Is The Nations still undervalued compared to other Nashville neighborhoods in 2026?

Yes. Even going into 2026, The Nations remains undervalued relative to its walkability, restaurant and brewery density, and new-construction housing stock. When you compare it to neighborhoods like 12 South, Sylvan Park, and Green Hills, many buyers can still access new or recently built homes in The Nations at a lower price point while benefiting from similar or better lifestyle amenities.

Is The Nations a good area for relocation buyers?

The Nations is one of the best areas in Nashville for relocation buyers who want a modern, walkable, neighborhood feel. It attracts people from markets like New York, California, Chicago, Florida, and Texas who are looking for a mix of newer construction, an active food and beverage scene, and quick access to downtown and West Nashville job centers.

Is The Nations a strong investment area in 2026?

Yes. The Nations offers strong long-term rental fundamentals, high tenant demand for modern townhomes and new-construction single-family homes, and excellent mid-term rental potential. Coupled with Nashville’s ranking as one of the top multifamily and investment markets nationally, The Nations stands out as a compelling submarket for investors seeking appreciation and stable occupancy.

What price ranges make the most sense to buy in The Nations right now?

Generally, renovated cottages in the mid-$500,000s are a smart entry point, newer townhomes in the mid-$600,000s to $800,000s balance resale and rental demand, and new-construction single-family homes from roughly $900,000 to $1.2 million are positioned for strong long-term appreciation compared to similar product in 12 South, Sylvan Park, or Green Hills.

Why is retail and restaurant growth so important for The Nations’ property values?

Retail and restaurant growth is one of the biggest drivers of demand in The Nations. Popular food concepts like Nicky’s Coal Fired, Maru, Smokin’ Oasis, and Perfectly Fine, combined with breweries like Fat Bottom and Harding House, plus daytime spots like Living Waters and high-end gyms like CARBON, create a true lifestyle neighborhood. This walkable ecosystem attracts both locals and relocators and typically leads to stronger appreciation over time.

Why The Nations Is Nashville’s Most Underrated Breakout Neighborhood for 2026

Nov 19

Written By Jack Costigan

As Nashville enters 2026, one neighborhood is clearly positioned for a major breakout: The Nations. Once an industrial corridor tucked along West Nashville, The Nations has transformed into a vibrant, walkable, restaurant-driven neighborhood attracting relocators, investors, and long-term buyers at one of the fastest rates in the city.

Backed by population growth, new construction, lifestyle retail, and strong investor fundamentals, The Nations is poised to outperform in 2026.

Here’s the full, data-backed breakdown — powered by real analytics, migration trends, and on-the-ground Nashville insight.

1. The Nations’ Price Growth Momentum Heading Into 2026

Over the past three years, The Nations has delivered 6–9% annual appreciation, outpacing many core neighborhoods in Davidson County.

Median price (37209): ~ $575,000
Typical new construction: $650,000 – $1,050,000+
City median for comparison: ~$475,000 (Source)

Meanwhile, Davidson County property values overall have surged ~45% since 2021 (Axios) — yet The Nations remains discounted relative to its walkability and new construction density.

This price delta is a major indicator of future appreciation momentum.

2. Nashville’s Population Boom = Direct Fuel for The Nations

Greater Nashville added 136,000+ residents from 2020–2024 (Axios), a 6.4% metro growth rate.

Inbound buyers come primarily from:

New York
California
Chicago
Florida
Texas

Why does this matter?
Because The Nations mirrors the urban neighborhoods these buyers are used to — Williamsburg, Silver Lake, Wicker Park — but at a lower price point and with newer construction.

Relocators fuel appreciation more than any other buyer segment.
And in 2026, they’re choosing The Nations.

3. Retail, Restaurants, Breweries & Lifestyle: The Real Engine of The Nations’ Value

If you want to predict future property appreciation, track retail velocity + third-space development.

The Nations has become one of West Nashville’s densest lifestyle corridors. Here’s what’s actually driving demand:

🔥 POPULAR FOOD + RESTAURANTS (Where locals actually go)

Maru – High-end Korean fusion, consistently packed
Nicky’s Coal Fired – Neighborhood Italian staple
Smokin’ Oasis – One of Nashville’s hottest smash-burger concepts
Perfectly Fine – Highly popular walk-up sandwich shop
51st Deli – Still an iconic Nashville lunch destination
Otaku pop-up concepts rotating through micro kitchens

☕ Coffee + Daytime Spots

Living Waters Brewing – Coffee + beer + pastries, all in one
Red Bicycle (Charlotte corridor)
Retrograde Coffee (nearby)

🍺 Breweries & Social Spots

Fat Bottom Brewing
Harding House Brewing
Bearded Iris rotations
TailGate Brewery (Charlotte)

💪 Fitness & Wellness

CARBON – High-end gym with serious local traction
Title Boxing
Forty5 Fitness
F45 nearby

📈 What this means for property values:

Walkability + food culture + brewery density =
Higher buyer demand → Higher absorption → Higher long-term appreciation.

Neighborhoods with strong lifestyle ecosystems consistently outperform.

The Nations has BY FAR the most complete lifestyle mix of any sub-$1M urban-core Nashville area.

4. The Nations Is One of Nashville’s Strongest Investor Plays for 2026

Nashville was ranked #1 multifamily opportunity market in the U.S. in the most recent national report (Traded).

Combine this with 37209’s characteristics:

High rental absorption
Strong mid-term rental demand
High-ROI new construction
Tenant preference for modern builds

And developers are slowing supply:
New multifamily completions are projected to drop 41% in 2025, while absorption hit 11,000+ units the year prior.¹

Less supply + high demand = long-term rent growth.

5. What to Buy in The Nations in 2026 (Analytics-Based Advice)

Based on current comparables + neighborhood trends:

Best Value (Entry-Level):

Renovated cottages: $525K–$600K
Strong resale velocity + limited supply.

Best ROI (Mid-Range):

Modern townhomes: $650K–$850K
Perfect balance of owner-occupant + rental demand.

Best Long-Term Appreciation (Higher-End):

Luxury new builds: $900K–$1.2M+
Still undervalued vs. 12 South, Sylvan Park, and Green Hills — with superior walkability.

This is the product likely to outperform from 2026–2028.

Why Buyers & Investors Choose The Costigan Group

Jack Costigan is a top-producing Realtor® and founder of The Costigan Group at Compass Nashville, specializing in residential, relocation, investment, and short-term rental real estate throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Known for his modern marketing and data-driven approach, Jack has helped dozens of clients buy and sell homes across Greater Nashville. Learn more at jackcostiganrealestate.com.