NEIGHBORHOOD
Nashville's music industry district since the 1950s features studios, labels, and publishers hidden inside arts and crafts homes with Belmont and Vanderbilt both around the corner.
Music Row, which is around one mile southwest of downtown, is the beating heart of the music industry in Nashville. Consisting of a stretch of streets long lined with recording studios, music publishing houses, record labels, and other music-related businesses, Music Row has been a hub for country, rock, gospel, and pop since the 1950s. Historically, Music Row has been home to iconic recording studios like RCA Studio A & B, Columbia and more where Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Bob Dylan and other legendary artists recorded many of their hits. Today, it continues to attract musicians, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals from around the world. The district is centered on 16th and 17th Ave. (called Music Square East and Music Square West), along with several side streets. It's not a stretch like Broadway where live music is played constantly. On Music Row, most of the magic happens behind closed doors.
Our scorecard evaluates Music Row based on the factors that matter most to residents.
Overall score
Music Row is unique because although there are some homes, condos and apartments, it's more of a business and historic district than a traditional residential neighborhood.
At a glance
4.2
Very pleasant and easy access to nearby parks and nature.
ℹ External data
Music Row is served by Metro Nashville Public Schools, with Vanderbilt and Belmont universities adjacent. See the Tennessee State Report Card and GreatSchools for school-by-school data.
ℹ External data
A mixed business and residential district near Vanderbilt. For current statistics, see Metro Nashville PD's crime data dashboard.
2.6
Limited housing supply and central location contribute to high home prices and rents.
3.4
Nearby schools are a plus, though Music Row is better suited to professionals than large families.
4.6
There's a variety of local restaurants and easy access to other neighborhoods.
3.7
Neighborhood shopping is limited, but Green Hills, Midtown, and The Gulch are all nearby.
4.2
Close to popular bars, live music venues, and downtown entertainment while maintaining a quieter atmosphere.
4.8
Easy to walk to restaurants, coffee shops, music industry offices, Vanderbilt, and Midtown for residents who live here.
4.8
Excellent access to downtown, Midtown, The Gulch, West End and Vanderbilt.
Scores reflect Nashville Go's editorial assessment and available local data.
Music Row's housing market has been shaped by a long tug-of-war over its old bungalows. Many were converted into studios and offices decades ago, while redevelopment has replaced others with condos, apartments, and larger commercial buildings. For buyers today, much of what's available is newer condominiums rather than the historic houses the district is known for and ongoing construction continues to change the neighborhood's residential mix.
What makes living here work is the location. You can easily walk to Midtown, Vanderbilt, the Gulch, and downtown, a combination which is rare in Nashville and it is priced accordingly. The trade-off is that Music Row remains a working business district first. Parking and weekday activity can be noticeable around the studios and offices, but the neighborhood changes considerably after business hours. Nights and weekends are often surprisingly quiet for somewhere this central, with most of the nearby activity concentrated around Edgehill Village and the iconic Bobby's Idle Hour. If you want to live near the center of Nashville without being in the middle of the nightlife, Music Row occupies a sweet spot.
Hey! I'm Silas Stricklin, the founder of NashvilleGo and a local REALTOR® serving Music Row and the greater Nashville area. If you're considering moving to Music Row, I'd be happy to help you understand its unique housing market, explore the available homes and condos, 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
