Best Nashville Suburbs for Families with Kids

Nashville is famous for country music, great food, and lively nightlife, but it’s also one of the best places in the South to raise a family. With excellent schools, low crime rates, and plenty of things to do, Middle Tennessee offers a variety of suburbs that are perfect for families with children.

Whether you’re relocating to the area or just looking for more space and a slower pace, here are some of the best Nashville suburbs for families with kids in 2025.

1. Franklin, TN

Location: About 20 miles south of downtown Nashville

Franklin is often ranked as one of the best places to live in the country, and it’s easy to see why.

• Schools: Williamson County Schools are among the best in the state.

• Family Highlights: Historic downtown, family festivals, walking trails, and youth sports programs.

• Popular Neighborhoods: Westhaven, Ladd Park, and Fieldstone Farms.

• Median Home Price (2025): Around $850,000

Why Families Love It: Franklin offers charm, safety, and a strong sense of community. Parents appreciate the schools, while kids love the parks and year-round activities.

2. Brentwood, TN

Location: About 15 miles south of Nashville

Brentwood is known for its luxury homes, peaceful streets, and top-notch schools.

• Schools: Also part of Williamson County Schools, which are some of the highest-rated in Tennessee.

• Family Highlights: Crockett Park, the YMCA, and plenty of playgrounds and green space.

• Popular Neighborhoods: Governors Club, Concord Hunt, and Annandale.

• Median Home Price (2025): About $1.1 million

Why Families Love It: Brentwood combines a safe environment with excellent schools and beautiful homes. It’s a perfect fit for families who want more space without sacrificing convenience.

3. Mount Juliet, TN

Location: About 20 miles east of Nashville

Known as the “City Between the Lakes,” Mount Juliet has grown rapidly but still keeps its small-town charm.

• Schools: Wilson County Schools are well-rated and continue to expand.

• Family Highlights: Charlie Daniels Park, Percy Priest Lake, and Providence Marketplace for shopping and dining.

• Popular Neighborhoods: Wright Farm, Hickory Hills, and Jackson Hills.

• Median Home Price (2025): Around $550,000

Why Families Love It: Mount Juliet offers newer homes, great schools, and plenty of family activities. It’s also one of the most affordable suburbs within easy driving distance of Nashville.

4. Nolensville, TN

Location: About 25 miles southeast of Nashville

Nolensville has quickly become one of Middle Tennessee’s most sought-after family suburbs.

• Schools: Williamson County Schools, including Nolensville High, are some of the best in the state.

• Family Highlights: Local farmers markets, youth sports programs, and a tight-knit community.

• Popular Neighborhoods: Bent Creek, Annecy, and Summerlyn.

• Median Home Price (2025): Around $750,000

Why Families Love It: Nolensville offers a quiet, family-oriented lifestyle with modern homes and a strong community spirit.

5. Hendersonville, TN

Location: About 18 miles northeast of Nashville

Hendersonville sits along Old Hickory Lake and offers affordable family living with a waterfront vibe.

• Schools: Sumner County Schools, including the highly rated Merrol Hyde Magnet School.

• Family Highlights: Boating, fishing, parks, and The Streets of Indian Lake shopping district.

• Popular Neighborhoods: Saundersville Station, Mansker Farms, and Blue Ridge.

• Median Home Price (2025): Around $520,000

Why Families Love It: Families enjoy the combination of lakeside living, great schools, and convenient access to downtown Nashville.

6. Spring Hill, TN

Location: About 35 miles south of Nashville

Spring Hill is one of Middle Tennessee’s fastest-growing suburbs. It offers a mix of affordability, community, and family-focused amenities.

• Schools: Served by both Williamson and Maury County school districts.

• Family Highlights: Parks, splash pads, and strong youth sports leagues.

• Popular Neighborhoods: Wades Grove, Cherry Grove, and Harvest Point.

• Median Home Price (2025): Around $480,000

Why Families Love It: Spring Hill is great for young families looking for newer homes and a friendly, close-knit community.

7. Smyrna, TN

Location: About 25 miles southeast of Nashville

Smyrna is an affordable and fast-growing community that’s perfect for families who want value and convenience.

• Schools: Rutherford County Schools, including the highly rated Stewarts Creek schools.

• Family Highlights: The Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center, parks, and seasonal festivals.

• Popular Neighborhoods: Belmont, Seven Oaks, and Cedar Hills.

• Median Home Price (2025): Around $430,000

Why Families Love It: Smyrna has great schools, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community.

8. Gallatin, TN

Location: About 30 miles northeast of Nashville

Gallatin offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern growth.

• Schools: Sumner County Schools, including Station Camp High.

• Family Highlights: Old Hickory Lake, parks, and a walkable downtown square.

• Popular Neighborhoods: Fairvue Plantation, Kennesaw Farms, and Carellton.

• Median Home Price (2025): Around $490,000

Why Families Love It: Gallatin is affordable, scenic, and growing quickly. Families enjoy lake access and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

9. Thompson’s Station, TN

Location: About 30 miles south of Nashville

Thompson’s Station is a peaceful, family-oriented community surrounded by rolling countryside.

• Schools: Williamson County Schools, including Thompson’s Station Elementary and Independence High.

• Family Highlights: Parks, open space, and a focus on outdoor living.

• Popular Neighborhoods: Tollgate Village, Canterbury, and Bridgemore Village.

• Median Home Price (2025): Around $700,000

Why Families Love It: Families looking for a quieter, slower-paced lifestyle love Thompson’s Station. It’s close enough to Franklin for shopping and dining but still feels relaxed and rural.

10. Goodlettsville, TN

Location: About 15 miles north of Nashville

Goodlettsville offers affordability, convenience, and great access to both Davidson and Sumner County schools.

• Schools: Split between Metro Nashville and Sumner County school systems.

• Family Highlights: Moss-Wright Park, festivals, and family events.

• Popular Neighborhoods: Copper Creek, Caldwell Estates, and Windsor Green.

• Median Home Price (2025): Around $420,000

Why Families Love It: Families love Goodlettsville for its affordability, small-town feel, and quick commute to Nashville.

What Families Look for in Nashville Suburbs

When choosing the right suburb, families usually prioritize:

• Great schools

• Safe neighborhoods

• Parks and outdoor spaces

• Convenient shopping and healthcare

• Family-friendly events and activities

These suburbs offer all of the above, which is why they continue to rank among the best places for families to live in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best suburb near Nashville for families?
Franklin and Brentwood are often considered the best due to their excellent schools and overall quality of life.

Q2: What is the most affordable suburb for families?
Mount Juliet, Smyrna, and Gallatin offer affordable homes without sacrificing schools or amenities.

Q3: Which suburbs have the top schools?
Williamson County suburbs like Franklin, Brentwood, and Nolensville have the highest-rated schools in the region.

Q4: How far are these suburbs from downtown Nashville?
Most are between 20 and 40 minutes from downtown, depending on traffic.

Q5: Are these suburbs safe for families?
Yes. Many Nashville suburbs rank among the safest in Tennessee and have active community organizations that support family-friendly living.

Conclusion

If you’re raising a family in Middle Tennessee, you’ll find that the Nashville suburbs are filled with great schools, beautiful parks, and welcoming neighborhoods. From Franklin’s charm and history to Brentwood’s luxury and Mount Juliet’s affordability, there’s a perfect community for every family.

Each of these suburbs offers what parents value most: safety, education, and a strong sense of community. Nashville continues to grow, but its suburbs remain some of the best places in the South to put down roots and raise kids.