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

About Hermitage in Nashville, Tennessee

Hermitage Tennessee is a neighborhood in the Nashville metro named after its marquee feature, President Andrew Jackson’s 1,100-acre plantation called “The Hermitage”. Besides being an obvious magnet for history buffs, the neighborhood is situated along the banks of both the Cumberland River and Percy Priest Lake making it a refuge for outdoorsmen. Hermitage’s six waterfront parks, many with trails and boat access, are an anomaly even for Nashville. Another perk of the town’s maturity is its developed restaurant district with enough tantalizing options that you might find yourself forgetting that Downtown Nashville is just a short drive away.

Where Is Hermitage Located?

It’s hard to miss this pristine Nashville suburb while traveling on I-40. Since it is the home of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, you will see several signs denoting the exit. But if you’re locating Hermitage on a map, it is about 14 miles east of downtown Nashville and one of the furthest east neighborhoods in Davidson County.

How’s The Vibe In Hermitage?

Hermitage may be known for its namesake, “The Hermitage,” President Andrew Jackson’s residence, but this Nashville suburb hosts young families, nature lovers, and retirees looking for large yards and a neighborly atmosphere. This delightful neighborhood offers a small-town feel with an easy commute to downtown. Hermitage is just around the corner from some of the best hiking, kayaking, and farmer’s markets in the area. It is also a short drive to all the excitement of downtown Nashville or Long Hunter State Park.

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

Hermitage is a family-oriented locale with plenty of places to grab a tasty lunch on the go or sit and enjoy dinner with the grandparents. For those with adventurous and international palettes, it’s hard to find more flavor than Dusit Thai. This delightful local favorite offers authentic Southeast Asian dishes with a bit of a kick, and Hermitage residents love Dusit’s affordable lunch specials that include some of their most popular dishes like the pad thai, green curry, and pho.

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe transports your tastebuds to Greece with its fresh and flavorful dishes. In addition to its tasty menu options, Taziki’s is also heavily involved in supporting the community through charitable works and supporting local initiatives such as Cul2Vate.

It’s impossible to live in Hermitage and not frequent Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que. Order a family meal, pulled pork sandwich, or a rack of ribs–you cannot go wrong if you’re a fan of smokey barbeque made from scratch and prepared with passion.

El Toro Loco’s fresh chips and authentic Mexican fare are unbeatable, and if you’re in the mood for pizza, head to Gondola House Pizzeria, where this mom-and-pop restaurant has been proudly serving the best pizza for over 30 years.

As far as nightlife, you won’t find many bars, clubs, or honky tonks like those in downtown Nashville, but there are some excellent places to grab a drink such as Craftsman on the Hill, JB’s Pour House, or The Rusty Nail.

What Are The Top Things To Do In Hermitage?

Hermitage is uniquely located between Percy Priest Lake, Old Hickory Lake, and the Cumberland River which positions it as an aquatic oasis. Locals enjoy Ravenwood Park which has great walking trails and neighboring Stone Hall Park which hosts Stone Hall built by George Waller in 1918. Another local favorite is Two Rivers Park adjacent to McGavock High School. Two Rivers Park includes a golf course, disc golf course, Wave Country water park, and Two Rivers Mansion. Of course, the main attraction in Hermitage for locals and tourists alike is Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage home. Just down Old Hickory Boulevard from the Cumberland River and Hermitage Golf Course, this historic site sits on over 1,100 acres. It hosted President Andrew Jackson from 1804 - 1845 and was made a national historic landmark in 1960. The museum receives over 250,000 tourists per year making it the fourth most visited presidential home.

How’s The Real Estate Market In Hermitage?

Hermitage is something of a unicorn in the suburban Nashville real estate market in that it’s unusual to find a home built after the turn of the century. Most homes are simple single-family dwellings, the kind with a fairly small but sensible three-bedroom two-bath design. Residents don’t move often, but when they do, these unpretentious homes tend to be reasonably priced and quick to come off the market. Perhaps because of its underrated convenience and activity, rental prices are considerably higher than the Hermitage home prices might suggest. Although the rental market features a nice variety of properties, with plenty of single-family homes and townhomes, you can expect to pay at least $1,500/month for almost anything with more than one bedroom.

Hermitage is one of the best values in Nashville, at least from a location perspective, as homes, just a twenty-minute drive from downtown routinely sell for around $350,000. While large families may balk at the lack of updates, other populations are quick to jump into the Hermitage mix. It's one of the best places in Tennessee for first-time buyers and same-sex couples. Such diverse appeal suggests that Hermitage offers more than just an easy commute.

PRO TIP: See homes for sale in Hermitage

How's The Cost Of Living In Hermitage?

You don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy the Hermitage lifestyle, but this suburb is more costly than some other neighborhoods nearby. Hermitage ranks as an average cost of living compared to other U.S. locations and slightly less expensive compared to the Nashville average. The majority of homes in Hermitage are single-family homes, but you will find some townhomes and duplexes for sale.

How Is Transportation In Hermitage?

Navigating Hermitage is easy since Lebanon Pike and Old Hickory Boulevard run through this area, and it’s just minutes north of I-40. While there are bikeable routes, most Hermitage residents must rely on a vehicle to get around.

What Are The Top Schools In Hermitage?

Hermitage is located in the Davidson County School District, yet this neighborhood only accounts for about 2,500 students in total. The top public schools in this area include Tulip Grove Elementary, Dodson Elementary, and Hermitage Elementary.

For families looking for more hands-on education with an emphasis on child-centered learning, look into Music City Montessori. Hermitage also has many top-ranking faith-based schools.

What Are The Best Parks In Hermitage?

Its greenways, parks, and green spaces truly make this neighborhood shine. Hermitage residents enjoy an active and outdoor lifestyle with plenty of scenery, greenways, and kayak launches to keep them busy.

Some may even say it’s impossible to live in Hermitage and not become an outdoor enthusiast. If you love parks, where should you start your Hermitage adventure? Stones River Bend Park and Shelby Park will provide you with hours of enjoyment. Both offer striking views of the iconic Cumberland River.

Is Hermitage A Safe Place To Live?

Hermitage offers families refuge from the chaos of the city, making it an extraordinarily safe place to call home. Hermitage has significantly lower crime levels than the Nashville averages and has a 41% lower crime rate than the national average.

Pros To Living In Hermitage

• Hermitage continues to be a popular Nashville neighborhood due to its small-town character and an easy commute to downtown.
• This quaint and historic neighborhood offers countless family-friendly businesses and pristine natural areas.
• Hermitage continues to be a safe neighborhood.

Cons To Living In Hermitage

• A lack of nightlife may leave some potential residents bored.
• Housing prices continue to rise as more families move further out from downtown Nashville.
• It’s nearly impossible to get around the area without a vehicle.