Living in Goodlettsville: Guide to Food, Entertainment, & Real Estate

About Goodlettsville, Tennessee

For an accessible, established town well within the Nashville sphere, look no further than this vibrant community just a 20-minute drive up I-65 from Downtown Nashville. Goodlettsville’s popularity is due to a number of factors. First, Goodlettsville is an under-the-radar economic hub. Both Dollar General’s corporate headquarters and Tyson’s largest meat-packing plant call this suburb home. This business landscape attracts a diverse array of workers that make the area much more than just another Nashville bedroom community. Ultimately, this community’s deep roots have cultivated a wealth of housing possibilities that make it one of the most varied and accessible Nashville suburbs.

Where Is Goodlettsville Located?

Separated by beautiful rolling green hills, Goodlettsville sits roughly 12 miles north of Downtown Nashville. It stretches across 14 square miles and covers two counties – Davidson and Sumner. It is conveniently near Interstate 65 and Highways 41 and 31, making the town easily accessible.

How’s The Vibe In Goodlettsville?

The small town of Goodlettsville has a big-city appeal. It’s the perfect mix of convenience, while still maintaining its history and charm. The area is home to just over 17,000 residents, and the median age is just over 40 years old. Goodlettsville, Tennessee is an excellent place to work, live, and even visit.

What’s The Food + Nightlife Scene Like In Goodlettsville?

Goodlettsville is home to many renowned local eateries. Liz’s Kitchen is famous for its classic American comfort food. Or, stop by Ruby’s Kitchen for southern-style home cooking. For an after-dinner treat, we recommend checking out Healthy Body Bakery. This mother-daughter bakery takes a healthy spin on delicious desserts.

The main attraction for nightlife is Silverados. It’s a dance hall and saloon, featuring country line dancing. You’ll also find other taverns and pubs throughout the town. However, the most popular activity for entertainment in Goodlettsville actually occurs during the day. The town features a number of antique shops, and many locals find great joy in shopping for unexpected treasures.

What Are The Top Things To Do In Goodlettsville?

Moss-Wright Park, with its sprawling fields and play area, is right outside the town center. The park is nearly 150 acres and includes baseball fields, a playground, and walking trails. And the town’s main drag, full of highly-rated traditional and ethnic options, mirrors the housing market, where there’s a home for every taste. Goodlettsville is also home to Long Hollow Winery which was founded in 2000 by Stu Phillips. For folks interested in shopping, the RiverGate Mall includes nearly 80 stores and an old-fashioned carousel.

How’s The Real Estate Market In Goodlettsville?

Decades of established economic infrastructure have fostered the development of a mature, varied housing market that meets just about everyone’s domestic needs. Sure, there’s the occasional multi-million dollar mansion (this is Nashville after all), but the majority of homes are accessible, single-family dwellings constructed between 1970 and 1999. While these may not seem like the most seductive properties, they’re modest, serviceable, and keep home prices from ballooning even as the area draws more residents.

Part of Goodlettsville’s home price appreciation can be attributed to burgeoning new construction offering similar square footage with updated touches. Especially on the Davidson County side of town, communities like Parkview Preserve provide affordable new construction ranging from townhomes to detached single-family properties.

Budding communities like Copper Creek and Cottage Grove offer the kind of updated homes on smaller, easy-to-maintain lots that current buyers covet. These housing options aren’t cheap, with four-bedroom homes in this area often running from $450,000 - $700,000, but prices should stay relatively stable as builders add quality inventory to the market.

Since Goodlettsville functions as more than just a commuter town, it also provides far more housing options than the conventional suburb. Over 40% of the population are renters, and the area offers plenty of apartments and even a few houses to meet their needs. Complexes like Piccadilly Apartments and Centennial Crossing offer one-to-three-bedroom units, some for just over $1,000 — an uncommon deal for something this close to Nashville. These homes also tend to be centrally located around Goodlettsville’s underrated restaurant and park scene.

Goodlettsville features one of the most competitive residential real estate markets in the entire Nashville area, with homes often coming off the market in as little as a week. Such market stability makes Goodlettsville homes some of the most affordable investments in the Nashville area. The last 12 months have seen a definite uptick in the Goodlettsville market. Single-family homes are selling for a median price of $440,000 ($214 per square foot), a 25.8% bump from last year. Those looking for something a little larger and more upscale will find the highest appreciating properties to the north, where historically larger houses now face competition from attractive new developments.

PRO TIP: See homes for sale in Goodlettsville

How’s The Cost Of Living In Goodlettsville?

The cost of living in Goodlettsville fairs evenly with the U.S. national average. Housing costs are slightly higher, at just 6% more than the nation's average. According to Sperling’s Best Places, the majority of residents are homeowners, and renters account for only 37.8% of the population.

How Is Transportation In Goodlettsville?

The average commute time for those living in Goodlettsville is approximately 25 minutes. You won’t find many options for public transportation, therefore, most residents have their own car. Interstate 65 runs through the city’s center, easing travel throughout the region. Other major roadways, such as Dickerson Pike and Long Hollow Pike, also assist with the area’s accessibility.

What Are The Top Schools In Goodlettsville?

Merrol Hyde Magnet School is the area’s leading public school. Education classes are available for grades K-12. Madison Creek Elementary is another area favorite, however, classes only range from K-5. Since parts of Goodlettsville falls under Davidson county, some locals prefer to feed into Nashville’s other surrounding public schools.

What Are The Best Parks In Goodlettsville?

Goodlettsville is home to several parks and recreational centers. Moss-Wright Park is the largest park in the town. Stretching over 147 acres, you’ll find sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails. Pleasant Green Park is slightly smaller, spanning 22 acres in size. It features a pool, sheltered picnic tables, a playground, and a variety of trails. An honorable mention also goes to Goodlettsville’s first park, Peay Park, which offers tennis courts and a playground with a splash pad.

Is Goodlettsville A Safe Place To Live?

Goodlettsville has some improvements to make in terms of its overall safety. Crime rates are the highest for property crimes, which include burglary, theft, or other actionable offenses without the use of force on another person. Goodlettsville continues to address these issues, noting a 7% yearly decrease in total crime rates.

Pros To Living In Goodlettsville

• An abundance of outdoor parks and recreational areas.
• Its prominent historic charm and antique shops.
• The location is home to many business headquarters, including Dollar General and Tyson Foods.

Cons To Living In Goodlettsville

• Goodlettsville has an overall high crime rate compared to other Nashville suburbs.
• As with most areas of Tennessee, the summer humidity can become extreme.
• It is also not a huge hub for nightlife entertainment.