Living in Crieve Hall: Guide to Food, Entertainment, & Real Estate

Crieve Hall is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to Nashville neighborhoods. This charming, friendly, family-oriented neighborhood draws in long-term residents that quickly gain a sense of pride and connection to the location. Tucked into South Nashville, Crieve Hall offers the convenience of a short (and easy) drive downtown or elsewhere while feeling more like a small town than a bustling suburb of Music City.

Not only do Crieve Hall residents celebrate the inviting, warm nature of the neighborhood, but most actively enjoy all the area has to offer. These include hiking trails, the Ellington Agricultural Center’s horse and master garden, and the mom-and-pop businesses that sprinkle the outskirts of the area. There is also widespread pride in Crieve Halls’ top-rated schools, including Granbury Elementary and Crieve Hall Elementary.

If you’re looking to learn more about living in Crieve Hall, prepare yourself for falling head-over-heels for this neighborhood. Here’s what makes Crieve Hall such a highly sought-after neighborhood in Nashville:

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What’s The History Of Crieve Hall?

Crieve Hall is steeped in history. This neighborhood was home to Native Americans, thought to be the Mound Builders, who lived through the area and down into Brentwood.

Driving along Trousdale or on I-65, you will see a historic state marker, signaling the Travellers Rest. This estate was built in 1799 and is the oldest historic home in Nashville that is open to the public. A visit to the Traveller’s Rest reveals the history of John Overton, the area’s founder and spouse of Ritchey Cheek (heiress of the Maxwell House fortune). At this historic site, you will also learn about the Americans that were enslaved under Overton’s care and about the Native Americans that inhabited the area before Overton bought the land.

Overton had a horse breeding business on the land. Echoes of this can be seen in the Ellington Agricultural Center’s stable where they train police horses.

“Crieve Hall” earned its name in 1920 after Herbert Farrell bought the Travellers Rest estate and expanded the home. Farrell’s new name for his property was not his own invention, however. He named the home “Crieve Hall” after his family’s heritage home in Northern Ireland.

After Farrell’s death in 1947, his land was unceremoniously divided and sold to developers. These developers quickly plowed roads through the woods, across the hills, and around Sevenmile Creek. And soon the new lots were building sites to the homes still in the neighborhood today.

How’s The Vibe In Crieve Hall?

When it comes to Nashville neighborhoods, Crieve Hall tops the charts for the most family-friendly, neighborly spots to call “home.” While many neighborhoods in Nashville are being converted to “tall-and-skinnies” (ultra-modern homes), Crieve Hall holds tight to its 1950s and 60s roots. It’s a place where “small and local” and “keeping things green” are highly valued.

The neighborhood feels very “classic Americana.” However, there is an energetic vibe to Crieve Hall. Most Crieve Hall families are active and enthusiastic about the area and getting the most out of life. Residents can be found outdoors enjoying the fresh air, gardening, playing with their kids, or exercising.

Many Crieve Hallers are invested in keeping the neighborhood’s quaint character and clean aesthetic. These residents are active in the Crieve Hall Neighborhood Association (dues are only $15 annually), which organizes many of the area’s events and produces a quarterly newsletter.

While the majority of Crieve Hall residents are families, there are other demographics that reside in the neighborhood, as well. Crieve Hall is also home to many retired couples, young couples, and a few groups of college students.

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What’s The Food + Nightlife Scene Like In Crieve Hall?

True to the neighborhood’s devotion to keeping the area free of becoming overrun by developers, you won’t find many national restaurant chains in the Crieve Hall area. Instead, you will find a collection of mom-and-pops alongside an eclectic mix of international dining options. Residents were up in arms when the Mapco at Trousdale and Harding decided to expand, closing several of the area’s favorite cafes. Many residents worked long and hard to find these businesses new locations to reopen in the area.

Yogi’s Pizza is a favorite among residents and saw great support when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. They built their Crieve Hall following as a food truck that sold mostly ice creams. Sal’s Family Pizza is also a local favorite, offering large portions, friendly service, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Those craving international dishes can get their fill at any one of the many taquerias just minutes off of Nolensville Pike. Kouzina Cafe offers some of the best local Greek food, and they support Cul2Vate, a non-profit farm in Crieve Hall. Bangkokville has the area’s best Thai and Subculture offers excellent cross-cultural fare with flair.

Crieve Hall is also positioned perfectly for residents to hop over to all the excellent eateries in north Brentwood or Lenox Village.

As for nightlife, you won’t find much. Sam’s Place and Corner Pub are the go-to sports bars.

What Are The Top Things To Do In Crieve Hall?

Crieve Hall has a lot to offer in terms of activities. The neighborhood is home to the Ellington Agricultural Center which is the neighborhood’s biggest draw and claim-to-fame. It has hiking trails running throughout, the Middle Tennessee Master’s Garden, Metro Police’s horses-in-training, and the State Iris Garden.

The local Edmondson Pike library branch just a minute’s drive has an exceptional playground and year-round activities for children, teens, and adults. These activities include crafts, yoga, Zumba, and puppet shows.

Nashville residents flock to Crieve Hall from time to time to shop for local produce at Farmin’ in the Hall, to attend the annual iris sale, and to enjoy the neighborhood’s annual fair, Fall in the Hall.

For more excitement, Crieve Hall is just a stone’s throw from I-65, which leads directly downtown. Many residents also head south to Brentwood and Franklin for shopping, dining, and festivals.

How’s The Real Estate Market In Crieve Hall?

The housing in Crieve Hall reflects the neighborhood’s history. Most homes are brick single-story ranches with large yards. Most yards are between a third-of-an-acre and a half-of-an-acre.

Many homes that come on the market have been updated but retain their 1950s and 60s charm with original oak floors and large windows. Most updates include kitchen upgrades, new siding, or painting the bricks.

However, the south end of the neighborhood does have some large multi-story homes with slightly more compact yards. Most of these were built after the original development of the area.

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Our Final Thoughts On Crieve Hall

If you’re looking to settle in, embrace some neighborhood pride, and enjoy a relaxed yet fun lifestyle, Crieve Hall is an excellent choice. There are countless reasons residents tend to stay for the long haul. This inviting neighborhood offers neighborhood events, ample green space, and charming restaurants. It’s also highly unlikely to become crowded with subdivided lots since many residents are advocates for maintaining the neighborhood as-is.

Whether you’re looking to buy a home in Crieve Hall or just explore the Travellers Rest, this neighborhood’s events and hiking trails are a must for any Nashville resident.