Bellevue is a neighborhood in west Nashville that has experienced a renaissance in recent years with an influx of millennials and first-time homebuyers. The area was devastated by a thousand year flood in 2010 that laid waste to wide swaths of Nashville, but in the years since, it has made a robust recovery. 

With beautiful landscapes and affordable home prices, Bellevue is a favorite among homebuyers seeking ample space, easy access to arts and entertainment, and a short commute to Downtown. From historic landmarks and natural features like rivers and forests, to brand new developments, Bellevue is truly a microcosm of Nashville’s evolution over the last decade.

Location, Location, Location

Sign for city of Bellevue, TN founded in 1794, with flag poles and flowerrs surrounding.
Photo by ktb615 / CC BY-SA

West Nashville is a beautiful part of the city with rolling hills, sprawling neighborhoods, and sunset views that can’t be beat. Situated just within the official metropolitan boundary in the southwest corner of Davidson County, Bellevue is just about as far west as one can go without leaving the city limits.

Bisected by Interstate 40, which runs straight into the heart of Nashville, it’s the perfect neighborhood for residents seeking a quieter, more suburban area within 20 minutes of Downtown. With recent developments and a rich network of local shops and businesses, Bellevue is becoming a neighborhood that residents never want to leave. 

Rapid Recovery Spurring Development

Illustration of people walking in new plaza with warm lights and flowers.
Rendering Courtesy of Genesis Studios

A significant factor for those deciding to plant roots in Bellevue is the simple fact that the town is growing, and with home prices hovering around the $300s, there’s potential for first-time homebuyers and those seeking to size up.

As The Tennessean points out, Bellevue’s recovery from the 2010 flood, which caused massive damage in the Nashville area, has been steady. The neighborhood was among the hardest hit by the natural disaster, but in the years since, development has returned to the area, and residents have seen the town recover from the ground up.

Recent development fits Bellevue’s reputation as an affordable area, with home prices still below average when compared to other Nashville neighborhoods like Brentwood, Green Hills, or Belle Meade.

“After living on West End Avenue for 23 years, I wanted to relocate from a condo into a space that would fit my budget,” longtime music industry publicist Alison Auerbach told Neighborhoods.com. “Bellevue offered me more for my money at a lower property tax rate, and the neighborhood has really turned around in the last several years with One Bellevue Place adding more shopping, restaurants, and a movie theater.”

Shops and Dining

Illustration of people and cars in a shopping center full of businesses.
Rendering Courtesy of Genesis Studios

Bellevue has long been known as a classic suburb with soccer fields, tight-knit communities, and, of course, a shopping mall. But after the 2008 recession, the popular Bellevue Center was forced to close its doors, leaving area residents at a loss until the mixed-use shopping center One Bellevue Place opened. A sprawling complex, One Bellevue Place hosts Sprouts (a large natural foods store), The Well (a local coffee shop), and other national chains as well as local businesses.

Perhaps most exciting for residents is the recent announcement that the Nashville Predators will open a Sports Center on the campus. The project, which broke ground in June 2018, will feature two ice rinks and allow for the development of aspiring hockey players across the region.

Greenspace

Wide open space with green grass and orange treeline with people walking in the distance.
Edwin Werner Park / Photo by Michael Hicks / CC BY-ND

While Nashville is generally known as a green city, the west side in particular has a reputation for being home to some of the best parks around.

Bellevue residents are some of the nearly one million people who visit The Warner Parks annually. Situated on over 3,000 acres, the parks feature hiking, biking, and equestrian trails as well as scenic drives and overlooks. There’s no denying that sunny afternoons, particularly in the spring and fall, were made for lounging in a hammock or reading a book on the shaded lawns of The Warner Parks.

Just next door, residents can enjoy the historic mansion, museum, and botanical gardens at Cheekwood. This 1929 country estate is a staple of any weekend outing for Nashvillians interested in high art, elaborate gardens, and breathtaking architecture.

Bellevue is also well known among lovers of fishing, canoeing, and kayaking as the scenic Harpeth River winds through the neighborhood. The Harpeth Conservancy is a popular organization in the area that works to preserve and protect the Harpeth River watershed through educational and volunteer efforts.