A mere half-hour drive northwest of Downtown Nashville, rolling hills give way to tree-lined cliffs and valleys along the banks of the Cumberland River. A few miles further down TN State Route 12, past the sign that reads “Welcome to Ashland City,” sits the seat of Cheatham County and its small-town square.

Ashland City is one of the last remaining treasures on the margins of Music City. With a projected 2020 population of 5,400 people, Ashland City is still an emerging suburb, but new development is quickly drawing residents from the urban core to this small town. 

Here’s why you should consider living in this 160-year-old best-kept secret. 

It’s Quiet

Benny Burrows and his wife Katy Ferrell Burrows purchased their home in Ashland City in 2018. Now expecting their first child, the couple is glad to have settled in the sleepy suburb.

“The house was a new build and a good value,” Benny, an Australian native who made his way to Nashville to work in the city’s thriving music industry, tells Neighborhoods.com, “We love the country feel of our location—it’s quiet and safe with minimal traffic.”

There’s no denying the fact that Ashland City’s small-town feel is among its most appealing attributes (although the views don’t hurt). Residents here are happy to enjoy the riverfront views and pastoral country scenes in peace and quiet.

…But Not Boring

Although the suburb feels quiet and removed from the relative business of Nashville, there’s still enough going on, and modern conveniences are accessible.

Residents host gatherings all year long for events like the local farmers market or the Cheatham County Fair. The city’s main street is populated with sleepy establishments that add color to the local business scene, but big-box stores are also available in town to meet the needs of the population. In the fall, the city hosts “Music on Main,” a free festival that features area artisans, farmers, and, of course, showcases the best local music just outside Nashville. 

It’s Ideal for Outdoor Lovers

Interest in the natural landscape is a common trait among residents who find ample opportunities for adventure in Ashland City after working in the city all week.

“We enjoy hiking local trails and chilling and swimming in the creeks as well as canoe floats on the river,” Burrows says.

A favorite spot among locals is Riverbluff Park. The recreational area offers a large playground and vast soccer fields for children as well as running trails and boat put-ins for adults. The park is located on the banks of the massive Cumberland River, and waterfront picnic tables and park benches make the area an ideal place for an afternoon of reading or contemplation. 

Real Estate Is Affordable

The twin benefits of buying in a suburb like Ashland City are the reasonable home prices and large lot sizes. Historic homes in the area simply offer more space than comparable builds in metropolitan neighborhoods. But if you want a new-build or an attached home, Ashland City has those too. 

Residents love the greenspace and tree cover that serve to further insulate the neighborhood from the city’s noise and light pollution. Sycamore Ridge and Caldwell Estates offer prospective homebuyers a classic suburban experience with single-family homes in the mid $200s. For residents who love the townhome look, Turner Commons offers brand-new homes in the low $200s.

Unlike other comparable small towns, Ashland City also offers condominium living. The most popular development to date is The Braxton, two condominium towers located on the waterfront with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Built in 2008, condominiums for sale in The Braxton have a median sale price in the mid $200s, but they can range as high as the low $700s.

The development is located on Cheatham Lake and residents have direct access to Harpeth Shoals Marina where they can park their boats and jet skis. The distinguishing factor of this development is the emphasis on luxury amenities that mirror the condo culture of places like The Gulch or Midtown back in the city. 

The Commute Is Pretty Painless

As commutes go, Ashland City is comparable to other Nashville suburbs like Mount Juliet, Bellevue, or Brentwood in terms of overall travel time. In fact, although Ashland City feels farther out than its peers, the low density of the population means that traffic never becomes unbearable on the way home from work.

Overall, this picturesque community is an excellent place to escape from the intensity of the city without crossing over into rural isolation. It’s close enough to easily commute and enjoy the excitement of Nashville without paying the financial and lifestyle prices of urban living.