12 South sits about 2 to 3 miles south of Broadway, centered on a half-mile stretch of 12th Avenue South. The commercial strip runs between Linden Avenue to the north and Kirkwood Avenue to the south, with Sevier Park anchoring the southern end. The neighborhood proper extends a few blocks east and west of 12th Avenue into mostly residential streets.
Getting There from Downtown
The straightforward way: Uber or Lyft. The ride from downtown or the Gulch takes about 10 minutes and costs around $10 to $15 depending on surge. Parking on the strip itself is limited and fills quickly on weekends — side streets have some free spots, but plan to walk a few blocks if you drive yourself.
Public transit works if you’re patient. The WeGo bus #7 Hillsboro Pike/Green Hills line has stops along 12th Avenue South and runs regularly. The ride from downtown takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes and costs $2.
Walking from downtown is not a practical option. The distance is manageable in theory, but the route along roads like 8th Avenue or Hillsboro Pike isn’t built for pedestrians and has no meaningful sights between downtown and the neighborhood. Once you’re inside 12 South, you walk everywhere — it’s just getting there from scratch that requires a vehicle.
Orientation Within Nashville
12 South sits between two other well-known neighborhoods. Germantown and downtown are to the north. Hillsboro Village sits just to the northwest (connected via Belmont Boulevard). The Gulch is about 1.5 miles to the north-northwest. Vanderbilt University and Centennial Park are less than 2 miles to the north.
The neighborhood borders Belmont University to the immediate northwest — Belmont Boulevard runs along its western edge — which is why you’ll sometimes see this area referred to as the 12 South/Belmont neighborhood.
The Nashville International Airport is less than 10 miles east, which means it’s entirely reasonable to stop through 12 South on the way in or out of town.
Key Addresses
- Frothy Monkey (anchor coffee shop): 2509 12th Ave S
- Imogene + Willie (anchor boutique): 2601 12th Ave S
- Draper James / “I Believe in Nashville” mural: 2608 12th Ave S
- Sevier Park: lower end of the strip at Sevier St
Sources
- Homes.com, 12 South Neighborhood Guide: homes.com/local-guide/nashville-tn/12-south-neighborhood/
- Nashville Go, 12 South: nashvillego.com/neighborhoods/12-south
- Orlaghclaire.com, 12 South Nashville Ultimate Guide (January 2025): orlaghclaire.com/travel/12-south-nashville/
- WeGo Transit: wegotransit.com