East Nashville is a place that’s constantly evolving—but at the same time, it holds tight to its roots. If you’ve spent any time walking the streets of Lockeland Springs, grabbing coffee near Five Points, or catching a show at the Basement East, you’ve probably picked up on the neighborhood’s creative, independent vibe. But there’s more to East Nashville than meets the eye. Whether you're new to the area or you've lived here for years, there are always a few surprising things to discover.
I’ve had the privilege of working with clients all across East Nashville, and I’m still learning new stories, hidden gems, and unexpected details about the community. Here are a few things you might not know about this one-of-a-kind part of town.
It’s Home to One of Nashville’s Oldest Planned Suburbs
While East Nashville is often associated with its indie spirit and creative culture, it’s also a neighborhood steeped in history. Lockeland Springs, one of the most beloved areas in East Nashville, was originally developed in the late 1800s and is considered one of Nashville’s first planned suburbs.
Back then, it was known as a streetcar suburb—where city dwellers could escape the bustle of downtown by hopping on the trolley and heading across the Cumberland River. You can still see traces of that early planning in the neighborhood’s walkable layout, mature trees, and turn-of-the-century homes. In fact, many of the homes here still showcase original details like pocket doors, fireplaces, and ornate woodwork that reflect the craftsmanship of that era.
Shelby Park Is Bigger—and Older—Than Most People Realize
If you’ve ever strolled along the greenway or played a round of golf at Shelby Park, you know it’s one of East Nashville’s most beautiful public spaces. But what many don’t realize is that Shelby Park dates back to 1909, making it one of the oldest city parks in Nashville—and one of the most expansive, too.
Shelby Park, along with the adjacent Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Center, covers more than 1,200 acres. That includes riverfront trails, wooded paths, sports fields, a lake, and a nature preserve—all within minutes of downtown. It’s not just a neighborhood perk; it’s one of the city’s best-kept outdoor secrets, and it's part of what makes living in East Nashville feel like the best of both worlds—urban and natural, all in one place.
Music City’s Creative Pulse Beats Strongest Here
While Music Row gets most of the national attention, East Nashville has long been the home base for many of Nashville’s most respected musicians and songwriters. What makes East Nashville different is the kind of music that thrives here—less polished country pop, more rootsy, indie, and genre-blurring sounds.
Over the years, the neighborhood has quietly nurtured some of the most influential artists in Americana, folk, alt-country, and rock. Venues like The 5 Spot, The Basement East, and East Room have hosted acts well before they made it big. And many artists still live right here in the neighborhood, making casual encounters with Grammy winners at the coffee shop a fairly normal experience.
East Nashville isn’t just part of the music scene—it’s where much of the most experimental music in Nashville gets its start.
There’s a Street Named for a Tomato—and It’s a Big Deal
If you’ve heard about the Tomato Art Fest, you know East Nashville loves to celebrate its quirks. But you may not know there’s an actual street named after a tomato—well, sort of. The stretch of Woodland Street that runs through Five Points becomes an unofficial tomato zone every August during the annual Tomato Art Fest.
This event draws thousands of visitors and has become one of the biggest community-driven festivals in the city. What started as a small art show celebrating the tomato has turned into a weekend-long explosion of costumes, parades, live music, and, of course, tomato-themed everything. It’s the kind of event that could only happen here—and it says a lot about East Nashville’s willingness to embrace the weird, the joyful, and the unexpected.
There’s Still More to Discover
The beauty of East Nashville is that it doesn’t stay still. New restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops open regularly, yet the neighborhood never feels like it’s lost its identity. It’s still home to late-night vinyl sessions, backyard concerts, Sunday morning strolls to the coffee shop, and quiet streets filled with homes that have stood for over a century.
It’s a place where you can find a modern townhome next to a 1920s craftsman, where you can bike to the river or walk to a record store, and where neighbors still stop to chat on the front porch. The more time you spend here, the more layers you uncover—and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Let’s Talk About Finding Your Place In East Nashville
If you're drawn to the energy and history of East Nashville, you're not alone. It’s one of the most vibrant and rewarding places to live in all of Nashville, and I’d love to help you find the home that fits your vision.
Reach out to me, Shane McCarty, for expert insight into the East Nashville real estate market and the hidden gems this neighborhood has to offer. Contact me today to start exploring East Nashville homes for sale and discover what’s waiting for you on the east side.
