Buying old home with charm, question about investment potential (Green Hill: how much, house prices)

[nsd2009]

After spending the past 4 days looking at tons of homes I am stuck between East Nashville, Sylvan Park, and Belmont/Green Hills. (Our range is 350-400).

East Nashville is just not there for me yet (please don't bash me for being a "snob"), although I am excited by how much you get for your money. I am excited about the investment potential in the long run there.

Green hills seems a little too suburban, although we found a couple of cuter, older homes. I don't know if we are getting anything near a "deal" though.

Sylvan Park also seems a bit overpriced and I wasn't super impressed with any one home.

My question to you Nashvillians is, where would you put the money?

Thanks in advance,
Nava

[jr1971]

Did you look in the 12South area (east of Belmont Hillsboro)? Not as pricey as Green Hills and definitely not suburban. However, of the areas you listed, I would go with Belmont/Green Hills. Great area, and the house prices have held their value during the downturn.

[Mr.SmoothMove]

Out of the three areas you have selected the first choice should be the Belmont/Green Hills area. You are right East Nashville is not there yet it is still a little weeding out left to do. But East Nashville has the brightest future with all the great things they have done over there.

[WestieByDefault]

I would suggest you to put the investment business to rest and look for a home and neighborhood you want to live in.

[denawilliams]

Even though based on your comments, it sounds like Belmont or Green Hills would be a good fit for you...I consider those two separate areas. They really do have totally different vibes. The Hillsboro Village/Belmont/Vandy areas (which can be expanded to include the 12 South area too) are all walkable areas (one of only a few in Middle TN) to much of what is around there between and around the campuses of Vanderbilt and Belmont. It's a true urban area in the center of one of the most popular areas of town for all types of people both that live there and those who do not (you may hear it called Midtown). It's also extremely convenient to the Downtown area. Tons of local merchants bringing that local flavor to the area.

The other area you mention, Green Hills, is also a popular area. You must drive anywhere you go there though, and the traffic is crazy. It's crazy in Hillsboro Village/Belmont areas also, but when your only option is to drive...it makes it worse. Green Hills is what I like to call "suburban urban". You might have a larger lot there, garages, a mall with some corporate stores in the area as well as some local flavor. It's not a true suburb...it's still very close to the center of the city and has urban elements. Green Hills, is also a very popular area for people to visit who do not live in the area.

Either of those areas are great areas, but they are a bit different from each other. So it's just a matter of finding what fits best for you.