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

About Brentwood, Tennessee

Those seeking the epitome of stately southern charm just barely removed from the downtown Nashville bustle need look no further than Brentwood, Tennessee one of Nashville's preeminent neighborhoods. Brentwood’s appeal is as much about convenience as it is about luxury. Located in Williamson County, Brentwood is also home to an impressive network of small local parks just south of Radnor Lake State Park and Percy Warner Park, two of Nashville's best urban recreational areas. Throw in that 15-minute drive to downtown Nashville, and it’s not hard to understand why finding your dream home in Brentwood can come with such a steep barrier to entry.

Where Is Brentwood Located?

Brentwood is located approximately 10 miles directly south of Nashville and is an easy, straightforward commute. I-65 runs through the middle of Brentwood, making it simple to quickly access surrounding areas.

How’s The Vibe In Brentwood?

Brentwood is a tranquil, peaceful suburb and features an easy commute to downtown Nashville. Although Brentwood is one of Tennessee’s most popular suburbs due to its appealing atmosphere and beautiful houses, its high cost of living makes this area most suitable for high-income couples, retirees, and families. Ranked #20 on Money.com’s 100 Best Places to Live, Brentwood’s charm and beautiful setting are strong pulls for potential residents.

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

Brentwood offers an array of delicious restaurants for a variety of tastes. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill offers mouthwatering surf-and-turf dishes, while Mere Bulles serves upscale, yet homey southern cooking. Enjoy authentic Tennessee barbecue at Corky’s BBQ, savor bibimbap at Soy Bistro, and devour a delicious burrito at Cinco De Mayo.

While Brentwood has a quieter suburban atmosphere with less nightlife bustle, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy. Get your friends together for a throwback skate party at Brentwood Skate Center, then head over to Drake’s to play a game of darts, giant Jenga, or Connect 4.

Brentwood residents love that their neighborhood features activities for all interests. If you’re a bookworm, Brentwood has one of the best public libraries in the state. Nature lovers can explore the great outdoors at the Deerwood Arboretum and Nature Center. Budding astronomers can visit Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory and listen to a concert under the stars while viewing the wonders of the universe through a high-powered telescope.

What Are The Top Things To Do In Brentwood?

Brentwood has over 14 parks, many of which include amenities such as tennis courts, frisbee golf, biking trails, and picnic areas. Maryland Way Park for example located just off Old Hickory Blvd has outdoor exercise equipment and a large field. If you're looking to check out a golf course in Brentwood, there are three conveniently located within the city although they do require a private membership. The John P. Holt Brentwood Library is also a must-see and features beautiful artwork, a lecture hall, stained glass windows, and over 170,000 books and publications.

How’s The Real Estate Market In Brentwood?

Lately, the Brentwood real estate market has been scorching, with median home prices soaring over 11% in the past year to around $1,085,000. Even this feels low, however, because it’s not uncommon for homes to fall in the $1-5 million dollar range. With celebrity neighbors like Taylor Swift and Ben Folds taking advantage of Brentwood’s spacious suburban living, don’t expect this appreciation to stop anytime soon. If you lack access to this kind of cash, there are still avenues to getting established in the neighborhood. While Brentwood single-family homes available for rent are limited, and usually cost more than $5,000 per month, trendy apartments and townhouses along the I-65 corridor offer access to the city for just over $1,500 per month. Tapestry at Brentwood and Estates at Brentwood, two modern apartment complexes, are particularly attractive for their location right next to the quaint downtown strip.

Unlike the neighborhoods nestled around downtown Nashville, Brentwood offers space for residents to spread out. Single-family homes tend to feature big lots with even bigger houses, for that sprawling suburban feel only a 15-minute drive from downtown. A little extra room also allows for a few upscale amenities, like an equestrian center and a state-of-the-art sports complex. Many of Brentwood's new homes feature modern design elements expected in a luxurious home such as an open floor plan, hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless appliances, and a large bonus room for recreational activities.

PRO TIP: See homes for sale in Brentwood

How’s The Cost Of Living In Brentwood?

Because of all of its perks, Brentwood has become one of the most expensive places to live in the state, coming in at 67.3% above the national average cost and 89.9% above the state average cost. The median home price is approximately $1,085,000 and the average rent is nearly $1,900. More affordable renting options do exist, but are difficult to find and are quickly snapped up.

How Is Transportation In Brentwood?

Owning a car is essential for traveling around Brentwood. Although a taxi cab service and the typical Uber and Lyft services are available, residents should be prepared to utilize their own vehicles for commuting. Brentwood is not the most walkable community so most errands will require a car.

What Are The Top Schools In Brentwood?

Brentwood is located in Williamson County, considered to have the top school district in Tennessee, with several schools making the national list of best public schools in the nation. Brentwood Middle, Woodland Middle, and Brentwood High are all ranked within the Top 5 public schools in the state. For younger students, Kenrose Elementary is the most popular school. For families interested in private schooling, Brentwood Academy is a highly respected and reputable option.

What Are The Best Parks In Brentwood?

Brentwood is home to several of Nashville’s most appealing parks. Crockett Park is a very popular spot for outdoor gatherings. The Eddy Arnold Amphitheater offers live music and special events throughout the year. History buffs will be fascinated by Crockett’s historic log cabin and Cool Springs House, the latter of which has become a multipurpose center for weddings and corporate events. Also featuring a large playground, nature trails, an indoor soccer facility, lighted fields, and multiple tennis courts, Crockett Park offers fun activities for all ages and interests.

There's plenty to explore on Granny White Park’s 32 acres. This peaceful park offers plenty of jogging and biking paths, as well as a covered picnic area.

Dog owners will appreciate Tower Park’s spacious dog park for their furry friends. This large park is perfect for biking, walking, or simply relaxing in the open, natural areas. Additionally, the Williamson County Sports Complex is located directly next to this park.

Is Brentwood A Safe Place To Live?

With a crime rate 68% below the nation’s average and 79% below the state average, Brentwood is one of the safest communities to reside in Tennessee. Despite the steadily increasing population, Brentwood’s crime rate continues to decrease. Families can feel confident their children will be safe in this secure suburb.

Pros To Living In Brentwood

• Brentwood is considered to be one of the most beautiful and safe suburbs in Tennessee.
• Despite its popularity, it does not feel heavily congested and is an easy commute to downtown Nashville.
• Brentwood’s top-tier school system and safe environment make this area a perfect choice for families.

Cons To Living In Brentwood

• Because of the numerous benefits of living in Brentwood, the cost of living in this area is high, particularly for housing. While Brentwood homes are beautifully designed, they do come with an expensive price tag.
• For those interested in exciting nightlife, Brentwood may be too quiet for their taste.
• While the commute to downtown is simple, some potential residents may want to be totally immersed in an urban atmosphere, a facet Brentwood does not really offer.