Living in The Nations

If you've driven through The Nations in the last few years, you've watched it change almost block by block.

It's in west Nashville in the 37209 ZIP code, north of Charlotte Avenue around 51st Avenue North. For most of its history it was a working-class, partly industrial area. Today it's one of the most active new-construction neighborhoods in the city, with a mix of original small homes, brand-new builds and condo buildings.

What it's like to live in The Nations

The center of things is 51st Avenue North, with restaurants, coffee, bars and breweries. The big painted grain silo has become the neighborhood's landmark.

It's somewhat walkable near 51st (Redfin gives the area a Walk Score of 43), and it's quick to get to I-40, Sylvan Park and Charlotte Avenue. You'll still drive for a lot of errands.

The homes

Much of the housing is new: tall, narrow homes, many of them built two to a lot as HPRs, plus newer condo buildings that give buyers a lower price entry point.

There are still some original cottages and small homes, and those are often bought to renovate or tear down. Because the mix is so wide, price per square foot is more useful than the median for comparing homes here.

Who The Nations fits

• First-time buyers looking at condos or HPRs
• Buyers who want new construction near restaurants and nightlife
• Investors watching an area that's still changing
• Buyers who'd rather not maintain a big yard

What to check before you buy in The Nations

1. HPR and condo documents.

   Most homes here come with shared ownership of some kind. Read the master deed or condo documents, HOA budget and rules before you commit. Ask about fees, special assessments and what insurance covers.

2. Visit at different times.

   The Nations still has commercial and industrial uses mixed in, and 51st Avenue gets busy on weekends. Drive by on a weeknight and a Saturday before you decide.

3. Short-term rental rules.

   A lot of buyers here ask about Airbnb. Rules depend on zoning and whether you live there, and many addresses don't allow non-owner-occupied rentals. Check first with my free Nashville Investor Intel tool.

Schools here are part of Metro Nashville Public Schools. Zoning lines change, so confirm the zoned schools for any address directly with the district before you make an offer.

For investors

The Nations has a lot of activity: older homes for renovation or rebuild, new construction, and condos for long-term rentals. Plenty of new supply means you need tight numbers. Check permits, zoning and short-term rental eligibility on the exact address.

My free Nashville Investor Intel tool flags permit activity and short-term rental eligibility, and you can join my off-market deal list.