Nashville, NC

The original Nashville offers character,

convenience and countryside

Of the 13 Nashvilles in the United States, Nashville in North Carolina is the oldest, offering historic character, a small-town feel, and easy access to Raleigh and Rocky Mount. It’s a place where you can walk to a locally owned restaurant if you live in town, or you can enjoy country scenery from a rural home. The area has seen significant recent growth, including new businesses and housing developments. Whether you’re looking for a place to retire or put down family roots, Nashville offers a quiet yet vibrant community with lots to do.

Commute times to employment hubs

Many residents commute to Raleigh, Wilson, or Rocky Mount for work. “It has very close access to Highway 64, which puts us in a good position to be able to hit I-95 to go north and south, and to get to other places in North Carolina, like over to the coast.”

• Rocky Mount in 20 minutes

• Wilson in 30 minutes

• Raleigh in 50 minutes

Where to find dining, groceries, and shopping around town

There are plenty of options for restaurants and shopping in Nashville’s historic district downtown. Hill recommends the sandwiches at the Nashville Exchange, a restaurant that originally opened as a bookstore and now serves breakfast and lunch. Nearby, Dos Hermanos Mexican Restaurant serves classic Mexican comfort food. Fast food chains and Ribeye’s Restaurant, a North Carolina chain, are near U.S. Highway 64. Grocery stores include Piggly Wiggly, Food Lion, and Walmart. Fresh produce and locally made goods are available at the Nashville Farmers Market from April through August.

Parks and sports leagues give kids plenty of ways to stay active

Nashville also offers plenty of things to do. J.W. Glover Memorial Park is the hub of Nashville’s youth sports, offering lighted baseball fields, soccer pitches and basketball courts. The park also has a playground and a nine-hole disc golf course. W.B. Ennis Memorial Park is another popular hangout. “It’s my daughter’s favorite park,” Hill says. “It’s got a combination of different things kids can climb on. It's not just swings.” Kids can also join the Red Oak Basketball League. “What sets their program apart is that kids from all over the area come,” Hill says. “Whether they’re starters or second string, every kid gets an opportunity to play at least six minutes.”

Small-town charm with festivals and activities year-round

Depending on where you live, Nashville can have a country, suburban or small-town feel. While the community spans a large area, the county organizes plenty of ways for residents to gather. “On the back of our water bills, we get a list of town events. There are always things to do,” Langley says. The Nashville Blooming Festival on Mother’s Day Weekend is one of the area’s larger events, featuring a parade, carnival rides, and vendors.