Old Hickory Village sits along Old Hickory Lake in northeast Nashville and started life as a planned company town built for DuPont workers, which is part of why its streets still have a distinct, cohesive feel compared to newer subdivisions nearby.
The Historic Old Hickory Village section is known for its renovated bungalow-style homes, while the surrounding area mixes in waterfront properties and newer townhome construction.
Lake access is the defining feature of life here, with boating, fishing, and swimming spots drawing residents to the water, alongside walking trails along the Cumberland River's tailwater areas.
The pace feels more small-town than much of Nashville, with local restaurants and a community theater giving the area a self-contained, low-key character rather than a reliance on downtown for entertainment.
Downtown Nashville is a genuine drive away, roughly 30 minutes depending on traffic, so this is a better fit for renters prioritizing lake life and a slower pace over a short commute.
Renters should expect a trade-off between proximity to the water and distance from the urban core, and should compare communities close to the lake against those set back toward the highway. Apartment List makes it easy to filter Old Hickory Village listings by price and amenities so you can weigh that lake-town feel against your commute needs.




