12 South is a very good neighborhood to live in, with costs to match.
The Case For It
The walkability is real and daily rather than theoretical. The residents who live on the streets off 12th Avenue can walk to coffee, groceries (nearby), a park, restaurants at every price point, and a farmers market on Thursdays. Dog owners have Sevier Park for daily walks. People who work from home have Frothy Monkey as a second office. The density of good things within a half-mile puts it ahead of most Nashville neighborhoods on raw lifestyle quality.
The neighborhood has a genuine community feel that persists despite the tourism. The 12 South Halloween Parade shuts down blocks every October and is organized by residents. The concert series at Sevier Park draws neighbors rather than just visitors. The farmers market is where people who live here actually buy their produce. This community infrastructure is real and active.
The housing stock is predominantly historic bungalows — arts and crafts, Queen Annes, Craftsman homes built in the early 1900s — that have been renovated to modern standards while keeping their architectural character. Queen Annes with high ceilings, updated kitchens, front porches. These are pleasant homes to live in.
Waverly-Belmont Elementary, zoned for the neighborhood, is well-regarded and runs arts and music programs. This matters for families choosing between Nashville neighborhoods.
The Cost
The median home price in 12 South hit approximately $1.4 million in late 2025. One-bedroom apartments average around $2,601 per month — the highest in Nashville outside of Downtown. These are not starter-neighborhood numbers.
The expense also shows up in the lifestyle. If you live in 12 South, you’re surrounded by restaurants and boutiques where spending money is the activity. The neighborhood rewards people who can spend freely and feel the friction on a more limited budget.
Who Thrives Here
12 South works best for young professionals or couples without children who earn enough that the rent and cost of living in the neighborhood doesn’t require constant optimization. It works for families with kids if the school zone and park access outweigh the housing cost premium. It works for anyone who values walkable daily life and doesn’t need nightlife on their doorstep (12 South quiets early).
It doesn’t work well for people who want affordable rents, extensive late-night options, or a neighborhood that’s quieter on weekends. It also doesn’t work for people who want to be anonymous in their neighborhood — 12 South is a place where you become a regular quickly and where the community notices who’s around.
Sources
- Redfin, 12 South Nashville Housing Market (October 2025): redfin.com
- Rent.com, Average Rent Nashville by Neighborhood: rent.com/tennessee/nashville-apartments/rent-trends
- Homes.com, 12 South Neighborhood Guide: homes.com/local-guide/nashville-tn/12-south-neighborhood/
- Caroline-Keenan.com, 12 South Nashville Neighborhood Guide (November 2024): caroline-keenan.com
- Acre Real Estate, Guide to 12 South: acrestate.com/guide/guide-to-12-south-neighborhood-in-nashville-tn/