Welcome to Donelson: The Gateway to Nashville

Donelson is Nashville’s historic “Gateway” neighborhood, located just east of downtown in the 37214 zip code. Known for its mid-century charm and the scenic Two Rivers Park and Stones River Greenway, it is also the proud home of both Nashville International Airport (BNA) and the world-famous Grand Ole Opry! From the legendary music in Music Valley and dozens of locally owned restaurants to the massive Opry Mills mall to the iconic Gaylord Opryland Resort, this neighborhood blends iconic Nashville staples with a tight-knit community feel.

 

As a third-generation resident, I’ve watched this area grow from a quiet suburb into a vibrant, authentic, and very hip corner of Music City. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or planning a move, this is your definitive guide to the history, dining, attractions, and future of Donelson. Welcome to the best neighborhood in Nashville!! 

What brings you to the 37214?

I’m a Local!

Keep your finger on the pulse of Donelson. From news and local events to civic resources and community groups, find everything you need to be a pro in your own backyard!

Ashley standing in front of a Sold Sign

I’m a Future Neighbor!

Discover why 3 generations of my family has called this place home. We've got the inside scoop on vibes, housing trends, and what makes Donelson so special.

I'm a Visitor!

Welcome to Nashville's best neighborhood! Skip the tourist traps and experience authentic Nashville with parks, historic sites, and the best local dining just minutes from BNA.

Designing the Heart: The Future of Downtown Donelson

The Downtown Donelson Urban Design Overlay is not just about new buildings. It is about creating a cohesive, functional, and historic heart for our community. I’ve been following the development of the plan for years  and I couldn’t be more excited about it! So what’s it all entail??

 

A Truly Walkable Downtown: City planners are finally starting to prioritze people over cars by implementing wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and pedestrian-first infrastructure. Woo! These changes will safely connect our residential streets to the main Lebanon Pike corridor, making it easier to explore the neighborhood on foot or by bike. 

 

A Modern Transit Hub: The thing I’m most excited about is the upcoming Donelson Transit Center, scheduled to be operational by the end of 2027! This climate-controlled facility will feature six bus bays and serve as a modern replacement for the existing Park and Ride. Huzzah!! This expansion includes:

  • Route 6 Lebanon Pike: Increased service frequency for better access to both downtown Nashville and local neighborhood spots.

  • Direct Airport Access: A new bus line running from BNA to Opry! This will be a game changer for sure.

  • Safety Upgrades: New pedestrian crossings, bike racks, and safer signaled access at the Donelson Pike intersection. Phew! 

Preserving Our Historic Character: Intentional growth means protecting the places that tell our story. I’m so pleased that city planners are balancing modern development with preservation efforts, guided by the 2025 to 2026 Donelson Historic Architectural Survey. This way, they protect the integrity of historic neighborhoods such as the 1929 Bluefields subdivision and landmarks such as the 1850s Clover Bottom mansion. 

Explore the best neighborhood in Nashville

Meet Your Donelson Guide

Hi! I’m Ashley, and my Donelson story started way before I did! 1967, to be exact. That is when my Granni moved her family to Kimberly Drive.

Since then, we’ve been woven into every corner of the 37214! My mom was right at the center of neighborhood history, being in the very first graduating class at McGavock High and even working at Opryland USA the summer those gates first opened! I spent my own childhood between Mapelcrest and Lincoya Hill, and attended Pennington Elementary for two years. Even after a 16-year detour to Florida and Paris, this neighborhood called me right back home. I bought my first house, over by the McCampbell House, in 2012 and eventually settled back in Lincoya Hills where I've been living for the last decade.

Now my son is the fourth generation to call the Gateway to Nashville home. I love exploring the world, but I’ve always known there is no place like home and there is no place like Donelson!

Ashley Schwartau

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