Sylvan Park

Roughly 4 miles Southwest of Downtown between Charlotte Pike and Richland Creek, Sylvan Park is a suburban oasis inside of an urban metropolis that has always been and will always be unshakably Nashville. While this historic neighborhood has seen a development boom all around it, Sylvan Park has remained deliberately and unapologetically unchanged by the "it" city's rapid growth, preserving its historic homes and unique businesses. Filled with 1920's and 1930's antique bungalow homes nestled into large lots along wooded sidewalk-lined streets, this established community is an excellent location for those looking for an easy commute to Downtown and West Nashville. With homes starting around 700k and capping around 4.8 million, Sylvan Park has a tremendous amount to offer in charm, uniqueness, and proximity to downtown.

 

General James Robertson, often referred to as the father of Nashville, lived in Sylvan Park before the West Nashville Land Improvement company began development in 1887. General Robertson claimed the area for his homestead and called it "Rich land" for the ample game, fertile soil, and natural spring water. Charlotte Pike, which runs into Downtown Nashville and divides the Nations neighborhood from Sylvan Park, was named for General Robertson's wife, Charlotte. 

 

In 1887 The West Nashville Land Improvement Company began auctioning off sections of their Nashville satellite community called "New Town." Designed with schools, stores, and churches, The West Nashville Land Improvement company intended the New Town development to be a self-contained community separate from Nashville. In 1904 James A. Bowling, a promoter for the Sylvan Park Company, purchased 4501 Nebraska Avenue to build his home, which he named Sylvan Park. In 1906 the neighborhood was annexed to Nashville. The city of Nashville renamed streets to conform with the city numbering system. Sylvan, which means "wooded and pleasantly rural," stayed as the name for the newly developed West Nashville community.   

 

Named for its green space, it is fitting that Sylvan Park maintains beautiful greenways and parks. Richland Park Greenway has 5 miles of greenway trails looping around McCabe Park's golf course. Formerly the location of the Nashville Airport, McCabe Park was repurposed in 1938 and given from the City of Nashville to the Nashville Parks Board, which reopened the land as a park in 1938. Named after parks commissioner Charles McCabe, McCabe Park is currently a 208-acre park complete with trails, a community center, and a golf course. 

 

Sylvan Park is one of the more bicycle-friendly communities in Nashville. While most of Nashville is car-dependent, many Sylvan Park residents walk or ride their bicycles. Sylvan Park residents can also easily access the city via any of the 7 We Go Transit bus stops located in the neighborhood. Sylvan Park is conveniently located on I-40 at the intersection for I-440 and right along Charlotte Pike; many residents live in Sylvan Park because it offers easy access to the city, Vanderbilt, Belmont, and many of the area hospitals.

 

Being located off Charlotte Pike, many Sylvan Park Businesses are considered part of the Nations neighborhood. Click here to read more about The Nations. Sylvan Park residents looking for dining along Charlotte Pike Can enjoy Nashville Hot Chicken at Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Ice Cream at Bobbie's Dairy Dip, Ramen at Otaku Ramen, or creative hot dogs at Double Dogs. Those who want to venture further into the neighborhood can catch a game over drinks at Neighbors of Sylvan Park, eat BBQ at Edley's BBQ, or sample Tex Mex at Poncho & Lefty's. Sylvan Park is also home to Dose Coffee and Star Bagel. Sylvan Park is not only filled with pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and eateries but is also bordered by communities that also have a breadth of dining options at their disposal.

 

While Charlotte pike intermingles much of the commercial and retail space for Sylvan Park in the heart of this community are some genuinely unique businesses. Located along 46th avenue is Scouts Barbershop; this modern-day step-back in time barbershop boasts all of the convenience of a classic walk-in barbershop with modern twists. With high-end products, women's and children's services, and a well-designed aesthetic that is uniquely Nashville, this new-timey barbershop can rival any upscale salon. While you get your beard shaved or hair cut, they also provide you with local draft beer. 

 

Along Murphy road in Sylvan Park is Billy's Corner, a local full-service auto mechanic, 90 octane ethanol-free gas station, and craft beer store. This vintage gas station shop is not only a full-service gas station; they also carry a variety of craft beers in cans, bottles, and on tap. They can fill your growler and your tank. 

 

Murphy Road is also home to The Produce Place and Import Flowers. Established in 1988, The Produce Place is Nashville's oldest Natural food grocery store. This tiny local grocery is natural and has an emphasis on carrying local and thoughtfully selected food items. Import Flowers is Nashville's spot for wholesale flowers. Whether you are a DIY florist or a professional florist, Import Flowers has the supplies you need.

 

Sylvan Park has so much to offer its residents. From the proximity to the city, access to green space, dining and retail, or local bars. For help finding your perfect home in Sylvan Park or for help finding your ideal neighborhood in Nashville, contact Erin Gillespie today.