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

About Nolensville, Tennessee

This town about 20 miles outside Nashville-proper is proof that the American rags-to-riches story applies to more than just people. Nolensville, after reincorporating in 1996, was just barely a blip on the Nashville-metro radar with a population of just over 3,000 at the turn of the century. In the last twenty years, though, that population has grown to nearly 16,000, and the housing market has followed suit.

Where Is Nolensville Located?

Nolensville is located between I-24 and I-65 about 30 minutes south of downtown Nashville. Many Nolensville residents use Nolensville Pike to travel north to Nashville. Most either cut over to I-65 via Concord Road or take Nolensville Pike all the way north to the downtown area. Nolensville is split between three counties: Davidson County, Williamson County, and Rutherford County.

How’s The Vibe In Nolensville?

Nolensville is a quaint and historic town about 30 minutes south of the Nashville city limits. This scenic town illuminates the beauty of the countryside within a short commute from the big city. Families, those seeking a slower-paced lifestyle, and retirees find plenty to stay busy within Nolensville or a short drive north to the Lenox Village neighborhood. Nolensville offers refuge from the city with plenty of new construction homes. You won’t find many young professionals in this small town, though, since this area can be considered more family-oriented than other nearby neighborhoods.

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

While you will not find any nightclubs in this family-oriented town, Nolensville does have a wonderful selection of unique restaurants and one of the area's most chic bars, the Happenstance Social. At the Happenstance, you will find a relaxed atmosphere where it’s easy to enjoy conversation with your spouse, friends, or family while snacking on charcuterie or one of their sophisticated yet fun desserts (This is a top choice for date night in Nolensville.)

Mill Creek Brewing Co. has a laid-back taproom for fans of beer and easy bar food.

When looking for a place to eat in Nolensville, all you have to do is head toward Nolensville Pike. Here you will find an eclectic mix of down-home cooking, Asian-fusion restaurants, and authentic Mexican restaurants.

Nolensville does have a spectacular battle of the burgers between Hwy 55: Burgers, Shakes, & Friends, Pork Belly Farmhouse, and Brothers’ Burger Joint.

And residents rave over Southern Hospitality Diner and Outlanders Southern Chicken where you can grab some comfort food and unbeatable hospitality.

The Amish Feed Mill is one of the most unique places to eat in Nolensville and is a must for the entire family.

What Are The Top Things To Do In Nolensville?

Nolensville is giving every indication that it wants to be more than just another sleepy suburb. Over the last four years, a team of deep-pocketed local investors has mobilized a plan to create a downtown district worthy of the town’s emerging status as the next big thing in Nashville real estate. Think of a pedestrian-friendly district with shops, attractive office space, and trendy restaurants—a design crafted with the community’s needs and growth in mind. But this downtown district isn’t the only feature that the town is building from scratch. In the last five years, Nolensville has built three schools to accommodate the influx of families. So far they’re providing an education to rival any community in the Nashville area (at least in the Williamson County section of Nolensville). When you add these elements to the already thriving string of businesses and restaurants along Highway 41A, you start to see a boomtown that’s already maturing into a fixture of the Nashville real estate scene.

How’s The Real Estate Market In Nolensville?

Nolensville features one of the highest proportions of new construction in the entire country. Builders have been scrambling to meet the needs of the town’s booming white-collar population, and it doesn’t look like they’ll be taking a break any time soon. Over 70% of the town’s residential options qualify as new construction, and almost all of those properties are large, detached, single-family homes, usually on generous lots. With almost too many new developments to keep track of, Nolensville is a haven for high-powered, white-collar professionals seeking a family-friendly retreat from the big city grind. Over 90% of Nolensville residents who own their homes take advantage of modern design and expansive floor plans that are likely to age well. Even 20 miles outside of town, new construction with four to five bedrooms doesn’t come cheap; and home prices can be a steep barrier to entry into this up-and-coming community.

Nolensville’s median home value is around $820,000, and this number is only trending up as homes over the past year have sold for an average of $275 per square foot, making it one of the most expensive real estate markets in the state. These high prices, though, don’t tell the whole story. Nolensville’s average sale price of $275 per square foot suggests that, for the Nashville area, these homes are actually a great value for the space they provide. And although houses often spend a couple of months on the market, plenty of buyers are springing for large homes in a great school district within a reasonable distance of the big city. At the end of the day, Nolensville offers much more than big houses in a convenient location.

PRO TIP: See homes for sale in Nolensville

How’s The Cost Of Living In Nolensville?

The peace, quiet, and quaint charm of Nolensville come with a hefty price tag for the Nashville area. Because homes are mostly new construction, inventory is limited, and homes tend to be large with relatively sizable lots, the cost of living here is considerably high. Nolensville is 30% more expensive than the U.S. national average. Most of this hike is due to home prices with the median home in Nolensville costing about $820,000.

How’s The Transportation In Nolensville?

It’s nearly impossible to get by in Nolensville without a vehicle. Between elevation changes, weather, and a lack of public transportation, you will need a car, truck, or SUV. Most roads in Nolensville are two lanes wide and drivers are not used to cyclists, so bicycling as a mode of transport isn’t safe.

What Are The Top Schools In Nolensville?

Nolensville truly shines when it comes to its schools. As a part of Williamson County (one of the top-rated public school districts in the nation), you can find the best of the best when it comes to a comprehensive education. Williamson County students score nearly double the Tennessee average in math and reading proficiency.

Mill Creek Middle School scored an impressive #17 for best public schools in the state while Mill Creek Elementary School ranks as #30. Nolensville High School comes in at #31 in the state of Tennessee.

If schools are a top priority for your family when looking for your next home, keep in mind that Nolensville is split between three counties: Davidson County, Williamson County, and Rutherford County. Homes in Nolensville located in Williamson County should be your sole focus. It's no surprise that Nolensville homes zoned for Williamson County schools sell for a premium compared to those in Davidson or Rutherford Counties.

What Are The Best Parks In Nolensville?

In addition to having great schools, Nolensville also offers some great outdoor escapes, including an extensive greenway system, family parks, and a popular farmer’s market. The most popular outdoor areas include Nolensville Park, the greenway, and the trail along Mill Creek.

Is Nolensville A Safe Place To Live?

Nolensville is an incredibly safe area to reside. With crime rates far below those of other Nashville cities, it’s easy to see why so many residents extend neighborly hospitality.

Pros To Living In Nolensville

• Nolensville offers small-town charm, safety, and solitude. It’s a wonderful town to raise a family since the schools boast such great rankings.
• For parents that want a night out on the town, downtown Nashville is close enough to be convenient and Nolensville has some upscale eateries that will do the trick.
• This town also comes with some of the most breathtaking views of the countryside and a rich history that has been well-maintained.

Cons To Living In Nolensville

• If you’re looking for an affordable place to reside and commute to downtown Nashville daily, Nolensville may not be your top choice.
• The rush hour commute can be quite stressful and lengthy, considering the town is some distance from the interstates. Additionally, if you’re more about commuting via bike, on foot, or by Uber, Nolensville simply will not work.
• The cost of living in Nolensville also presents a barrier for many potential residents–especially first-time homebuyers.