Davidson County

Davidson County

Antioch | Belle Meade | Bellevue | Donelson | Green Hills |
Hermitage | Madison | Old Hickory

Nashville

Long before Nashville had its name, it was a broad region of rolling hills, limestone outcroppings, thick grasses, canebrakes, great trees and plentiful water. In 1710 this Middle Basin became known as "French Lick," when a visiting French fur trader established his trading post near a salt lick. By 1778 the English had named the settlement Fort Nashboro in honor of General Francis Nash of North Carolina. On Christmas Eve of 1779, the first families arrived and immediately began to devise a method of self-government. In a week's time, the first civil government in Middle Tennessee was signed by 256 new citizens. In spite of Indian raids and other adversities during the first Perilous years, Fort Nashboro survived as a community and was renamed Nashville. Tennessee became the sixteenth state of the union in 1786.

American politics and government celebrate a rich history in this flourishing southeastern region. Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, began his distinguished political career in Nashville when he was elected to lead a group of militia who were defending New Orleans against British attack in 1812. Another famous Nashvillian by the name of Captain William Driver was responsible for the popular name given to our American flag, "Old Glory." Since 1843 Nashville has served as the state capital of Tennessee, but only after it had been moved twice to Knoxville and once to Murfreesboro in Rutherford County. By the 1860s, the city called Nashville had not only become prosperous but it was also critical to the Civil War effort. Federal troops occupied the city, using the river and railroad as important links to Louisville, Chattanooga and Atlanta. The last aggressive Confederate action of the war was the Battle of Nashville, fought in 1864. Although the ravages of war left Nashville damaged and its residents disheartened, the area experienced a surge in population and renewed vigor in business, industry and education in the decades that followed.

Economy

Nashville's musical heritage began with the Angle-American folk songs that came to the Bluffs with the first settlers. Journal entries of that time described the celebration when the flatboats arrived as "two days of religious services, music and dancing." By the 1920s it became clear that country and blues recordings were winning the attention of the general public, and by mid-century every major record company had offices and studios in Nashville.

When country music made its meteoric rise in popularity in the late 20th Century, the city adopted the name "Music City USA." With headquarters for more than a dozen major record labels and over 70 smaller labels, approximately 200 recording studios, 130 music publishing companies, 200 booking agents, 10 record manufacturers, and 33 record promotion companies, "America's biggest small town" had become the nation's third coast. Ad Age magazine referred to Nashville with these words: "Outside of New York and Los Angeles, no other city has more sheer -- numbers of recording studios, TV production facilities, print production capabilities, commercial music talent and music publishers than Nashville."

The music industry is not the only gold that this city has managed to strike. Diversity has been the key to success in Davidson County and throughout the metropolitan Nashville area. Leadership in the fields of publishing and printing, finance and insurance, health care, transportation technology, higher education, conventions, and tourism has built and guaranteed a strong local economy. The area has benefited from low unemployement job growth, heavy outside investment, and broadening of the labor force. Expansion in managerial and administrative personnel has coupled with consistent manufacturing growth to create an unusually strong service economy. In addition, Nashville's skilled and highly motivated work force continues to attract the interest of new firms seeking a fertile business climate.

Major companies with headquarters or plants in metropolitan Nashville include auto manufacturers Saturn and Nissan; national health care provider Columbia Health System; retailers Service Merchandise and Dollar General Stores; restaurants Cracker Barrel and Shoney's; music and entertainment giant Gaylord Entertainment, owner of Opryland USA and The Nashville Network (TNN). Other key enterprises include Aladdin, a leader in the manufacturing of vacuum bottles and lunch kits; Thomas Nelson, Inc., world's largest bible publisher; Baptist Sunday School Board and United Methodist Publishing, two of the largest religious publishing houses in the world; and tire manufacturer Bridgestone Firestone, Inc.

Housing opportunities are equally diverse in this vibrant community, from its historic neighborhoods to ultra-modern residential developments. Nashville delivers whether you are looking for an upscale condominium, a suburban home or a rustic log cabin. Furthermore, the modest real-estate prices become even more affordable further from the metro area. Commutes are short and simple, and traffic in the outlying areas is sparse. In terms of wage potential, the City of Nashville-Davidson County is ranked number two in per capita income for the entire state of Tennessee. Sixty-three percent of Davidson County's 523,101 population is comprised of family households. Homeowners make up fifty-four percent of the population, with Middle Tennessee leading the South in new home construction.

Transportation

Since the days when the city was first established, Nashville's location along the Cumberland Iiiver has provided the city with exceptional opportunities for commerce and industry. More recently, railroads and highways have provided an efficient transportation system for the transport of goods and services throughout the country. Strategically positioned within 600 miles and less than one day's drive from 50% of the U.S. population, Nashville enjoys a prime geographic location. Three major interstates link the Nashville area with the rest of the country, 1-40, 1-24 and 1-65. Ideal location was certainly a key factor in American Airlines' decision to make Nashville International Airport its hub.

The railroad continues to play an important role in Nashville, with CSX Transportation offering rail and freight service directly from the city to nineteen other states. The rail yard is also a major southeastern hub for freight carried by truck trailers on flatbed rail cars. Creating a scenic backdrop as it meanders around the majority of the downtown area is the Cumberland River, which also provides an essential barge route. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) operates bus service within the inner-city and suburban areas of Nashville. Local and express service to and from downtown Nashville is available for commuters via Park 'N Ride locations throughout Davidson County, and a ride-matching service is available for those interested in forming vanpools and carpools.

Climate

With moderate temperatures and seasonal variety, the Nashville area offers a quintessentially pleasant climate. Removed from the "cold winter" country, it retains the colorful beauty of four distinct seasons. Tropical storms are not a concern in this inland area, nor is the constant threat of tornadoes so common in the midwest. Gentle rains come in ample supply to keep the hills green and the flowers in blossom. In a word, Middle Tennessee enjoys the mild climate that is common throughout the southeastern part of the United States. In June, the monthly daytime average is 89.8 degrees; January brings a cool daytime temperature of 46.3. Annual rainfall is 48.49 inches with an average humidity of 58 percent. Topography varies from flatter lands in the south to elevations in the northern areas that range from 550 feet above sea level to 1,100 feet at the highest point.

Health Care

Nashville is not only home to some of the nation's most innovative health-care provid- ers, it is considered the center of the nation's health care management industry. Three of the companies included among the 70 firms in the area Columbia Health System, OrNda Healthcorp and Quorum Health Group Inc. already own or manage 420 hospitals nationwide and continue to grow through mergers and acquisitions. Managed-care operators HealthWise of Al-nerica Inc., Coventry Corporation, Surgical Care Affiliates, and PhyCor Inc., art also rapidly expanding. In keeping with the city's progressive approach to health care, The Nashville Healthcare Partnership is an initiative focused on disease prevention that involves business, government, and health care leaders in one cohesive program. Another unique public/private venture has merged a public institution with Meharry-Hubbard Hospital, providing health care to the city's low-income residents while giving Meharry Medical College a patient base.

Numerous health care facilities operate within the Nashville-Davidson County area. The community of Madison is home to two of Nashville's regional hospitals: Nashville Memorial Hospital and Tennessee Christian Medical Center. Summit Medical Center, formerly Donelson Hospital, is located in Hermitage. Among Nashville's specialized care centers are the Centennial Medical Centers which includes the Women's Hospital. Vanderbilt University, along with its other hospitals and clinics, features a Children's Hospital and a Psychiatric Hospital.

Education

From the time that classes were held on the flatboats for the children of the first settlers, quality education has always been a priority for the citizens of Nashville, a city that has earned the title "Athens of the South." Prior to the Civil War, the Nashville Female Academy was in operation, demonstrating a commitment to higher education for all citizens at a time when women were largely neglected. Of the twenty colleges and universities available in the Nashville area today, fifteen are located within the city itself. Many offer master's, doctoral and first professional degree programs. Among their ranks are the prestigious Vanderbilt University; Fisk University, one of the first Private schools dedicated to the education of African Americans; and Meharry Medical College, which has educated more black doctors than all other medical colleges in the world. The latter two have not only set the precedent for higher education in Nashville but are recognized nationally for their standards of academic excellence.

Elementary and secondary schools in the Davidson County-Nashville Metropolitan school system are dedicated to providing a solid foundation and progressive learning environment for all students, with first-rate instruction from kindergarten to twelfth grade. In addition to honoring the traditional educational programs, metro teachers have developed highly successful comprehensive improvement programs in the specific areas of communications, reading and math. Implementation of this focused, innovative curriculum has yielded an upward trend in composite scores on standardized achievement tests for the past ten years.

As an alternative to the public school system, Nashville also offers a wide selection of parochial and private schools designed to provide specialized, enhanced or church-related learning environments.

The Arts

With Nashville's rich, colorful history and dominance in the musical and entertainment fields, it is little wonder that cultural activities are not only abundant but of the finest quality. The Tennessee Performing Arts Center is home to the Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, Nashville Opera Theatre, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Broadway Series and Tennessee Repertory Theatre. The center also carries the distinction of being the first state-funded performing arts facility in the United States. The TPAC boasts three separate stages, providing an elaborate, state-of-the-art setting capable of accommodating the majority of Nashville's fine arts performances. The largest of the stages, Jackson Hall, offers a seating capacity of 2,442.

Nashville is also home to many notable art museums, the foremost of which is the renowned Parthenon. This magnificent concrete structure had its beginnings at the 1897 Tennessee State Centennial a wood and stucco replica of the Parthenon was so popular that the city decided to build a permanent model in Centennial Park. Adding to the flavor of a city already called the "Athens of the South," it stands as the only full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon in the world. Other art museums include: Cheekwood Fine Arts Center, Tennessee Arts Commission Gallery, Vaanguard Gallery and Carl Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk University. Since Nashville is Music City USA, it offers thirteen specialized music museums as well as twelve traditional and historic museums. Unique collections and memorabilia from country music history can be found in such attractions as The Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry Museum, Hank Williams Jr. Museum and Willie Nelson and Friends Showcase Museum. Among the wide selection of traditional museums that hold equal fascination for residents and visitors are the Museum of Tobacco Art & History, Tennessee State Museum and Nashville Toy Museum.

Lifestyle

Challenging public and private golf courses comprised of expansive, lush greens combine with an abundance of tennis courts, swimming pools and verdant neighborhood parks to offer residents the finest in recreational facilities and amenities. Dotted with ballfields and playgrounds, Nashville's 76 beautiful city Parks cover a full 6,600 acres of the city, making it the undisputed leader in per capita parks for the entire country.

Serving as the central park of the metropolitan area is Centennial Park, located two miles west of downtown Nashville along West End Avenue. Offering a comfortable outdoor setting for concerts and plays, it has become a favorite gathering place for the entire community. To further distinguish its position as the recreational and cultural hub, the park is the site of the Parthenon, Nashville's Art Museum, and the Centennial Sportsplex. As the city's premier recreational sports center, the Sportsplex features an aquatic center with an Olympic-size 50 meter pool, a year-round ice arena, 17 outdoor tennis courts, a 2,600 seat stadium and a fitness center. Nashville's Metro Parks is also planning and developing an innovative greenway system where linear parks or greenways will form a connecting network between activity centers such as neighborhoods, traditional parks, downtown areas and recreation facilities. Walking, bicycling and nature trails throughout the entire system will combine to make this an ideal environment for family relaxation and exercise.

Nashville's Neighborhoods

Antioch

Both conveniently and centrally located in close proximity to the airport and southeast of the downtown area, Antioch is a residential community that features traditional ranch and contemporary split-level homes. Affordable multi-family dwellings are also available, including attractive apartments, townhomes and condominium complexes. Recreational possibilities that include fishing, boating and other water sports are abundant with J. Percy Priest Reservoir just a short drive northeast. Even closer to home for team sports, exercising, picnics and family outings is William A. Pitts park located on Wessex Drive. Nearby Hickory Hollow Mall is a short drive down Antioch Pike to Hickory Hollow Parkway, offering one of the area's most comprehensive collections of department stores and specialty shops. Tn keeping with Nashville's reputation for educational excellence, the community offers modern, well-equipped schools on both primary and secondary levels, as well as an array of parochial and private school options.

Belle Meade

As one of Nashville's most exclusive neighborhoods, Belle Meade primarily consists of luxurious, meticulously landscaped residences. Belle Meade is not only one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the Southeast, but it contains a large percentage of Nashville's largest and most prestigious showcase homes. Belle Meade is also home to Harpeth Hall, an exclusive private school for girls; the Cheekwood Mansion museum and botanical gardens, Percy Warner Park and the exclusive Belle Meade Country Club. In addition to its elite homes and mansions, Belle Meade offers a variety of smaller residences that were built in the 1930s and 1940s.

Bellevue

Located southwest of downtown Nashville, Bellevue is a community that exudes both rural and urban charm. A short commute to and from downtown Nashville via Interstate 40, this neighborhood adjoins the spacious, verdant, areas created by two mammoth parks. Panoramic hiking trails and picnic facilities abound in the bordering Edwin Warner and Percy Warner Parks, while the meandering Harpeth River, a National Scenic River, forms a natural boundary between Bellevue and Harpeth Valley. For your shopping convenience, Bellevue is also home to one of Tennessee's largest malls, The Bellevue Center, offering a wide selection of specialty shops, restaurants and major department stores all conveniently located under one roof. Housing options include contemporary and traditional single and multi-family residences, nestled in quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods with well-kept yards. These homes, apartments and condominiums provide easy access to downtown amenities and are pleasingly affordable. An excellent primary and secondary educational system serves the community with both public and private school options.

Donelson

Stones River to the east and the Cumberland River to the west make up the boundaries of scenic Donelson. Easy access to shopping, hospitals and recreation enhances the basic appeal of this attractive residential community, but adding the Route 255 airport access and rapid downtown access via Interstate 40 Donelson rises to a class of its own in terms of commuting and sheer living convenience. Institutions that call the community home include Tennessee School for the Blind, Tennessee State Police Academy, and Clover Bottom Hospital and School. Scenic Two Rivers Parkand J. Percy Priest Reservoir provide recreational activities that include team sports, boating, golfing, hiking, swimming, picnicking, wave jumping and sunbathing. Donelson is also home to the legendary Opryland USA. The winning combination of high-quality schools, abundant churches, availability of affordable housing, shopping facilities, convenient location and nearby recreational amenities all add to the allure of Donelson.

Green Hills

Projecting the image of an exclusive neighborhood, Green Hills offers an array of upscale single-family dwellings as well as duplexes, rental properties and multi-family complexes. Shoppers will be pleased with the quality and quantity of local retail opportunities, from the variety of stores in The Mall at Green Hills to a bevy of specialty shops. Several of the city's popular restaurants are also located in Green Hills, with cuisine guaranteed to suit the most discriminating taste. For nightlife Green Hills offers the melodious strains of the famous Bluebird Cafe, where aspiring country singers and song-writers regularly perform tomorrow's hits. Green Hills is also home to David Lipscomb University, a private college specializing in business and pre-medicine. Quality educational opportunities exist on all levels, from public schools to parochial and private institutions Green Hills also offers easy access to the greater Nashville area via the Interstate 440 parkway connection, bringing into close proximity Vanderbilt University, Music Row, and the entire plethora of downtown cultural and recreational amenities.

Hermitage

Similar in complexion and close in proximity to Donelson, Hermitage also features the Stones and Cumberland Rivers along its community boundaries. Cozy, affordable single and multi-family residences make up this well-established community, which is separated from the lights, sights and bustling activity of downtown Nashville by the Stones River. Although it retains an identity and flavor all its own, Hermitage offers its residents easy access to a multitude of cultural and recreational opportunities associated with downtown Nashville. Hermitage is also renowned as a historical treasurehouse, featuring a Confederate cemetery and The Hermitage, former President Andrew Jackson's mansion. In addition to the lush greens of the Hermitage Golf Course and Ravenwood Country Club and Golf Course, this community affords a wide selection of recreational opportunities through its close proximity to J. Percy Priest Reservoir. Both public and private schools offer excellence in educational opportuni- ties. This area also offers the new Summit Medical Center, a comprehensive medical health-care facility.

Madison

Especially appealing for singles or couples who are investing in a "first home," Madison offers a wide selection of attractive residences. Conveniently located just north of downtown Nashville, highway access to and from Madison includes Interstate 65, U.S. 31 and Route 45. Although Madison is highly accessible to the myriad of educational, cultural and economic benefits associated with greater Nashville, the community is remarkably self-contained. In addition to excellent public and private schools, it offers a number of nearby major health-care facilities such as the Nashville Memorial Hospital and The Tennessee Christian Medical Center. Madison Park and nearby Cedar Hills Park provide recreational opportunities such as team sports, picnicking facilities and hiking trails, with acres of wide open spaces for the exercise and activities that families most enjoy.

Old Hickory

A quaint community located on the banks of Cumberland River to the west and Old Hickory Lake to the east, the Village of Old Hickory is a dense residential area in close proximity to downtown Nashville via Route 45. For those who enjoy massive trees, mature landscaping and clear, blue skies framed by sparkling waters, Old Hickory is an ideal place to call "home." Water sports such as boating, fishing and water skiing are readily available in this community, although residents can enjoy playing tennis, picnicking in nearby parks and walking the beautiful greens of the Old Hickory Golf and Country Club as well. Local schools and shopping centers underline the convenience of this well-established neighborhood with its "old-world" charm and warm, friendly spirit. An efficient transportation network provides easy access from Old Hickory to the expanded cultural, business and educational facilities available in greater Nashville.

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