Germantown

In 1786, Virginia natives James McGavock and his son purchased 2,240 acres straddling the Cumberland River. In the 1850s, the land was subdivided to create Nashville's first residential subdivision. In 1865 the area was incorporated into the Nashville City Limits and began rapidly populating with German immigrants, giving rise to the name Germantown. 

 

In 1979 many of the buildings in Germantown were condemned and at risk of demolition. The historic buildings in Germantown date back to 1830. The neighborhood was placed on the national register of historic places in an effort to preserve them. While Germantown contains many historic buildings, it is not uncommon to find single-family midcentury residential homes as well as condominiums, lofts, and brilliantly restored historic townhomes. Because of the popularity of multifamily residences in Germantown, the median sale price is $415,000. 

 

Located just a few short blocks northwest of downtown Nashville and lined with brick sidewalks, Germantown is one of the most walkable and bikeable communities. Many residents enjoy walking to their favorite bars and restaurants and biking downtown for work. Germantown is also a designated arboretum, making this area a walker's paradise. Over 100 tree species live in the Germantown area, lining and enhancing the beauty of the walkways. Bicentennial State Park's 11 acres and beautiful skyline views are also a superb Germantown location to take a stroll. 

 

Germantown is an intrinsically artistic and creative community, where art doesn't just imitate life; rather, it's interwoven into the fabric of life. Art and music intermingle seamlessly for the residents of Germantown. From the creatively rehabilitated and repurposed antique buildings to the businesses that become defacto art galleries and music venues, the influence of the arts is a part of everyday life in Germantown. 

 

On the third Saturday of every month, Germantown hosts a popular art crawl that features local artists, painters, photographers, sculptors, and musicians alongside local beer and local businesses. Also, on the third Saturday of the month, 100 Taylor Arts Collective hosts the 100 Taylor Arts Market allowing local artists a space to showcase and sell their works. 100 Taylor Arts Collective is a creative community that offers a venue, photo and video space, and one-of-a-kind co-working space. In true Germantown style, co-working membership at 100 Taylor Arts comes complete with access to a collection of 1,000 vinyl records to keep co-workers inspired while they work. 

 

Housed in a former 1900s hardware store, Museum Hotel 21c is a hotel and a 10,500 square foot museum. Grey and Dudley, a hip, contemporary southern restaurant named for the former hardware store, is the restaurant for the hotel and showcases their food in an artistic setting. 

 

Germantown is home to the Jefferson Street sound museum, which exhibits historical items from the Jefferson Street music scene of the 1940s through the 1970s, educating visitors on how Jefferson Street shaped  Nashville's rise as Music City and impacted modern music. In 2018 the Tennessee State Museum was opened in Germantown. The Tennessee General Assembly opened this 137,000 square foot facility to preserve objects related to Tennessee's social, political, economic, and cultural history. Residents and visitors can visit the museum to learn about Tennessee's history.  

 

When food becomes art, the press takes notice. So it's no surprise that you will find some of Nashville's hippest and most talked about restaurants in such an artistic community. In the historic Werthern Factory, chef Philip Krajeck's Rolf and Daughters has been named one of America's Best New Restaurants by Esquire and Bon Appetite magazine. This casual but vibrant restaurant serves seasonally inspired cuisine and handmade pasta. 

 

Named one of America's 50 best new restaurants in 2017 and one of GQ's best new restaurants in America, Chef Julia Sullivan's Henrietta Red is a nod to her grandparent's Carolina roots. This contemporary restaurant serves vegetable-forward dishes and a variety of oysters. The daily cava and oyster happy hour is a favorite amongst locals. 

 

In 2019 James Beard Award-winning chef RJ Cooper opened a restaurant he calls "modern gastronomic cuisine and late-night bar fare." Saint Stephen, named for a Grateful Dead song, offers an ever-changing variety of plates and a tasting counter. 

 

Germantown wouldn't be complete without a beer hall and sausage house. Von Elrod's Beer Hall & Kitchen serves house-made sausage, smoked meats, pretzels, and beer. Germantown is also home to several pizza places. City House is known for its Ham Belly Pizza.  312 Pizza Company serves Chicago deep-dish pizza, and Emmy Squared offers Detroit-style pizza. Charleston-born O-Ku serves modern Japanese cuisine and Steam Boys serves fast-casual Chinese comfort food. Barista Parlor and Steadfast Coffee keep Germantown caffeinated and running.

 

Germantown is also home to the landmark Nashville Farmer's Market. The history of the Nashville Farmers Market dates back to 1802 when it was called the "City Market," and farmers would bring their goods into the city to sell. The market underwent several renovations in a former location; in 1995, The Farmers Market was renovated as part of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and was moved to state land. This live daily farmers market not only houses goods from local farmers, specialty food makers, and artisans, it also houses 18 eateries, a pub,  an international market, and a garden center.

 

Germantown is home to the Nashville Sounds, Nashville’s minor-league baseball team. Fans can take in a game at First Horizon Park. After the game, fans can stop by the music hall, bar, restaurant, and bowling alley Brooklyn Bowl. Brooklyn Bowl says right on their page, "eat, drink, rock and roll," and that's precisely what guests are invited to do. Guests can see a show and stay to bowl a few frames. For a quieter night out, Dabble Events hosts painting and cooking classes. Guests can bring a bottle of wine and paint a masterpiece with their friends or enjoy cooking a meal as a group. 

 

If you are looking for a vibrant community close to downtown and filled with art, food, and plenty of activities, Germantown may be just the community for you. Contact Erin Gillespie today for help finding your perfect Germantown home or your perfect music city nest.