If you are looking for a spot in Nashville that balances affordability with accessibility, Hermitage is likely on your radar. It sits in a sweet spot for homebuyers who want a yard and a garage without paying the premiums you see in neighborhoods closer to the city center.

Before we dive into the housing market and commute times, let’s clear up the biggest source of confusion for newcomers. When locals say "Hermitage," they could be talking about three very different things.

First, there is The Hermitage, which is the historic home of President Andrew Jackson. Second, there is The Hermitage Hotel, which is a luxury five-star hotel located in Downtown Nashville - about 13 miles away from here. Finally, there is the Hermitage neighborhood, the residential community in eastern Davidson County bordered by Percy Priest Lake and the Cumberland River.

This guide is 100% about the neighborhood - where you might actually live, buy groceries, and send your kids to school.

 

Location & Commuting: The Strategic Advantage

One of the main reasons people choose Hermitage is the logistics. It is located roughly 13 miles east of Downtown Nashville. On a clear day with no traffic, you can drive from your driveway to Broadway in about 20 to 25 minutes.

However, we have to be real about I-40. During rush hour, that 20-minute drive can easily turn into 45 minutes or more. The interstate traffic heading west in the morning and east in the evening is heavy. If you plan to drive daily, you will want to get comfortable with podcasts or audiobooks.

That brings us to the neighborhood’s secret weapon: the WeGo Star. Hermitage has its own station for this commuter train. If you work downtown near the riverfront, you can skip the I-40 gridlock entirely. You park at the Hermitage station, hop on the train, and get to Riverfront Station in about 30 minutes. It is a massive stress reliever for daily commuters.

For frequent flyers, the location is hard to beat. You are extremely close to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Depending on where you live in the neighborhood, you can get to the terminal in about 15 minutes, usually avoiding the worst of the city traffic.

 

Hermitage Real Estate Market (2026 Trends)

If you have been browsing homes for sale in Nashville and feeling discouraged by the prices, Hermitage offers a refreshing change of pace. It remains one of the last affordable suburbs within Davidson County limits.

As we look at the market data from early 2026, the median sold price for a home here sits roughly between $375,000 and $400,000. When you compare that to the median prices in trendy areas like The Nations or 12 South, the value proposition is obvious. You simply get more square footage for your dollar here.

The housing stock is a mix. You will see a lot of brick ranch-style homes and split-levels from the 1970s and 1980s. These often come with decent-sized yards and mature trees. Recently, there has been a surge in new construction, primarily in the form of townhome communities and smaller subdivisions.

For those not ready to buy, the rental market is robust. You can find everything from large apartment complexes to single-family rental homes. A typical rental house generally falls in the $1,400 to $2,000 per month range, depending on updates and square footage.

 

Is Hermitage Safe? Understanding the Crime Rates

Safety is a top priority for anyone moving to a new area. Because Hermitage is a geographically large neighborhood, the "vibe" can change from one subdivision to the next. It is difficult to paint the whole area with a single brush.

Objectively, violent crime rates in Hermitage are generally lower than in inner-city Nashville neighborhoods. However, they are typically higher than in the more rural, outlying counties like Wilson County (Mt. Juliet). It is a suburban environment that still has some urban characteristics.

Property crime is the most common issue reported, specifically car break-ins. This is a standard issue across almost all of Metro Nashville. The best approach is to look at street-level data. Before signing a lease or a contract, check resources like SpotCrime or CrimeGrade for the specific street you are interested in.

 

Schools & Education in Hermitage

Residents in Hermitage are zoned for Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS). It is part of the McGavock cluster, which is one of the larger clusters in the county.

  • Elementary: Dodson Elementary is frequently cited by parents and online ratings as a standout option in this area. Other local schools include Ruby Major Elementary and Tulip Grove Elementary.
  • Middle & High: Most students feed into DuPont Tyler Middle School and eventually McGavock High School.

If you are exploring private education, Donelson Christian Academy (DCA) is a popular choice located nearby. It serves students from preschool through 12th grade and draws many families from both the Hermitage and Donelson areas.

 

Lifestyle: Lakes, History, and Recreation

Life here is a bit slower than in the city, and that is usually by design. The biggest lifestyle perk is undoubtedly Percy Priest Lake. While other neighborhoods have parks, Hermitage has actual water access.

You have easy access to boat ramps, fishing spots, and the Anderson Road recreation area, which features a sandy swimming beach. For a full day of entertainment, Nashville Shores Waterpark is right here on the lake, offering slides and a massive wave pool.

If you prefer land over water, the history aspect is significant. The grounds of Andrew Jackson’s The Hermitage cover over 1,000 acres. Even if you aren't a history buff, the property offers a "Hermitage membership" that allows locals to use the trails for walking and hiking. It is a beautiful, preserved green space right in your backyard.

For cyclists and runners, the Stones River Greenway is a major asset. It connects to the Shelby Bottoms Greenway, meaning you can technically ride a bike all the way to East Nashville if you have the stamina.

When it comes to dining, Lebanon Pike is the main commercial corridor. It is heavy on chain restaurants and big-box retail, but there are local gems if you look for them. Nadeen's Hermitage Haven is a local favorite for comfort food, and Gondola House offers great pizza and pasta.

 

Pros and Cons of Living in Hermitage

Here is a quick breakdown to help you weigh your options.

Pros:

  • Affordability: Significantly cheaper than Nashville proper.

  • WeGo Star: Commuter train access to downtown.

  • Lake Access: Minutes from Percy Priest Lake.

  • Airport: Very close to BNA for travelers.

Cons:

  • Traffic: I-40 is a major bottleneck during rush hour.

  • Walkability: You will need a car; it is not pedestrian-friendly.

  • Nightlife: Very quiet; you'll go to the city for big nights out.

  • Schools: Ratings vary widely; requires research.

 

FAQ: Common Questions About Hermitage

Is Hermitage TN a city or neighborhood?

Hermitage is a neighborhood, not an independent city. It is part of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County, meaning it shares the same mayor, police force, and school district as the rest of Nashville.

How far is Hermitage from Downtown Nashville?

It is approximately 13 miles east of downtown. In light traffic, that is a 20-minute drive, but you should plan for 30 to 45 minutes during peak commuting hours.

What is the difference between Hermitage and The Hermitage Hotel?

This is a common mix-up. "Hermitage" is the residential neighborhood where people live. "The Hermitage Hotel" is a historic, luxury hotel located on Union Street in downtown Nashville—they are two completely different places.

Is Hermitage a good place to buy a house?

For buyers prioritizing value, yes. The price-per-square-foot is generally lower here than in neighborhoods west of the airport, making it a strong option for getting more home for your money while staying in Davidson County.