Consider Living in These 5 Nashville Riverfront Communities
It’s fair to say that Nashville isn’t known for its marine culture—country music, bachelorette parties, and perhaps the city’s robust healthcare industry come to mind long before the city’s rivers and lakes. But whether anyone knows it or not, Nashville residents love the water. Every season in this city holds the potential for some nautical adventure, whether it’s renting a pontoon boat on the lake, kayaking down a lazy river, or simply looking out over a vast waterfront view.
Any mention of Nashville and water must also acknowledge the 100-year flood that struck the city in May 2010. After days of torrential downpour, the banks of the Cumberland River overflowed, and the damage was swift and devastating. But in spite of the destruction and heartache, the city banded together and has made a full recovery in the decade since.
The following list covers wide swaths of geography in the Nashville area and calls out a few key neighborhoods with water access, but it’s by no means comprehensive. For all the miles that the Cumberland and Harpeth Rivers wind through Davidson County, there are just as many homes and neighborhoods on their banks.
Downtown Nashville
Some of Nashville’s most stunning riverfront views unfold at the heart of the city. While tourists on scooters and pedal taverns amble by, locals love to take in the gorgeous Cumberland River views as they commute across any one of the area’s many bridges or take in a show on the lawns at Riverfront Park. While small boat access is available from Downtown, many residents simply enjoy watching the riverboats and cargo vessels pass by while taking in a breeze off the water.
Condominiums in 505 Nashville offer stellar views just four blocks from the river’s edge, and bars like The George Jones, Acme Feed and Seed, and The Hard Rock Cafe have rooftop and balcony seating that face right onto the water.
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Charlotte Park
A mere 15-minute drive from Nashville’s city center, a charming collection of neighborhoods—including Sylvan Park, Croleywood, and The Nations—makes up what’s officially considered “the west side.” Among these neighborhoods is Charlotte Park, a small, completely residential area bordered by the Cumberland River on the northwest side of town.
It’s one of those stealthy areas that appears normal to passersby, but in reality, half of the homes in this neighborhood have breathtaking views of the river from their back decks. That’s to say, their backyards are situated on a large bluff, and the river is the backyard. While water access requires some sophistication, many residents either jump right in with their kayaks or visit the local Rock Harbor Marina just a few miles down the road.
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Lakewood
The shoreline of Old Hickory Lake is dotted almost entirely with residential homes, and the surrounding neighborhoods passionately take part in the area’s maritime culture. The lake is actually a lock from the damming of the Cumberland River, which means that, in addition to serving as a recreational area, the Army Corps of Engineers and cargo ships frequent its waters.
Among the neighborhoods along the shores of Old Hickory is the aptly named Lakewood. Once a small town on the northeast edge of Davidson County, Lakewood was officially absorbed into the town of Old Hickory in the last decade. The area still maintains its charm though, and the main street has a historic feel unlike any other neighborhood in the area. Residents love driving out to the park on the lake and putting in their canoes or fishing boats for a day on the water.
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The Braxton
The Braxton in Ashland City is a condominium building surrounded by water. Situated on Mark’s Creek, an offshoot of the Cumberland River, The Braxton offers waterfront views and even its own marina so that residents can easily enjoy the surrounding waterways.
Ashland City is completely bordered by the Cumberland River to the south, making it a picturesque place to live despite only being a half-hour drive from Downtown Nashville. Because of its beautiful surroundings, the culture of this quiet, small town is very much focused on fishing, boating, and watersports all year long.
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River Plantation
West Nashville has much to offer in terms of river adventures, and in Bellevue—a community located about 13 miles southwest of Downtown Nashville—the barriers to entry are few. A simple innertube and a short hike down the banks of the Harpeth River are sufficient for a whole afternoon of enjoyment.
Among the area neighborhoods with the easiest access to the water is River Plantation. While riverfront views are uncommon in the area, as the Harpeth has muddy banks compared to the Cumberland’s cliff sides and bluffs, many neighborhoods in Bellevue require just a short walk across the backyard or through a park to get to the water.