Donelson sits about six miles east of downtown Nashville, between the Cumberland River, Briley Parkway, and I-40. It is one of the larger established residential areas on Nashville's east side, and one of the places inside Davidson County where buyers can still find detached homes on sizable lots at prices below the citywide median. Because Donelson is made up of very different pockets, understanding the details matters more than relying on the neighborhood's reputation.
The Actual Numbers
Donelson (mostly ZIP code 37214) is an established east Nashville area roughly 10–15 minutes from downtown and 5–8 minutes from BNA. RealTracs data showed a median sold price near $420,000 in early 2026, with most homes selling between the upper $200,000s and upper $500,000s. Housing is mostly mid-century brick ranches on larger lots, plus townhomes and some new construction. Prices, lot sizes, and flight-path noise vary significantly by pocket.
What Is the Housing Market Like in Donelson Right Now?
Donelson is part of a larger corridor that RealTracs tracks together with Hermitage and Old Hickory. For the quarter ending June 2026, that combined area posted a median sale price of $390,000, essentially flat compared with a year earlier, with sales volume up roughly 5%. Zooming in on ZIP code 37214 specifically, RealTracs data from March 2026 showed a median sold price of about $420,000, homes averaging roughly 35 days on the market, about 170 active listings, and a 12-month price change of around negative 1%.
Those figures sit inside a much larger shift. Redfin's August 2026 data shows Nashville as a whole is now the strongest buyer's market in the country, with an estimated 139% more sellers than buyers. In practical terms, that means Donelson buyers generally have more selection and more room to negotiate on terms than they have had in several years. You can read more about what that shift means in our recent post on Nashville's #1 buyer's market ranking.
What Are Typical Prices in Donelson?
Pricing in Donelson tends to fall into four general tiers, based on RealTracs-sourced local market reporting from early 2026.
Homes under roughly $350,000 are the entry tier, mostly townhomes, condos, and smaller ranches, with townhomes starting in the low $200,000s. The $350,000 to $550,000 range is the core of the market, covering both original and updated mid-century brick ranches and some smaller new builds, and is the most active tier. From roughly $550,000 to $900,000, buyers generally find substantially renovated homes, larger lots, and newer custom builds. Above $900,000, up to $1.2 million or more, the market is mostly custom homes, premium lots, and extensive renovations, with a smaller buyer pool.
Within the ZIP code, pockets differ. Bluefields, known for historic stone cottages and 1950s brick ranches, has been reported in roughly the $350,000 to $700,000-plus range. Maplecrest runs roughly $300,000 to $550,000. Hickory Bend, closer to the Stones River Greenway and Two Rivers Park, runs roughly $275,000 to $480,000. Townhome and infill communities near Lebanon Pike generally fall between about $250,000 and $450,000.
What Types of Homes Are Available in Donelson?
Established single-family homes make up most of Donelson's housing stock. Many were built in the mid-20th century, and brick ranches and minimal traditional homes are especially common. A smaller share of the housing dates to the 1980s and 1990s, and there is newer infill and new construction scattered throughout the ZIP code, with some move-in-ready new builds currently listed on streets such as Markham Street.
Townhomes and condos have grown as a category over the last several years, mostly concentrated near Lebanon Pike and the Cumberland River corridor. These are typically lower-maintenance options with competitive pricing compared with detached homes, and they are worth comparing directly against older single-family homes if yard space is not a priority.
How Big Are Lots in Donelson, and What About HOAs?
Lot size is one of the clearest differences between Donelson and many inner-ring Nashville neighborhoods. Current and recent listings in the ZIP code have ranged from roughly a third of an acre to well over an acre, with many established homes sitting on lots close to a half acre. That is meaningfully larger than the compact lots common with newer infill construction in other parts of Nashville.
Many detached homes in Donelson are not part of an HOA, and listings frequently note that directly. Townhomes and newer infill communities are more likely to have HOA fees. Because this varies by property, buyers should confirm HOA status, fees, and any restrictions for each specific home rather than assuming either way.
How Far Is Donelson From Downtown Nashville and the Airport?
Most Donelson addresses are roughly 10–15 minutes from downtown Nashville by car, depending on traffic and route. Nashville International Airport (BNA) is typically 5–8 minutes away, one of the shortest airport drives of any residential area in Davidson County.
Donelson also has a Music City Star commuter rail stop, which connects the area to downtown Nashville and is unusual among Nashville neighborhoods.
What Are the Major Roads Through Donelson?
I-40 forms the southern edge of the area and provides direct access to downtown and to the east. Briley Parkway runs along the northern and eastern sides. Lebanon Pike is the main commercial corridor, with McGavock Pike, Donelson Pike, Stewarts Ferry Pike, and Old Hickory Boulevard connecting the surrounding neighborhoods. Metro Nashville has also installed smart traffic signals at 36 intersections along Lebanon Pike, which is intended to improve travel-time reliability along that corridor.
What Parks, Shopping, and Restaurants Are Nearby?
Two Rivers Park is a 374-acre Metro park in the heart of Donelson, with a municipal golf course, a historic mansion, a skate park, a disc golf course, and a dog park. Wave Country, Nashville's outdoor water park, is located within the park area. The Stones River Greenway provides paved trails running through the area, and Percy Priest Lake is within a short drive.
For shopping and entertainment, Opry Mills, the Grand Ole Opry, and Gaylord Opryland are clustered just north of the neighborhood on McGavock Pike. Everyday needs are served along Lebanon Pike, with grocery options including Kroger and Publix, plus Target nearby. The Donelson Farmers Market operates on Fridays, and the Lebanon Pike corridor includes a mix of local restaurants, breweries, and barbecue spots.
What Development Is Happening in Donelson?
Several projects reported by credible local sources are changing parts of the area.
In May 2026, WKRN reported that the former Truist Bank property at 2725 Old Lebanon Pike, across from the Donelson library, had sold, with plans that include a Starbucks and conversations underway about additional tenants. The Nashville Post has reported that Holladay Properties has acquired the 21.73-acre Donelson Corporate Centre site at 3055 Lebanon Pike for a multi-phase mixed-use project expected to include residential, retail, and office uses, and that the site received a rezoning recommendation from the Metro Planning Commission. At the time of that reporting, additional entitlements were still in progress, so buyers should confirm the current status of the project before assuming a timeline.
Metro Nashville's Downtown Donelson Urban Design Overlay also guides how development is planned around the intersection of McGavock Pike and Lebanon Pike, including transit-oriented development near the Donelson train station.
How Does Donelson Compare With Hermitage and East Nashville?
Compared with Hermitage, Donelson is closer to downtown and sits slightly west, while Hermitage is farther east and sits between Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake. Local market reporting from early 2026 put Hermitage's median list price near $503,000, with an average price per square foot around $234 and an average of roughly 69 days on the market, though list price and sold price are different measures and should not be compared directly. Hermitage also has a larger share of active new-construction communities and 55+ communities, along with more extensive lake and greenway access. Buyers choosing between the two commonly weigh Donelson's shorter commute against Hermitage's lower price per square foot and newer-construction options.
Compared with East Nashville, Donelson is farther from downtown and generally lower in price. RealTracs data showed East Nashville's median sale price at $567,000 for the quarter ending June 2026, compared with roughly $390,000 to $420,000 for the Donelson area. East Nashville is more walkable and closer to downtown, with smaller lots and a mix of bungalows and new infill. Donelson generally offers larger lots, more detached housing, and a more car-oriented layout. Some media coverage has described Donelson as the "next East Nashville," but buyers are better served by comparing current prices, lot sizes, and commute times directly than by relying on a label.
What Do Buyers Frequently Misunderstand About Donelson?
Many buyers assume Donelson is one uniform market, when pricing, home age, and lot size vary widely between pockets such as Bluefields, Maplecrest, Hickory Bend, and the townhome communities near Lebanon Pike. The ZIP code also touches parts of 37210 and 37076 along its edges, so school zoning and property details should always be verified by exact address.
Airport proximity is another common point of confusion. Being 5–8 minutes from BNA is a real convenience for frequent travelers, but flight-path noise varies significantly by street, and areas such as Bluefields sit closer to flight paths than others. Visiting a property at different times of day is worth the effort.
Buyers also sometimes assume lower prices mean smaller or lower-quality homes. In Donelson, lower prices are often tied to age and condition rather than size, and many mid-century homes sit on larger lots than newer construction elsewhere in Nashville. At the same time, older homes can require inspection attention on systems such as foundations, plumbing, and electrical, so an inspection remains important regardless of price.
Elam's Local Insight
Buyers considering Donelson often arrive comparing it with East Nashville or Hermitage, and the most useful step is usually narrowing down which pocket within Donelson fits their priorities. Two homes at similar prices on different streets can differ meaningfully in lot size, age, flight-path exposure, and proximity to the greenway or Lebanon Pike. Spending time on the specific streets you are considering, at different times of day, tends to reveal more than comparing listings online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Donelson? RealTracs data from March 2026 put the median sold price in ZIP code 37214 at about $420,000, and the combined Donelson-Hermitage-Old Hickory area posted a median of $390,000 for the quarter ending June 2026. Most homes sell between the upper $200,000s and upper $500,000s, with townhomes starting in the low $200,000s.
What ZIP code is Donelson in? Donelson is primarily in 37214, though some edge addresses fall in 37210 or 37076. Always verify ZIP code, school zoning, and property tax details by exact address.
How far is Donelson from downtown Nashville and BNA? Most Donelson addresses are about 10–15 minutes from downtown and 5–8 minutes from Nashville International Airport, depending on traffic and exact location. The Music City Star commuter rail also connects Donelson to downtown.
Are there new construction homes in Donelson? Yes. Donelson has newer infill and some move-in-ready new construction scattered throughout the ZIP code, along with townhome communities near Lebanon Pike. Hermitage, just east, has a larger concentration of active new-construction communities.
Do homes in Donelson have HOAs? It depends on the property. Many detached homes in established parts of Donelson do not have an HOA, while townhomes and newer infill communities are more likely to. Confirm HOA status and fees for each specific home.
Is airport noise a concern in Donelson? It can be, depending on the street. Some pockets sit closer to BNA flight paths than others. Visiting a home at different times of day and asking an agent about specific blocks can help you understand what to expect.
Ready to Explore Donelson? Talk to an Elam Agent.
An Elam agent can help you compare Donelson pockets, review recent sales, and see how Donelson stacks up against Hermitage, East Nashville, and other areas at your budget. Contact ELAM Real Estate. Search current homes for sale in Donelson and the surrounding east Nashville area: elamre.com/properties
Sources
- Nesting in Nashville, "Donelson Nashville Neighborhood Guide 2026" (RealTracs 37214 data, March 2026): https://nestinginnashville.com/guides/donelson-neighborhood-guide
- Nesting in Nashville, "Hermitage TN Neighborhood Guide 2026": https://nestinginnashville.com/guides/hermitage-neighborhood-guide
- Zivak Realty Group, "Nashville Housing Market Update, August 2026" (RealTracs data, quarter ending June 2026): https://www.zivakrealtygroup.com/nashville-housing-market-update-august-2026/
- Redfin, "It's Now The Strongest Buyer's Market on Record, Driven by the Sun Belt" (August 2026): https://www.redfin.com/news/buyers-vs-sellers-august-2026/
- Homes.com, Donelson neighborhood listings and overview: https://www.homes.com/nashville-tn/donelson-neighborhood/
- Metro Nashville Parks, Two Rivers Park: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/parks/two-rivers-park
- WKRN, "New developments coming to Donelson with potential Starbucks and Hattie B's" (May 15, 2026): https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/donelson-hattie-bs-starbucks/
- Nashville Post, "Donelson-area site eyed for project sells": https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/development/donelson-area-site-eyed-for-project-sells/article_058e15c4-b6a0-4e9b-9549-0e87b8eb786f.html
- WTVF NewsChannel 5, "Metro Nashville unveils smart signals at 36 intersections along Lebanon Pike": https://www.newschannel5.com/news/state/tennessee/davidson-county/metro-nashville-unveils-smart-signals-at-36-intersections-along-lebanon-pike
- Metro Nashville Planning, Downtown Donelson Urban Design Overlay: https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/14-DowntownDonelsonUDO.pdf
- Oak Street Real Estate Group, "Donelson Nashville, TN: Neighborhood Guide (2026)": https://www.oakstreetrealestategroup.com/blog/donelson-nashville/
Data verified October 2026. The 37214 figures reflect March 2026 RealTracs reporting and may have changed; confirm current numbers before publishing or relying on specific figures.
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