Germantown
Notable Neighborhood Features Quick List:
Home to some of the city’s most talked-about restaurants.
Germantown is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville.
First Horizon Park, home to the Nashville Sounds baseball team, is an easy walk from the neighborhood.
Germantown hosts Nashville’s annual Oktoberfest, perfect for fans of both German food and German beer.
Fans of history and architecture alike will enjoy strolling the streets and observing 174 years of architectural history, preserved and protected by a historic overlay.
In addition to new construction, many former warehouses have been converted into condo and apartment complexes.
Proudly claiming the title of Nashville’s first walk-to-town neighborhood, Germantown is convenient to the many offerings of Downtown and the Capital area.
A Neighborhood With History
Founded in 1850, Germantown was established by German immigrants who purchased the land from the McGavock family, the original settlers of the area. Many of these immigrants worked as butchers, opening shops in the neighborhood and earning the area the nickname “Butchertown.” At the end of the 19th century, many formerly enslaved people moved to Germantown, making it one of Nashville’s most diverse neighborhoods.
The advent of refrigeration put many of the small butcher shops that defined the area out of business and allowed for the construction of the large, industrial warehouses that still dominate the eastern edge of the neighborhood. At the same time, streetcars made farther-flung suburbs a more appealing option and the neighborhood became increasingly unpopular. Growing anti-German sentiment during WWI further contributed to the area's decline.
The 1970s saw the beginning of Germantown’s revitalization. In 1979, it was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places and, in 1980, the neighborhood hosted its first Oktoberfest.
Germantown Today
Today, Germantown is a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood and its annual Oktoberfest celebration has become a Nashville staple. Many of the old warehouses, once a sign of the area’s decline, have become an essential part of its revitalization as they’re converted into apartments and art collectives. Residents and visitors alike can take advantage of the neighborhood’s exceptional walkability during the third Saturday of the month Art Crawl or follow the Historic Germantown Neighborhood Association’s art walk route any day of the week. Thanks to the association's public art initiative, visitors can enjoy murals and sculptures by local artists as they stroll the brick sidewalks.
Despite offering the many conveniences of urban living, Germantown has no shortage of green space. Morgan Park sits at the northern edge of the neighborhood and is home to both the Morgan Park Community Center and the Magdeburg Greenway walking path. In 2022, the historic neighborhood was certified as an arboretum by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council due to the diversity of trees found both in the parks and along the city streets. The 11-acre Bicentennial Mall State Park, featuring an amphitheater and multiple public monuments, is just south of the neighborhood. The ample park space and walkable streets have made the neighborhood a haven for dog lovers.
Current Housing Pricing
Historic Architecture Meets Urban Convenience
Germantown is known for some of the most diverse and interesting architecture in Nashville, protected by a historic overlay. Like many historic neighborhoods, homes and businesses are relatively close together, making the area supremely walkable. Old brick Victorians sit shoulder to shoulder with modern tall-skinnies. In addition to newly built apartment buildings, many of the neighborhood's old warehouses have been repurposed into condo complexes.
All in all, there’s a wide variety of housing choices for potential homeowners and renters alike. It offers residents the many conveniences of urban living, from walkability to conveniently located restaurants and cafes. However, those hoping for an expansive lot may prefer a less dense neighborhood.
A Culinary Gem in Nashville’s Crown
Once known for its fresh meat, the neighborhood has become a bit of a culinary nexus. Frankly, there are too many excellent eateries to mention them all, but a few are of particular note. Monell’s has been serving classic Southern comfort food since 1995 from its original location in a repurposed historic home on 6th Ave North. Germantown’s “Butchertown” moniker lives on through the restaurant Butchertown Hall, which serves house-smoked meats with a Tex-Mex twist and a curated selection of craft beers. Rolf and Daughters delights foodies with creative meals that incorporate seasonal ingredients in often unexpected ways. A more recent addition to the neighborhood, Pelato, offers family-style Italian food that walks the line between gourmet and comfort food. Henrietta Red is known throughout the city for its oysters and raw bar, but also offers shareable New American dishes.
If sweets are more your speed, Germantown has plenty to offer. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, Christie’s Cookies are quickly earning themselves a spot in the Nashville sweets pantheon alongside GooGoo Clusters and Colts Bolts. Nearby, the Cupcake Collection brings the flavors of New Orleans to Nashville with its creative baked goods, including a robust selection of vegan and gluten-free treats. Tempered Chocolates offers truffles and drinking chocolate by day, and a pop-up absinthe bar, The Green Hour, during the evening Thursday through Sunday.
Of course, absinthe isn’t the only drink you’ll find. Bearded Iris Brewing has its primary production facility and tap room just off the nearby greenway. If you prefer caffeine to beer, Red Bicycle Coffee serves coffee, lattes, tea, and crepes in a dog-friendly atmosphere (they even have an Instagram account, @puppersofredbicycle, devoted to featuring their furry customers).
A Burgeoning Arts and Small Business Community
Germantown’s walkability makes it a great area for shopping. Many artists and artisans have opened studios and shops in the area selling everything from pottery to yarn. 100 Taylor Arts Collective (unsurprisingly located at 100 Taylor Street) offers gallery spaces to dozens of local artists and artisans as well as Taylor Street Coffee, TaySt Cafe, and the previously mentioned Bearded Iris Brewing. Their monthly art market features live music, local craft beverages, and the chance to interact directly with the artists. The Camellia Fiber Company sells knitting supplies, patterns, and house-dyed yarns made with ethically sourced fibers and sold in recyclable packaging. Pottery studios like Handmade Studio TN,
Catering to the neighborhood’s four-legged residents, Crossroads Campus is a non-profit pet supply and groomer that both facilitates pet adoptions and prepares young adults for careers working with animals as well as helping them secure resources like affordable housing. It’s a great way to pamper your furry friend (or meet a new one) while supporting the local community.
Entertainment and Adventures
There’s far more to Germantown than good food and shopping. First Horizon Park, home to the Nashville Sounds baseball team, is an easy walk south of the neighborhood. From the end of March through September, sports fans can catch home games at the stadium and, occasionally, post-game fireworks. Next door, music and bowling fans alike will enjoy live concerts and 10-pin bowling at Brooklyn Bowl.
The Tennessee State Museum is just south of Jefferson Street and is free for all year round. Guests can learn about everything from Tennessee’s geology to the Civil Rights Movement. Right next door, The Nashville Farmers Market offers year-round, indoor produce stands, restaurants, and dining. During the warmer months, the Market expands to include open-air stands selling everything from local cheese to handmade jewelry.
For a relatively small neighborhood, Germantown has a lot to offer. From art and architecture to food and fun, there’s plenty to explore. This area is steeped in history yet offers some of the best of modern urban living to residents. Young professionals, families, and pet parents will all find something to love in this vibrant neighborhood that continues to grow and change while preserving its past.
If you’d like to buy a home in the area reach out and we’ll be sure to show you around and help find the right home for you.