Living in Mount Juliet: Guide to Food, Entertainment, & Real Estate

Where Is Mount Juliet Located?

Located approximately 20 miles east of downtown Nashville, residents of Mount Juliet have the significant advantage of easy access to interstate I-40, which passes directly through the area. Additionally, the Nashville International Airport is situated only 13 miles away, a convenient perk for residents who are frequent travelers. Outdoor enthusiasts will particularly appreciate Mount Juliet’s location–sandwiched between Old Hickory Lake to the north and Percy Priest Lake to the south.

How’s The Vibe In Mount Juliet?

Known to locals as “The City Between the Lakes”, Mount Juliet is becoming an increasingly popular spot to reside. Mount Juliet is located in Wilson County, the 49th fastest-growing county in the nation, and continues to see upward growth as brand-new communities are built. This area’s popularity is due in large part to its desirable mix of outdoor recreation, suburban living, and city access–appealing to a wide variety of age groups, including young professionals, families, and retirees. It’s no surprise Money.com ranked Mount Juliet #22 on its “50 Best Places to Live”.

What’s The Food + Nightlife Scene Like In Mount Juliet?

While Mount Juliet isn’t known for an overly vibrant nightlife scene, there are still plenty of unique restaurants and popular bars for locals to enjoy. Try modern, chic twists on classic Southern comfort food at The Goat or sample Tennessee’s famous barbecue at Big Bad Wolf Smokehouse Grill. Calabria Brick Oven Pizza serves up excellent calzones and a variety of delicious pizzas. Other popular spots include Persis Biryani Indian Grill, a particular favorite of vegetarians, and Catch 22, a delicious restaurant providing a wide variety of seafood, wings, and burgers for every taste palate. The nightlife scene is limited, but still offers several options that locals frequent on weekends. Kat’s Bar and Grille and Riverfront Tavern are the most popular nightlife hangouts.

Although Mount Juliet quiets down at night, this area has a variety of daytime activities for all ages. One of Nashville’s most popular horseback riding companies, Juro Stables, is located here. Visit Breeden’s Orchard to pick fresh peaches, apples, and berries–a fun activity for the whole family. Another local favorite, Mount Juliet Community Center offers group fitness classes for a wide range of levels, as well as a disc golf course. Cedar Creek Sports Center features both putt-putt courses and golf ranges, a go-kart track, and an indoor baseball facility.

Mount Juliet’s busiest shopping hub is the popular Providence Marketplace, the largest outdoor shopping area in the region. In addition to its multitude of mainstream shops and restaurants, there is also a movie theatre located in this retail center.

How’s The Real Estate Market In Mount Juliet?

Mount Juliet’s swath of real estate, stretching between Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake, ups the ante on family-friendliness, and everyone is taking notice. Mount Juliet’s proximity to Nashville—only 20 miles to the east—and convenient access to outdoor activities (Mount Juliet refers to itself as the “Gateway to the Appalachians”), make it uniquely situated for suburban bliss. Once people realized this around the turn of the century, Mount Juliet has seen exponential growth. Over 60% of the town’s homes have been built since the year 2000, and the population has more than tripled since then. The result is a chic, robust housing market that’s only getting hotter. The median single-family home price in Mount Juliet is $555,000 or $234 per square foot. This is an increase of roughly 19% compared to the median cost for a home one year ago.

PRO TIP: See homes for sale in Mount Juliet

How’s The Cost Of Living In Mount Juliet?

Because of its low tax rate–one of the lowest in the state–Mount Juliet is a more affordable area, making this neighborhood a solid choice for middle-income families and retirees on a fixed-income. Although its cost of living is still 13% higher than the national average, potential residents are most likely to find several options to fit a variety of budgets in this area. Mount Juliet offers reasonable prices, especially for its fairly close proximity to downtown Nashville.

How Is Transportation In Mount Juliet?

A unique feature of living in Mount Juliet is access to WeGo Public Transit, Nashville’s newest transportation system. This commuter rail service makes a stop in Mount Juliet. Additionally, the typical Lyft and Uber services are widely available. Despite these options, most locals still travel by their own personal vehicle, and potential residents should be prepared to do so. Mount Juliet is also uniquely located just 13 miles from BNA–Nashville's international airport making it a convenient location for frequent travelers.

What Are The Top Schools In Mount Juliet?

Several solid, reputable schools are located in Mount Juliet, especially for younger grades. Mount Juliet Elementary, Stoner Creek Elementary, WA Wright Elementary, Rutland Elementary, and Springdale Elementary are all excellent options for young students. Families with children in grades 1st-5th will have plenty of available choices for a suitable school. While younger grades have the most options in Mount Juliet, this area also offers a few good options for middle and high schoolers. Mount Juliet Middle School, West Wilson Middle School, and Mount Juliet High School are the most popular choices for older students.

What Are The Best Parks In Mount Juliet?

Mount Juliet is one of the best areas in Tennessee to access both beautiful natural spaces and pretty urban parks. Charlie Daniels Park is a favorite for families, featuring the huge “Planet Playground,” and splash park. This park also has an amphitheater that provides free outdoor movies and hosts seasonal special events. One of Mount Juliet’s newer green areas, Eagle Park, harbors a unique feature–a small bicycle course intended for young children learning to ride.

Sgt. Jerry Mundy Memorial Park and Robinson Park are also popular spots for picnics and outdoor get-togethers. Additionally, dog lovers will appreciate Mount Juliet Bark Park, a spacious area just for furry friends.

Because of Mount Juliet’s location between Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake, residents are able to enjoy a plethora of Tennessee’s most beautiful areas. Popular spots include Lone Branch Recreation Area, Cedar Creek Recreation Area, and Shutes Branch Recreation Area, all featuring boating, hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking areas. Cedar Creek even offers a sandy beach and volleyball court for visitors.

Is Mount Juliet A Safe Place To Live?

Mount Juliet is a safe area to reside, with a crime rate 22% below the national average. As Mount Juliet steadily develops its community, this crime rate is expected to continually decrease, making this area a secure option for families.

Pros To Living In Mount Juliet

• Mount Juliet is truly the best of both worlds, pleasing outdoor enthusiasts with its easy access to countless natural areas, yet still close enough to downtown Nashville for city lovers.
• Families with young children will appreciate the solid choices for elementary schools. With an upstanding safety record, continually developing suburban communities, affordable housing options, and access to the commuter train.
• Being so close to both Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake affords Mount Juliet residents to enjoy water activities in the warmer months.

Cons To Living In Mount Juliet

• Although a straightforward drive, those who balk at anything longer than a 20-minute commute should reconsider residing in Mount Juliet.
• For potential residents interested in a fully-immersive city lifestyle, Mount Juliet is probably not the best option, as this area is a more suburban-esque community and lacks a vibrant nightlife scene.
• Mount Juliet’s popularity is starting to cause congestion on local roadways and popular shopping destinations.