Imagine being only minutes from the city, yet surrounded by peaceful tree-lined streets, scenic views, and one of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville… this is Belle Meade. With a median income of over $144,000, Belle Meade is considered Nashville’s most affluent community.

You know you are in Belle Meade when you notice the distinct equine street signs, boutique shops, and large private estates with stately homes and horse trails. This area is actually an incorporated municipality within the city of Nashville with its own city hall, mayor, and police force.

With its desirable location and exceptional quality of life, real estate in Belle Meade comes with a high price tag. The average list price in the area is over $1 million, with home sales ranging in price from $500,000 to upwards of $2.5 million. The home sites in Belle Meade are large, private, and often feature meticulous landscape, rolling green hills, and scenic views.

Because there is little land available in Belle Meade for new development, buyers often purchase older homes and either renovate them or tear them down and start over. It is purely the location that drives the desire for such purchases of Belle Meade real estate – buyers are willing to pay top dollar for the land, even if the house doesn’t fit their needs since they can simply renovate or build their dream home.

The Warner Parks complex serves as the main recreational site for Belle Meade residents. Although it is not within the city limits, it sits next to Belle Meade and provides a nature center, hiking trails, equestrian facilities, golf courses, and athletic fields.

The city owes its name to the famous historical mansion, the Belle Meade Plantation. An original horse farm and Greek revival home, this 30-acre historic site is known for its past breeding and training of thoroughbred champions. Race horse legends such as Barbarro, Secretariat, and Seabiscuit can trace their bloodlines back to the breeding stock of Belle Meade. Tours, weddings, and event packages are available to the public.

The Cheekwood Mansion and Botanic Gardens is also located in Belle Meade. It is a beautiful 55-acre estate with a botanical garden, mile-long sculpture trail, learning center, and the Museum of Art’s revolving exhibits. The mansion hosts many different activities for adults and children as well as weddings and group events.

A major shopping center, The Belle Meade Town Center, is scheduled for completion in mid-2007 and will be located near one of the busiest intersections in the state: Harding Road and White Bridge Road. There are plans for an anchor grocery store, Harris Teeter, and AmSouth Bank branch, other retail shops, and some luxury condos. This center will certainly add some diversity to the architecture and landscape of Belle Meade.

Originally called Fort Nashborough after the Revolutionary War General Francis Nash, the Nashville area was settled around 1779 on the Cumberland River. The area was renamed Nashville in 1784. Soon after in 1796, Tennessee was the 16th state to join the Union. The Tennessee name is derived from a Cherokee variant of a Creek Indian word that is believed to mean “meeting place” or “bend in the river,” although there is some debate on the actual meaning of the word.

Tennessee seceded from the Union in 1861 and became involved in the Confederate Army of the Civil War that enveloped our developing nation. In 1862, Union Forces captured the city of Nashville. December 15-16, 1864 mark the dates when the Confederates failed to retake the city in the historic Battle of Nashville.

The Battle of Nashville marked one of the most victorious achievements of the Union Army and effectively marked the end of the Army of Tennessee. There are no on-site remnants left from this battle; today, the suburban areas of Green Hills, Grassmere, and Brentwood occupy the area that was once a historic battlefield. In 1866, after the Civil War dust settled, Tennessee was re-admitted to the Union, the first Confederate state to do so.

Nashville has a very unique organization of government. Since 1963, a Metropolitan Charter created a single government for both the city of Nashville and Davidson County. Nashville was the first large U.S. city to adopt this type of consolidated metropolitan city-county structure. Other cities have now formed similar governments using variations of the charter that has worked so well for Nashville.

Three former U.S. Presidents called Nashville home including Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson. Of course, the Nashville area has been and still is home to many famous folks including country music stars, all types of musicians, actors, and more.

Nashville became the state capital in 1843, and is now the second most populated city in Tennessee.   Today, the greater metropolitan area encompasses eight counties including Davidson County – where the city of Nashville is located – and the surrounding counties of Cheatham, Dickson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson. The estimated 2005 population of the Nashville metropolitan area is over 1.4 million people.

If you want to live, work, and play in a fun, urban environment, check out “The Village” located generally in and around 21st Avenue South in Nashville. Hillsboro Village is adjacent to both Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities with close access to shopping, Music Row, and downtown Nashville.

Hillsboro Village is a pedestrian friendly area with old-fashioned neighborhood-style merchants, boutique shops, and eateries. The Village also hosts a vibrant night life – some hot places to visit late at night are the Bound’ry, Exit/In, and Mercy Lounge.

The historic Belcourt Theatre is a popular attraction for both residents and visitors. It is a leading non-profit venue for film, music, and events with a concession stand and well-stocked bar.

Hillsboro Village recently received a federal grant for some streetscaping improvements. These value-added improvements will be a nice addition to the area’s eclectic mix of retail shops and residential living areas.
Housing in the area ranges from older, fixer-upper, single family homes to loft apartments to some newer developments of luxury high-rise condos.

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The Green Hills area is located in the southwest part of Nashville. Since it is not technically a city, residents use a Nashville address. Formerly a bedroom community, it has recently expanded with the addition of the world-famous Bluebird Café and the Mall at Green Hills.

Songwriters and musicians who want to get known in the business head to the Bluebird Café to audition for popularity and the chance to become a household name someday. The Mall at Green Hills has over 100 specialty stores and eateries, with Dillard’s and Macy’s holding the anchor store spots. Healthy Strides is a free program offered at the mall where folks can walk the mall and enjoy complimentary snacks and special events.

The outstanding proximity to freeways, downtown Nashville, the airport, and hospitals has turned Green Hills into a highly desirable and upscale community in recent years. Older homes built from the 1950’s to the 1970’s typically sell in the $300K to $400K range.

Lately, Green Hills is referred to as one of Nashville’s “tear-down” communities. Because of the desirable location, the area attracts buyers who purchase an older home and either renovate or tear it down in order to rebuild a newer and larger home. Today’s buyers want newer homes with more square footage, open floor plans, walk-in closets, and 3-car garages.

As a result, mansions and estates are becoming commonplace in the Green Hills area driving prices upwards into the million dollar range. Upscale condo developments are also finding their way into Green Hills including two planned developments now in progress. Bedford Place is a condo community behind The Mall at Green Hills and a mixed condo/office project called Bedford Commons is in the works on Bedford Avenue.

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Located 25 miles northeast of downtown Nashville is a small, but growing town of Gallatin which serves as the county seat of Sumner County. The city has its own airport, regional hospital, and community college. Gallatin is close to Old Hickory Lake offering many outdoor activities including fishing and water sports.

Bledsoe State Park is a great place for a day or overnight outing with hiking trails, access to the lake, and camping facilities. Mountain bikers, fishermen, and hunters will find the Gallatin area a wonderful place to practice their sport.

Residents and visitors to Gallatin can enjoy some low-cost classes at the Gallatin Civic Center. Class topics and activities include CPR, aerobics, yoga, swimming, track, gym, sports courts, and day camps.

Gallatin is home to a picturesque and historic downtown with a central courthouse in the middle of the town square. The town is rich is history and charm with many older homes, 19th century buildings, and churches. It’s worth a visit to some of the historic attractions such as The Palace Theatre, Sumner County Museum, Trousdale Place Museum, and the civil war era Bledsoe Fort.

There are many affordable housing options both around town and in some recent developments. The Baywood Point subdivision is a quiet suburb with convenient access to town and prices in the mid $200,000’s. Albion Downs home prices begin in the $130,000’s with easy access to I-40 and Hwy 109. The community offers one and two story homes, ornamental mailboxes, nice landscaping, and community sidewalks. The development sits on the historic 1800’s Albion Downs horse track.

For exceptional living in an upscale community, Fairvue Plantation is the Nashville area’s only lakefront golf community. The original 11,000 square foot mansion built in 1832 is on site and is now listed on the National Historic Register. Lot prices range from $82,000 to $750,000 and custom homes typically sell in the $400,000 to over $1 million range. The community has a private clubhouse with many amenities, an Olympic-sized pool, a fitness center, 2 signature lakefront golf courses, and more. If tree-lined streets, spectacular golf views, lake views, and densely wooded landscape are to your liking, don’t miss an opportunity to find your dream home at Fairvue Plantation.

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Step onto the balcony of your new home to gorgeous views of Old Hickory Lake… You can have all this and more with one of many custom homes or estates on the lake in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Just 20 miles north of Nashville, the town of Hendersonville borders 26 miles of shoreline on the lake. Residents enjoy nearby city living with spacious country surroundings. Homebuyers can find affordable homes in town on up to multi-million dollar estates on the waterfront. Hendersonville demographics favor the young and affluent.

The recent expansion of Interstate 65 has brought more businesses into Hendersonville and made traveling easier for residents. The Glenbrook Shopping Center, a planned 190-acre retail center in the city, had added some much-needed shopping options for locals. PIC USA, Inc. also recently moved its headquarters to Hendersonville – a company that provides genetically-altered breeding stock to pig farmers. Indian Lake Village is also a welcome addition to the city providing a 260 acre mix of retail, office, and residential development.

Hendersonville offers great schools, several restaurants, recreation opportunities, parks, and marinas. The Country Hills Golf Course if an 18-hole course open to the public year round with a pro shop, grill, banquet room, and lessons to improve your game. You’ll wag your tail for the rotary club’s Dog Daze of Hendersonville, a fundraiser where dogs can “bring your people to the park.”

Aside from excellent public schools, Hendersonville will soon be home to the popular Davidson Academy, a Christian based Pre-K through 12 school with a focus on college preparation. The school is in the process of moving its campus and plans to fully occupy its Hendersonville location by the fall of 2009.

The Historic Rock Castle built in the 1790s is located on the shores of the lake. Tours and a gift shop are available at this 7-level hand-hewn, limestone home that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Hendersonville is also home to TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) which sits on the former grounds of “Twitty City,” the home and museum of the late country star, Conway Twitty. This is where TBN films some of its programs. Also on site is a gift shop, bistro, church, and virtual reality theatre.

Hendersonville is where the late Johnny Cash and other famous recoding artists have lived. Unfortunately, the former home of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash burned to the ground in April 2007 when it caught fire during a renovation by the current owner.

A few notable planned housing developments have chosen Hendersonville’s gorgeous countryside and proximity to the lake to build out their communities:

• Winston Hills is 95 acres of pastoral countryside, part of which was formerly part of the late Johnny Cash’s estate. Winston Hills offers residents a pool, clubhouse, walking trails, and an on-site retail center.
• Mansker Farms prides itself on over 70 acres of landscaped open space with white country fences in this 500 acre master planned community. Lakes, fountains, walking trails, pools, and playgrounds are available for homeowners’ delight.
• The Hunt Club features antebellum estate homes and prestigious horse farms in this upscale, gated community. Renowned local builders will custom build a home to suit your needs. The community has a pool and a special Town Center with commercial buildings as well. The Hunt Club was chosen to host the annual Parade of Homes for 2007.

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Mt. Juliet is conveniently located just minutes from the Nashville Airport off Interstate 40. Designated as the “City Between the Lakes” because of its ideal location, the town of Mt. Juliet is positioned between two man-made reservoirs. Percy Priest Lake off the Cumberland River is north of town while Old Hickory Lake off the Stones River is located south of town. Both lakes offer a broad range of outdoor activities.

The city is known for its rich history in southern charm, its friendly people, and its diverse and affordable housing choices. One of the fastest growing cities in Tennessee, Mt. Juliet also prides itself on being part of one of the best school systems in the state. Within the city limits are 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school, although some children who reside in Mt. Juliet attend public schools in nearby communities. There is one K-12 private school in the city, Mt. Juliet Christian Academy, with many other private school choices in neighboring cities.

Commuting to Nashville is easy and convenient with close access to several freeways and with the recent addition of the Mt. Juliet stop for Nashville’s Music City commuter rail. The Mt. Juliet Library offers residents a varied choice of books in addition to internet access, book clubs, children’s summer reading, and story time programs. There are local doctors and health professionals within the city and two hospitals close by in the communities of Lebanon and Hermitage.

Residents have two city parks to enjoy outdoor fun and sports. Sgt. Jerry Mundy Memorial Park was named after a fallen police officer and offers a small playground and several sports fields. Charlie Daniels Park, located in the heart of Mt. Juliet, has a large “Planet Playground” structure for kids, sports courts, walking paths, and an outdoor amphitheatre. The park also has a Community Center with a weight room, gymnasium with basketball hoops, and a meeting room.

The Cedar Creek Sports Center is a local business catering to “Family Fun for Everyone.” You’ll find miniature golf, a golf range with targets for practice, go karts, batting cages, and bumper boats. They also host birthday parties and other group events.

Mt. Juliet has been ranked the #2 Business Friendly City for two years in a row (2006, 2007) by the Tennessee Center for Policy Research. This city is very proud of this recognition and credits its strategic location, residential growth, low business taxes, stable economic base, and low cost of living. Mt. Juliet is equally proud of the fact that it has not had a city tax for the past five years.

With a gated, waterfall entrance and a 15-acre stocked lake, active adults will find the newer Lake Providence subdivision a wonderful place to live and retire. The community is restricted to adults aged 55 and up and offers some charming and affordable homes as well as a 24,000 square foot community center, fitness facilities, and a wealth of activities.

The Providence Marketplace is a 103 acre open-air retail plaza in Mt. Juliet with retail shops, department stores, restaurants, a Kroger grocery store, and a theater. As the largest open-air center in Middle Tennessee, the recent addition of Providence MarketPlace is a wonderful enhancement for the city of Mt. Juliet and will no doubt bring in more businesses and residents.

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Murfreesboro is conveniently settled along the edges of the Stones River just southeast of Nashville. The city features a city environment with a home-town feel. Murfreesboro is home to Middle Tennessee State University and has plans for an open-air retail mall to open in the fall of 2007.

Perfectly situated as the geographical center of Tennessee, Murfreesboro is filled with Civil War history. The city was originally named after Hardy Murfree, a Revolutionary War Officer and a land speculator.

Murfreesboro is located in Rutherford County which is currently the fastest growing counties in the state. Leisure time is well spent in the city’s system of Greenway Trails – parks and trails for nature hikes, biking, running, and relaxing. You will also find a 9-hole VA Golf Course and the Old Fort Golf Course, and 18-hole flat course that is easy to walk and open year round. Furry friends can capitalize on the amenities of the town Bark Park; children and adults may take advantage of fitness facilities and two city pools that also offer swim lessons.

The city is proud of its new 400-acre business park and mixed-use complex called the Murfreesboro Gateway which is conveniently located off Interstate 24 and only 30 miles from downtown Nashville. The city also recently added “Rover,” the city’s new public transportation service sporting smaller, bight green buses.

Housing in Murfreesboro is pleasantly affordable and the school system has some of the top scores in the state. The city was names the Most Livable Town in Tennessee in the late 1990s and is today the fastest growing city in the state of Tennessee.

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