NEIGHBORHOOD
Arts and crafts homes on some of Nashville's prettiest streets, with the hugely popular 12th Avenue shopping and restaurant district at its center.
12 South, located on a half-mile stretch of 12th avenue, south of Downtown, is Nashville’s most walkable neighborhood and a great place to spend an afternoon in Music City. Hip and full of boutiques, restaurants and murals, this neighborhood features predominately arts and crafts bungalows and has a style all its own. The beautiful Sevier Park borders the neighborhood to the south with Belmont Blvd. to the immediate west and 8th Ave. to the east. A few standout places in 12 South include Frothy Monkey’s and Five Daughters Bakery’s original locations, two brands that are now featured all over Nashville. Generally, we recommend checking 12 South out during the daytime or for dinner in the evenings. There is little by way of nightlife here but lots by way of shopping and Instagram opportunities.
Our scorecard evaluates 12 South based on the factors that matter most to residents.
Overall score
12 South is one of Nashville's most sought-after neighborhoods, known for its walkable streets, charming arts-and-crafts homes and the vibrant 12 South Ave shopping district.
At a glance
4.6
Sevier Park is the neighborhoods premier park but all the streets have beautiful trees and greenery.
ℹ External data
12 South is served by Metro Nashville Public Schools, with Belmont University at the neighborhood's edge. See the Tennessee State Report Card and GreatSchools for school-by-school data.
ℹ External data
Busy, active residential streets in one of Nashville's most visited in-town neighborhoods. For current statistics, see Metro Nashville PD's crime data dashboard.
1.8
12 South housing prices have rised more than any other neighborhood in the last 30 years.
4.7
Tree-lined streets, neighborhood parks, fun restaurants and shops and community events.
4.8
Home to some of Nashville's best restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and casual dining.
4.9
Excellent selection of boutiques although rising prices have driven off a number of great local stores.
3.1
A few lively restaurants and bars but 12 South it mostly a daytime shopping and restaurant neighborhood.
5.0
Extremely walkable for both shopping, restaurants and the scenery of the beautiful streets.
4.6
Quick access to downtown, Midtown, Vanderbilt, Green Hills, Brentwood and other major employment centers.
Scores reflect Nashville Go's editorial assessment and available local data.
12 South is one of Nashville's clearest examples of what happens when a neighborhood becomes a destination. The modest bungalows that once defined the housing stock have been joined by extensive renovations and high-end new construction, and prices have risen dramatically along with the neighborhood's popularity. The upside is obvious: restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and one of Nashville's most walkable commercial districts are right outside your door. The part relocating buyers sometimes underestimate is what living next to a destination actually means day to day. Huge weekend crowds, street parking that fills up quickly and a commercial strip thats become increasingly polished and national.
Distance from 12th Avenue is one of the biggest variables in the market here. Homes immediately off the strip offer exceptional walkability but also put you closest to the crowds and activity. Move a few streets over towards Belmont Boulevard or 8th Avenue and things generally get more residential, although prices remain high. Belmont Boulevard in particular is lined with some of the most beautiful older homes in Nashville. Buyers looking for an inexpensive fixer-upper in 12 South will find fewer and fewer opportunities. Decades of renovation and redevelopment mean most of that housing stock has already been updated or replaced.
Hey! I'm Silas Stricklin, the founder of NashvilleGo and a local REALTOR® serving 12 South and the greater Nashville area. If you're considering moving to 12 South, I'd be happy to help you navigate its competitive market, understand the neighborhood's mix of historic homes and new construction, and find the right home for you.
Email Me: [email protected]
Call Me: 629-213-2963
The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage
Call Our Office: 615-301-1650
