown Franklin, Green Hills, 12 South

Nashville’s most walkable neighborhoods are known for their tree-lined streets, friendly communities, shopping, dining and parks. You’ll find charm and local culture in each of these areas, and attractive homes range from new construction to historic residences.

Franklin

Homeowners with walkability on their must-have list gravitate towards downtown Franklin’s historic Main Street neighborhood, with its restaurants, shops, history and culture. Besides eating at local spots, such as Frothy Monkey, The Grilled Cheeserie, Biscuit Love and GRAYS on Main, you can spend the day shopping at boutiques that carry home goods, antiques and fashion. Each year, Main Street is home to countless festivals and events that bring the community together.

Because this home is walkable to downtown Franklin, it quickly sold for $419,900 in September 2020.

Green Hills

This well-known neighborhood is recognized for its high-end shopping, including The Mall at Green Hills, Hill Center Green Hills and stylish stores such as Billy Reid, The Cosmetic Market, H. Audrey, The Perfect Pair, and Parnassus. Diners frequent etc.. Green Hills Grille, Santo and the many other local eateries with unique offerings.

Maria Holland sold this $567,000 Green Hills home in October 2020. The price point is on the lower end for the neighborhood.

A beautiful home in Green Hills, which is a desirable Middle Tennessee neighborhood.

A higher-end listing in the same area, this home is currently on the market for $1,374,900. See more here.

12 South

The list of dining and shopping options in 12 South is long: Burger Up, Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Epice, Five Daughters Bakery, Josephine, Halcyon Bike Shop, Emerson Grace and White’s Mercantile. And that is just the beginning. While the main strip is dedicated to retail and dining, the side streets are home to single-family houses and green spaces just steps away from the action. In just minutes, homeowners can walk to the shops, restaurants, salons, fitness studios, the weekly farmers market, and Sevier Park and Community Center.

New inventory in 12 South is a rarity! This beauty was sold by Maria Holland for $849,900 in April 2020.

Sylvan Park/The Nations

The Nations and Sylvan Park each have their own offerings, but the two neighborhoods are often lumped together because of their proximity. Many mixed-use developments have risen recently to increase the offerings in dining and shopping. In addition to local restaurants like answer., dose., Hathorne, Miel, Nicky’s Coal Fired, Nations Bar & Grill and many more, the neighborhood also has a local flower store, butcher, wine shop and several healthy grocery stores. McCabe and Richland are two nearby local parks, and the Richland Greenway offers a beautiful outdoor path for walking, jogging and biking.