10 Best Nashville Area Towns to Buy a Starter Home
Last Updated on May 16, 2025 by Patricia Omishakin
For first-time homebuyers, choosing the right place to live is one of the biggest decisions. The greater Nashville area has many incredible towns and neighborhoods, each offering unique benefits. Whether you prioritize commute time, school districts, entertainment options, or affordability, there’s a perfect spot for you.
To help you get started, here’s a breakdown of the 10 best towns near Nashville for first-time homebuyers.
1. Smyrna
Smyrna is a fantastic choice for first-time buyers looking for affordability and convenience. Located about 25 minutes from downtown Nashville, this growing town offers a mix of single-family homes, new construction, and townhomes at competitive prices. It combines small-town charm with city access, making it an ideal location for buyers who want the best of both worlds.
Smyrna’s reputation for livability, financial stability, and quality of life has earned it numerous recognitions, making it one of the top towns in Middle Tennessee for families, retirees, and young professionals alike.
Recent Accolades:
- 🏅 Top 10 Best Places to Retire – U.S. News & World Report
View source - 🏅 50 Best Places to Live for Families (2023) – Fortune Magazine
Read article - 🏅 Tennessee Municipal League Award for Excellence in Governance (2023)
More info - 🏅 AAA Credit Rating – Standard & Poor’s
Smyrna was awarded a AAA bond rating, indicating superior financial management and stability.
Why Buy Here?
✔️ Affordable home prices
✔️ Short commute to Nashville
✔️ Great schools and parks
✔️ Award-winning community leadership
✔️ Strong local economy and job market
💚 Want to learn more about Smyrna and new homes in the area? Visit patriciaomishakin.com/search/listings?s=Smyrna
2. La Vergne
Just next to Smyrna, La Vergne is another affordable option for first-time homebuyers. This fast-growing suburb offers newer subdivisions, easy access to Percy Priest Lake, and a strong sense of community. It’s also earned several impressive accolades in recent years, making it a standout for families and first-time buyers alike.
Recent Accolades:
- 🏅 #26 Best Places to Live in the U.S. – Money.com (2021)
Read the article - 🏅 Most Diverse Suburb in Tennessee – Niche.com (2025)
View ranking on Niche - 🏅 Best Places to Work in Tennessee – Best Companies Group (2025)
Press release – TML
Why Buy Here?
✔️ Affordable home prices
✔️ Close to Nashville (about 20 minutes)
✔️ Ranked one of the Best Places to Live in the U.S.
✔️ Highly diverse and inclusive community
✔️ Recognized as a Best Place to Work in Tennessee
✔️ Strong financial management and transparency
💚 Explore homes in La Vergne’s Arbor Ridge community at BuyArborRidge.com
3. Woodbury
Woodbury is a peaceful small town located east of Murfreesboro, offering scenic views, a strong sense of community, and an affordable cost of living. It’s ideal for first-time buyers looking for space, quiet, and a slower pace—all within driving distance of Nashville. With its walkable town square, friendly neighbors, and rural charm, Woodbury is a hidden gem for homeownership in Middle Tennessee.
It may fly under the radar, but Woodbury has received several notable mentions for its affordability, safety, and small-town appeal.
Recent Accolades:
- 🏅 Top 100 Places with the Lowest Cost of Living in Tennessee – Niche.com (2025)
View ranking - 🏅 Recognized for Affordability, Safety & Amenities – BestPlaces.net
Read more - 🏅 Charming Historic Downtown – Highlighted by local tourism sites for its arts, music, and small businesses
Why Buy Here?
✔️ One of the most affordable towns near Nashville
✔️ Safe, quiet neighborhoods with a small-town vibe
✔️ Strong local pride and community events
✔️ Great option for buyers wanting land or rural settings
4. Shelbyville
Located about an hour south of Nashville, Shelbyville is a small city with deep roots and growing appeal for first-time homebuyers. Known for its strong sense of community, lower cost of living, and rich equestrian history, Shelbyville offers a unique blend of charm and opportunity. Whether you’re looking for a historic home, a new build, or a rural property, this town provides great value and plenty of space.
Shelbyville is also earning recognition for its revitalization efforts, educational strength, and cultural events—making it more than just a place to live, but a place to grow.
Recent Accolades:
- 🏅 Excellence in Downtown Revitalization – Tennessee Municipal League (2024)
Read the award announcement - 🏅 Walking Horse Capital of the World – Host of the annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, drawing over 250,000 attendees
Event info - 🏅 Best Place to Live in Bedford County – Niche.com (2025)
View the ranking - 🏅 Strong High School Athletics Program – Shelbyville Central High School boasts 12 girls’ basketball state championships
School athletics record - 🏅 High-Performing Technical Education – Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Shelbyville is recognized for high job placement and completion rates
More info
Why Buy Here?
✔️ Lower cost of living and affordable home prices
✔️ Family-friendly with strong school options
✔️ Historic charm + new development potential
✔️ Celebrated cultural, educational, and equestrian heritage
✔️ Home to the nationally renowned Uncle Nearest Distillery
🥃 Special Local Highlight: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Shelbyville is also home to the world-renowned Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, a brand that honors Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first known African American master distiller—and the man who taught Jack Daniel how to distill. The distillery is one of the most celebrated in the nation and a major source of local pride.
📸 Fun fact: I had the honor of meeting one of the current owners, V. Eady Butler, a descendant of Uncle Nearest, at a recent event—and even won a bottle of their award-winning single barrel whiskey!
(See photos below!)
This experience was not just a great moment personally, but a powerful reminder of how deeply Shelbyville’s heritage and history continue to inspire and uplift the community today.
🖥️ Learn more: unclenearest.com
5. Gallatin
Gallatin is a vibrant, historic town located about 30 miles northeast of Nashville. With its mix of charming older homes, newer developments, and lakefront living along Old Hickory Lake, it’s a top destination for first-time homebuyers who want space, affordability, and access to outdoor recreation.
In recent years, Gallatin has earned major recognition for its welcoming spirit and community-focused growth, making it a standout in Middle Tennessee.
Recent Accolades:
- 🏅 Nicest Place in America – Reader’s Digest (2017)
Read the story - 🏅 Best Community in Sumner County – Gallatin’s Fairway Farms HOA (multiple-time winner)
Source - 🏅 Recognized for Community Growth & Recreation – Local development reports
Why Buy Here?
✔️ Historic homes + modern developments
✔️ Access to Old Hickory Lake & parks
✔️ Close-knit, award-winning community
✔️ Affordable living just outside Nashville
6. Lebanon
Lebanon is a hidden gem for first-time homebuyers who want space, affordability, and a growing community with small-town charm. Located about 30 minutes east of Nashville, it offers a mix of historic homes, new construction communities, and rural properties. With easy access to I-40 and the Music City Star commuter train, Lebanon provides a peaceful lifestyle with convenient city access.
In recent years, Lebanon has gained recognition for its livability, strong schools, and family-friendly environment—making it a top pick for buyers looking for long-term value.
Recent Accolades:
- 🏅 Top 100 Best Places to Live in Tennessee (2025) – Niche.com
View ranking - 🏅 Best Suburbs to Live in the Nashville Area – Niche.com
Explore more - 🏅 Recognized for Strong Community Amenities & Schools – Niche & Local Reports
Why Buy Here?
✔️ More affordable than many Nashville suburbs
✔️ Convenient access to I-40 and commuter rail
✔️ Family-friendly vibe with both new and historic homes
✔️ Growing downtown with local shops and restaurants
💚 Explore homes in Lebanon today at patriciaomishakin.com/search/listings?s=Lebanon
7. Columbia
Columbia is a charming town about 45 minutes south of Nashville, known for its historic downtown, tree-lined streets, and strong sense of community. It’s one of Middle Tennessee’s most attractive options for first-time homebuyers, offering affordability, character, and culture all in one place. Whether you’re drawn to its antebellum architecture, walkable town square, or seasonal festivals, Columbia has something special to offer.
The city has also gained attention regionally and nationally for its financial stewardship, fall experiences, and commitment to education.
Recent Accolades:
- 🏅 Top 10 Best Cities for Fall Lovers – Livability.com
Read the article - 🏅 Mule Capital of the World – Home of the iconic Mule Day Festival, attracting 200,000+ attendees
More on Mule Day - 🏅 Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – 24 consecutive years from GFOA
City Financial Reports - 🏅 Columbia State Community College ranked among the Top 150 in the U.S. – Aspen Institute
Columbia State Achievements - 🏅 Home to the largest collection of antebellum homes in Tennessee – Highlighting its deep historic roots
Columbia’s History
Why Buy Here?
✔️ Affordable home prices
✔️ Historic charm with modern convenience
✔️ Strong financial leadership
✔️ Celebrated local events and education
✔️ Walkable downtown with local shopping and dining
8. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is a peaceful small town located about 50 minutes south of Nashville. It offers a rural lifestyle with a strong sense of community, making it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers seeking affordability and tranquility. The town is known for its scenic beauty, friendly residents, and community events.
Recent Accolades:
- 🏅 Recognized as one of the Best Nashville Suburbs to Move To – Dream Finders Homes
Read more - 🏅 Home to Henry Horton State Park, offering various outdoor recreational activities
Learn more - 🏅 Forrest School, serving grades 7-12, with a history of athletic achievements
School details
Why Buy Here?
✔️ Affordable home prices
✔️ Close-knit community
✔️ Access to outdoor recreation at Henry Horton State Park
✔️ Quality education at local schools
9. Clarksville
Clarksville is one of the fastest-growing cities in Tennessee and a top destination for first-time homebuyers seeking affordability, opportunity, and community. Located about an hour northwest of Nashville, it’s home to Fort Campbell, Austin Peay State University, and a vibrant downtown. With an active local economy and ongoing development, Clarksville offers big-city advantages with small-town values.
It’s also been recognized nationally as one of the best places to live, thanks to its low cost of living, strong job market, and appeal to younger buyers.
Recent Accolades:
- 🏅 #1 Best Place to Live in America – Money Magazine (2019)
Read the article - 🏅 Top “Boomtown” to Watch – Money Magazine (2024)
Boomtown Rankings - 🏅 Cities on the Rise – Southern Living (2024)
See the story - 🏅 Top City for Millennials – SmartAsset
SmartAsset Rankings - 🏅 Best Cities for Urban Gardening – Ranked #11 out of 196 by LawnStarter (2022)
See the list
Why Buy Here?
✔️ Strong job market and growing local economy
✔️ Excellent for military families and young professionals
✔️ Affordable real estate options
✔️ Nationally recognized livability and future growth potential
💚 Search homes for sale in Clarksville – 3+ bed 2+ bath under $350,000
10. Dickson
Located about 45 minutes west of Nashville, Dickson is a great option for first-time buyers looking for affordability and space. Home prices are lower than in other nearby suburbs, and the town offers a mix of older homes, new developments, and rural properties.
Why Buy Here?
✔️ Affordable home prices
✔️ Growing job market
✔️ Easy access to I-40
Key Takeaways
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but choosing the right location is just as important as finding the right house. The Nashville area offers plenty of great options, from bustling suburban towns to peaceful communities with more space.
If you’re ready to buy a home, working with an experienced local real estate agent will help you navigate the process and find the perfect fit for your needs.
💚 Looking to buy your first home near Nashville? Call or text me at 615-730-0037—I’d love to help you find the perfect place to call home! #CallPatToChat
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