What It's Like Living in West End, Nashville
Long before Nashville neighborhoods like SoBro and The Gulch arrived on the urban living scene, West End was a bastion of the city’s cosmopolitan community. A long, narrow neighborhood framed by Interstates 40 and 440 to the east and west and Charlotte and West End Avenues to the north and south, West End represents the best of Nashville’s city living.
From famous music venues on Elliston Place and iconic nightclubs on Church Street to the historic homes and international cuisine along West End Avenue, this neighborhood represents Nashville's rich culture. It is also perhaps one of the urban neighborhoods that bachelorette parties haven’t invaded.
West End’s proximity to cultural centers like Vanderbilt University and The Parthenon give it a more serious vibe than some of its honky-tonkin’ neighbors Downtown, but the traffic is still a reminder of city life.
Tennessean and prominent music industry publicist Alison Auerbach lived in the West End Park Condominium for more than 20 years, starting in the late 1990s. “I have always loved this location,” Auerbach tells neighborhoods.com. “I noticed West End after moving to Nashville in the mid-1980s, and it reminded me of Atlanta's Peachtree Street—the majestic old trees, the stone-fenced park, the buildings set further off West End Avenue.”
This beloved neighborhood truly has so much to offer, and the close-knit community that the area fosters is a pleasant surprise considering the close proximity to Downtown.
"I have always loved this location … the majestic old trees, the stone-fenced park, the buildings set further off West End Avenue.”
Where to Eat and Drink
West End has possibly the richest food scene in Nashville. Italian-food lovers flock to Pastaria, Jamaicaway brings a taste of the islands to the neighborhood, and every vegetarian in town knows about Woodland’s Indian Vegetarian Cuisine. When it comes to sushi, there are too many delicious options to mention.
For a true, local delight, residents appreciate the experience that is drag brunch at Suzy Wong’s House of Yum—a locally owned Asian fusion restaurant with roots in the city’s LGBTQ community.
When asked about her favorite food spots in the neighborhood Auerbach says, “My favorites in this area are Dose Coffee and the local grocer, Produce Place.” The Richland Park Farmers Market and Elmington Park Food Trucks are also nearby staples among area foodies. Local restaurants like the vegan favorite AVO bring an upscale flavor to the locally sourced fare.
The Great Outdoors
In keeping with Nashville tradition, West End is a neighborhood characterized by greenery and massive, old trees that shade the neighborhood’s lawns and side streets. Auerbach counts among her favorite outdoor spaces Centennial Park, Love Circle, and the Greenway in Richland Park, all located just outside West End. “West End is just a great, centrally located spot to live, and the ability to walk or bike to so many different locations is special,” she says.
Centennial Park, in particular, is the crown jewel of Nashville’s metropolitan parks with its life-size replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon and a memorial honoring Nashville’s historic role in the fight for women’s suffrage. Massive lawns, ponds, and an outdoor theater make Centennial Park a hub for the city’s outdoor activities.
The aforementioned Love Circle is an unofficial park in a residential neighborhood high atop a hill—the best perch in town with a 360-degree view of the skyline and the broad horizon west of the city. There’s no more romantic place for a sunset view, hence the name.
West End Real Estate
The mere fact that West End is a stone’s throw (about a 10-minute drive) from Downtown Nashville means that this neighborhood will always be in demand, but locals know that there is more to love in this urban area. “It's really convenient to Green Hills, Sylvan Park, Belle Meade, and The Nations,” Auerbach says. “But, be prepared to pay more per square foot and higher property taxes.”
While there is still plenty of characteristic Nashville greenspace, townhomes and condominiums outnumber bungalows and Craftsman homes by far, and buildings like The West End offer upscale living to urban professionals. Indeed, with a median sale price in the low $400s, West End is a neighborhood geared toward residents who thrive on city living.