Is 12 South Expensive?

February 19, 2026

Yes. 12 South is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Nashville, and that premium shows up in real estate, rent, restaurants, and retail.

Real Estate

The median home sale price in 12 South hit approximately $1.4 million in late 2025, down from a peak but still placing it firmly at the upper end of Nashville’s residential market. These are predominantly historic bungalows and Craftsman homes that have been renovated to a high standard — attractive, but not cheap.

Rent

Rent.com data puts the average one-bedroom apartment in 12 South at around $2,601 per month, which makes it one of the most expensive rental neighborhoods in the entire city — more expensive than the Gulch and second only to Downtown Nashville. If you’re looking at two-bedrooms, expect to pay more. The neighborhood’s desirability drives these numbers; supply is limited and demand remains high.

Restaurants and Coffee

Locust, the neighborhood’s MICHELIN-Starred restaurant (awarded November 2025), doesn’t publish exact prices but runs as a full tasting experience — expect roughly $150 per person including tax and tip based on reported figures. Urban Grub runs $50 to $100 per person for dinner. Fonda, which opened in May 2024 at 2316 12th Ave S (the former Josephine space), is a mid-tier Mexican restaurant with small plates and entrees in the $18 to $35 range. Bartaco is more affordable but still above the city average for a taco joint. Brunch at most spots runs $15 to $25 per person before drinks.

Frothy Monkey and Five Daughters Bakery are reasonable by 12 South standards — a coffee and pastry won’t require planning, and a full Frothy Monkey meal runs $15 to $20.

Shopping

Most boutiques on the strip are not budget destinations. Imogene + Willie denim starts well above $100 per pair. Draper James prices most items between $80 and $300. Judith Bright jewelry, White’s Mercantile, and the national retailers (Rag & Bone, Jenni Kayne, Oliver Peoples) are all premium price points.

Made in TN is the exception — gift-sized purchases of Goo Goo Clusters, candles, and Nashville-specific items are accessible to any budget.

The Context

12 South’s expense is relative to Nashville, which is itself more affordable than New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. A weekend in 12 South can be done without extravagance: Frothy Monkey for coffee and breakfast, walk the murals for free, browse (but don’t necessarily buy) the boutiques, have lunch at Bartaco or Edley’s, walk Sevier Park. That day costs what you choose it to cost.

But if you want the full 12 South experience — brunch at Fonda or Urban Grub, a new pair of boots from Planet Cowboy, dinner at Locust — budget accordingly.

Sources

  • Redfin, 12 South Nashville Housing Market (October 2025): redfin.com/neighborhood/496490/TN/Nashville/12-South/housing-market
  • Rent.com, Average Rent in Nashville TN by Neighborhood: rent.com/tennessee/nashville-apartments/rent-trends
  • The Infatuation, Best Restaurants in 12 South (December 2025): theinfatuation.com
  • Nashville Lifestyles, Neighborhood Guide 12 South: nashvillelifestyles.com
  • The Culture Trip, Best Places to Shop in Nashville’s 12 South: theculturetrip.com

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