Living in Donelson means having convenient big city access while enjoying a small-town community feel. This page provides a curated list of essential services for 37214 residents, from our fabulous greenway and local park system to the high-tech Donelson Library and the active senior community at FiftyForward. Whether you are looking for high-quality childcare, exploring alternative schooling, seeking dedicated elder care at Heartland, or eager to take a class or join a club, this guide has you covered. We even have transit gems like the Route 6 Bus and WeGo Star commuter train! Built by a third-generation local, this guide is here to help you get the most out of daily life in the best neighborhood in Nashville!
Since my family moved here in the 60s, getting around Donelson has changed quite a bit! We’ve gone from a quiet suburb to the busiest gateway in the state. 25 million visitors might land in our zip code every year, but we are the ones who actually know the shortcuts. From the bus and train to the expanding bike trails, here is how we navigate our neck of the woods without the stress!
Walk! Downtown Donelson is transforming from a place where you just park your car into a true pedestrian hub! The area around Donelson Plaza is especially walkable these days, and we take full advantage of it (even if our street doesn’t have sidewalks, SIGH). I love that I can grab a coffee, hit the library, grab essentials from the Dollar Tree, eat lunch, and catch the bus — all on foot!
Bikes and Scooters: We don’t have the BCycle docks out here yet, but you can still find Lime and Bird scooters! Just download the apps and scan.
Music City Star (Donelson Station): This is the ultimate walkable life hack! It is the fastest, most stress-free way to get downtown. No parking fees. No I-40 traffic jams! Just a smooth ride from Donelson Station to Riverfront. The only issue? Currently, this is just a commuter train so it only runs a few times in the morning and evening… only on weekdays…. and occasionally on weekends for special events. Check the WeGo Star Schedule before you go!
WeGo Transit (The Purple Bus): Our neighborhood is a major transit artery with Route 6 (Lebanon Pike). It runs from the Hermitage train station straight down the pike with frequent stops, all the way to the central downtown bus station. Bookmark the Route 6 Map and Schedule. For everything else, the WeGo Transit homepage is your best friend.
Download the QuickTicket WeGo Transit App! It is the official tool for tracking WeGo buses and the train in real time. It shows you exactly where your ride is so you aren’t standing on Lebanon Pike guessing!
✈️ The BNA Connection: Living in the Gateway
We love living this close to an international airport! We are literally ten minutes away from escaping to anywhere in the world. Having BNA in our backyard is a massive life hack for locals. It makes picking up friends and family a breeze, and Ubers to the terminal are cheap and fast!
Check this page for entry/exit routes and parking information.
Future Horizons: They’ve made a ton of improvements to the airport since 2017, and have even bigger plans for the next several years including:
Expanded Concourses: A brand new Concourse A and more gates at Concourse D.
Better Parking: More surface parking and a bigger rental car complex.
Smoother Logistics: Major terminal roadway improvements and a massive upgrade to the baggage handling system.
Check out the BNA Vision website to see the full transformation. Download the Development and New Horizon PDF here.
A Little BNA History: Did you know our airport has been around since the 30s? City leaders wanted a commercial hub closer to downtown, and Berry Field officially opened on June 12, 1937. It was named after Colonel Harry S. Berry, a WWI veteran and former head of the Tennessee Highway Department. That is why our airport code is BNA! It stands for Berry Field Nashville. Donelson been the Gateway to Nashville for nearly a century!
Coming Soon! The Opry-to-Airport Connection
I am so excited about this. Right now, getting from Opry Mills to BNA via bus is not possible. But that's going to change soon! A new "Rapid Bus" connection between the airport and Music Valley is a top priority in the city's new transit plans. Stay tuned for updates!
Donelson has some of the best public infrastructure in Nashville. These are some of the spots you need to know.
Nashville Public Library (Donelson Branch): Probably my favorite place in Downtown Donelson, this brand new facility on Old Lebanon Pike is a neighborhood crown jewel. Did you know that libraries have way more than just books?! Nashville’s library system features a Library of Things where you can borrow tools, musical instruments, and games. The Be Well at NPL program offers free sound baths, meditation, and fitness classes (all at the Donelson location)! You can also find all sorts of local meetups and clubs here. Best of all, if a book is at another branch, you can have it delivered directly to the Donelson pickup window for easy pickup.
Post Office (37214): Located on Donelson Pike, this is the center of our local logistics. It’s also conveniently located by everyone’s favorite garden center and the always interesting Truck Stop!
Police & Fire: When shopping at our local Publix, you may run into some of our firemen! The Donelson fire station (Station 28) sits on the corner of Lebanon Pike and Fairway Drive. We share a police precinct with Hermitage, and its located next to the Hermitage Community Center and Library.
Do You Know Your District Council Member?
Donelson has very active Metro Council representation, and is divided into three districts. Most of Donelson is covered by District 15 and is represented by Jeff Gregg. District 13 covers south Donelson and the airport. District 14 covers the eastern Donelson-Hermitage border area. Sign up for your district's newsletter to stay on top of local news!
Staying active is easy in the 37214, whether you prefer a traditional gym or a local community center.
Donelson-Hermitage YMCA: Located at 3001 Lebanon Pike. This was my fitness home for a decade! It is a massive hub for families with an indoor pool, youth sports, and great childcare. If you want the “all-in-one” experience with a huge variety of group classes, this is the neighborhood gold standard.
Boutique and Local Options: If you prefer a specialized workout, we have some great local gems. Check out Donelson Hot Yoga, the Movement Lounge, Anytime Fitness, and TruFit. for more targeted training environments.
Free Fitness Classes at the Library: Don’t sleep on our local branches! Both the Donelson and Hermitage libraries offer free yoga, tai chi, and fitness classes. It is a fantastic way to get your sweat on with fellow locals without spending a dime. Check Donelson Library’s Facebook Page for the latest sound baths, boxing classes, meditation sessions, and more! (I seriously love our library.)
Get Sporty in the Park: We have some of the best recreational facilities in Nashville right in our backyard. Head to Two Rivers Park for the legendary disc golf course and skate park, or visit the brand new Ravenwood Park for a game on their great basketball courts. If you are a senior (or just looking for a deal), FiftyForward hosts pickleball and very affordable fitness classes.
Greenway Entry Points: The Stones River Greenway is the ultimate neighborhood amenity! You can jump on the trail at Two Rivers Park, the Kohl’s Trailhead in Hermitage, Ravenwood Park, or the Heartland Park Trailhead at the end of Fernbrook Lane. There is even a connector right at the YMCA!
Legacy Local Tip: Keep an eye out for the new Opry Mills Greenway Connector. It was awarded an $11.3 million grant and is currently in the preconstruction phase, with work expected to ramp up in late 2026! Read more about the grand plan for the Nashville greenway system.
Nearby Neighbors
For those in the southern part of the neighborhood near Bell Road, you have the beautiful Smith Springs Regional Community Center right nearby! While it is technically in 37217, it is a fantastic nearby resource with a full fitness center, an indoor pool, fitness classes, and community rooms for rent. Check out their website for more details.
Before I became a parent, I had NO idea just how overwhelming it is to find a daycare or to choose a pre-K. And with so many school options within our local district, decision fatigue is real. So I’ve compiled all of the Donelson-centric school info here to make decisions easier for local parents.
The McGavock Cluster: Donelson is home to the historic McGavock High School, acting as one of the largest zones and serving roughly 10% of the district’s student population! Whoa! Ten elementary schools and three middle schools feed into McGavock, serving both Donelson and Hermitage. Fun Fact about McGavock: they have four different academies that allow students to earn college credit!
Montessori and Charter Schools: We have many unique schools as part of the metro Nashville public school system, including Stanford Montessori Elementary, located in the heart of Donelson, and STRIVE Collegiate Academy on the Donelson-Hermitage border.. Donelson is also home to two other Montessori schools: Invictus Charter School and Music City Montessori, both of which operate independently from MNPS.
Private Schools in Donelson include: Holy Rosary Academy and Donelson Christian Academy.
Pre-Ks and Daycares: Despite there being many daycares and pre-K options in the area, you’should still get on the list early! Popular providers include Rhythm and Rhymes, A Place Like Home, Elm Hill Academy, and Learning Zone. The pre-school I attended at Donelson Church of Christ is still in operation! Some places, like Little Professional Learning Center and Imagination Station, don’t have a website so you will have to make a phone call (sorry Millennial friends).
Skyler actually attended three separate daycares/pre-schools here in Donelson (plus one in Chicago and one in Mexico! ha!). The first one was at the Donelson Heights UMC, the second one closed down during COVID, and the third one (our favorite but definitely spendy) was The Gardner School of Nashville, where Skyler had a very positive experience for both daycare and Pre-K.
If you’re curious about our son, he attends a lovely Spanish immersion charter called Aventura Community School, in southeast Nashville. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have!)
Tennessee School for the Blind (TSB)
I think this special K-12 state school is a real source of pride for Donelson. TSB has been serving students for over 180 years. Originally founded in 1843 by James Champlin, the school moved to its current 100-acre campus on the historic Clover Bottom Farm in 1952. Overseen by the Tennessee Department of Education, TSB offers both on-campus residential options and day programs, providing world-class academic and musical training for blind and visually impaired students from across the state.
Donelson is a neighborhood where people stay for a lifetime — I mean, our neighbor to the left is the original owner of her home, and the neighbor to the right just bought the house from the original owner’s daughter’s estate after she passed. Both houses have been here since 1959, along with ours. That kind of longevity is exactly why Donelson is a great place to live during every stage of life!
The Heartland Senior Pocket: Down near the Stones River Greenway Heartland Park Trailhead, there is a dedicated cluster of resources tailored just for seniors!
- NHC Heartland Healthcare: Located at 3025 Fernbrook Ln. This facility is right in the center and offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.
- Heartland Parkhaven Community: A 55+ independent living community that is literally steps away from the park and the trail.
- Heartland Christian Tower: A high-rise apartment community specifically for seniors aged 62+, offering affordable, subsidized housing options.
- Beyond Care Living: This is a smaller assisted living facility that seem to offer a more intimate, home-like environment for those who need a little extra help with daily life.
FiftyForward Donelson Station: This is the absolute premier resource for our senior community! Located in the historic Donelson Elementary School building, it is a true cultural hub. They offer social meetups, wellness programs, and travel opportunities. But it is also so much more. It houses a hair salon, a cafe and catering company, the best community theatre Larry Keeton Theatre. It is a perfect example of repurposing our history to serve the people living here today. (Hey developers: We don’t have to knock all the old buildings down!)
Intergenerational Connection: This neighborhood thrives on the mix of long term residents and new families. You will find that many local events at the library and park are intentionally designed to bring all ages together. It is not uncommon to see three generations of a family at the same community event!
Strike and Spare Bowling Leagues: A Donelson staple! They have leagues literally every night of the week, so you can find one regardless of your age or skill level. It is a great way to stay active and meet neighbors.
McKendree Village (Hermitage)
We have a lot of personal family experience here! My great aunt Libby lived at McKendree for the last several years of her life. It is just over the line in Hermitage and covers everything from independent living to skilled nursing. The staff were wonderful and, most importantly, it never smelled weird! That is a huge win for any senior living facility.
Donelson is a neighborhood where community actually means something and neighbors truly show up for each other. You will find classes and clubs galore around here, meaning there is genuinely a space for everyone to find their people. You can dive into local volunteer work, join a hobby group, or just connect with the folks who keep a close eye on what those new construction signs on the corner mean! 👀 If you want to get involved and feel right at home, these are the groups making things happen!
⭐️ The Essentials
- Hip Donelson: The non-profit that started it all! They are the heartbeat of our digital community. From the legendary Farmers Market to helping neighbors find lost pets, they do it all. You can find their main hub at HipDonelson.org where you can learn about their many community projects and programs. Definitely join the Hip Donelson Facebook Group to see the community in action!
- The Hip Donelson Farmers Market: This is my absolute favorite Friday afternoon tradition! It runs from May through October at Donelson Station, behind Fifty Forward. Fresh produce, food trucks, baked goods, local makers and musicians, and the best neighborhood vibes. It is the perfect place to run into everyone you know!
- Friends of Two Rivers Mansion: Help preserve the history of one of Nashville’s most beautiful historic sites! This group works to protect the 1859 mansion and its grounds. They host tours, holiday open houses, and lots of special events! Check out their calendar — many of the events are free!
- Friends of Donelson: These are the folks behind so many of the events that make our neighborhood feel like a small town! They focus on community beautification and hosting events that bring us all together. Check out their official site to see how you can get involved.
🛡️ Safety and Connection
Hip Donelson Neighborhood Watch: Let’s keep our streets safe! Whether you want to start a watch on your own street or just stay informed about local crime deterrents, this is the place to be. You can get involved on Facebook!
Lost and Found Pets of Donelson: The absolute fastest way to get a runaway pet back home! This group is dedicated solely to lost and found pets in the area. It is one of the most active and helpful corners of our local digital community. If your cat or dog goes missing, post here first!
🌱 Outdoors and Beautification
Hip Donelson Outdoors: If you love our trails and greenways, this is your tribe! They are all about hiking, biking, and healthy living in the 37214. The best part about this relatively new group is they take the online connection offline with real-world meetups and events.
The Donelson Gateway Project: Have you noticed the beautiful landscaping and public art when you enter the neighborhood? That is the work of this amazing volunteer group! Since 2007, they have been cleaning up and beautifying our business district and neighborhood entrances. They are the reason our “Gateway” looks so good! Check out their cleanup events here.
🗓️ Donelson Yearly Events
We have some serious traditions around here! Friends of Donelson and the Chamber keep our calendar full with things like:
- The Donelson Hermitage Christmas Parade: A neighborhood staple for decades!
- Taste of Donelson: The best way to try all our local eats in one spot.
- Merry Mingle: The ultimate holiday bash! We start with cocoa and letters to Santa, then it’s time for carols, food trucks, and the big tree lighting! Expect special performances and maybe even surprise guests (like the Mayor)! Just don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Metro Police toy drive.
- Hip D After Dark: The annual Halloween decorating contest!
- Hip D Lights Up: The annual holiday lights contest!
- Neighborhood Thanksgiving at Fifty Forward!
- Knoblin Fest: The Friends of Donelson non-profit is planning the inaugural arts and music festival in Donelson for October 3, 2026. Check their site for more updates!!
🤝 Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Blessing Boxes of Donelson: Keep an eye out for the white Blessing Boxes scattered around the 37214! This is a simple neighbors helping neighbors network where you can leave what you can or take what you need. Whether it is canned goods or toiletries, these boxes are a lifeline for many. Join the Facebook group to find the box closest to you and consider picking up a few extra groceries next time you’re at the Kroger.
Hip Donelson Cares: The social responsibility wing of the Hip Donelson non-profit tackles the big stuff like education barriers and health relief efforts. They were a massive force after the tornadoes, providing food assistance and restaurant vouchers to our neighbors in the 37210, 37214, and 37076 zip codes!
Hip Eats: This program was born right at our Farmers Market. It provides free meals and fresh produce to families in need so everyone can enjoy our local food scene. They even partner with local favorites like Nectar Urban Cantina to provide meal vouchers (how cool is that). It is all about community support and good food! ❤️
The Pathway Housing Fund: Keeping Donelson affordable is a huge priority as we grow! This fund recently purchased the East Lake and Dawn Villa apartments to preserve over 100 units of affordable housing for working families. It is a major win for keeping our community stable and diverse!
New Visions Housing: Big things are happening behind New Visions Baptist Church! A new development is in the works to provide 50 units of affordable housing for veterans. I love seeing our local churches use their land to support the neighborhood.
Neighborhood Associations
We are a neighborhood of strong identities! Whether you live in the historic Bluefields, the charming Maplecrest, the classic Donelson Hills, the new development in Pennington Bend, or here with us in Lincoya Hills, find your local group on Facebook or NextDoor.
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Get Involved
See something missing? Neighborhood resources change fast. If you know of a local group, club, or service that belongs in the 37214 Directory, let us know!