Hermitage, Donelson, Or Old Hickory? How To Choose
July 9, 2026
July 9, 2026
Trying to choose between Hermitage, Donelson, and Old Hickory can feel harder than it should. All three sit in the same east Nashville corridor, but they offer very different day-to-day experiences depending on how you live, commute, and want your home to feel. If you are weighing these areas, this guide will help you compare transit, housing styles, pricing, and overall character so you can make a clearer decision. Let’s dive in.
The best neighborhood fit usually comes down to what your normal week looks like. If your schedule depends on getting downtown efficiently, your options may look different than if you care more about home style, lot size, or a more distinct historic feel.
Metro Planning places all three areas within the Donelson, Hermitage, and Old Hickory community plan area, but it describes each one differently. Donelson is considered a stable, older postwar suburban area, Hermitage is generally a newer suburban community, and Old Hickory has a more traditional company-town character with a stronger historic-core identity.
That means this choice is not really about which area is better. It is about which tradeoff works best for you: commute convenience, housing age and style, price point, or neighborhood feel.
If having a realistic transit backup matters to you, Hermitage and Donelson stand out. WeGo says the WeGo Star is the most convenient way for riders along the East Corridor to travel to and from downtown Nashville, with weekday morning and afternoon service to Riverfront Station.
WeGo also confirms that Route 6 Lebanon Pike connects with both Donelson Station and Hermitage Station. Both stations are official Park & Ride locations, which makes these two areas the clearest fit for buyers who want more than a drive-only commute.
Old Hickory still has transit connections, but the setup is less direct. Current WeGo Link information shows Old Hickory connecting through points like Lebanon Pike and Bonna Springs Drive or Madison Station, rather than through its own local Star station.
In practical terms, that makes Old Hickory more car-oriented for a downtown commute. If you are comfortable driving most places and want other qualities more than direct rail access, that may not be a problem at all.
Donelson is the clearest choice if you are drawn to an older suburban look. A 2025 Metro Historical Commission survey of Donelson Hills found that most homes there date from 1955 to 1959, with brick construction and mostly one-story raised ranch forms.
That helps explain why many buyers see Donelson as the mid-century option of the three. You are more likely to find mature trees, established streetscapes, and an older postwar suburban feel.
Hermitage has the broadest range of housing types in this comparison. Metro Planning describes it as generally newer suburban, and current 37076 listings show a mix that includes condos, recently built townhomes, ready-to-build plans, larger-homesite new construction, and higher-end detached homes.
That variety makes Hermitage a strong default option for many buyers, especially if you want flexibility. If you are still figuring out whether you want a townhome, single-family home, or newer construction, Hermitage gives you more ways to compare options within one area.
Old Hickory is the most style-specific of the three. Metro Planning describes it as more traditional in character, and the Old Hickory Village specific plan calls for development that is historically and architecturally consistent with the village, including cottages and townhomes.
Current listings in Old Hickory Village reflect that identity with cottage bungalows, historic residences, and homes near the lake with preserved character. If you want a neighborhood that feels more distinct and less typical suburban, Old Hickory may be the most compelling fit.
Price matters, but so does what you get for the price. Based on Redfin’s May 2026 median figures, the spread between these areas is noticeable but not extreme.
| Area | Median Price |
|---|---|
| Donelson 37214 | $374,889 |
| Old Hickory 37138 | $399,881 |
| Old Hickory Village | $399,766 |
| Hermitage 37076 | $434,391 |
At the moment, Donelson is the lowest of the three on median price, Hermitage is the highest, and Old Hickory sits in the middle. That pattern lines up with the housing story: Donelson often appeals to buyers looking for an established neighborhood at a lower median entry point, Hermitage reflects its wider mix and newer options, and Old Hickory lands between them with a stronger character-driven appeal.
Median price is only one piece of the decision. How quickly homes are moving can also affect your experience as a buyer.
Over the last three months ending in May 2026, Donelson homes averaged about 59 days on market, Old Hickory averaged about 65 days, and Hermitage averaged about 84 days. That suggests Donelson is moving somewhat faster right now, while Hermitage may give you a little more time to compare homes and negotiate.
That does not mean every listing follows the same pattern. It does mean your shopping strategy may need to adjust depending on where you focus.
Hermitage is a strong match if you want a blend of transit access, newer housing choices, and a broad range of home types. It works especially well if you are relocating, still narrowing your must-haves, or want a practical mix of convenience and variety.
Because Hermitage includes condos, townhomes, new construction, and detached homes, it often gives you more room to pivot without leaving the area. For many buyers, that makes it the easiest place to start.
Donelson is a great fit if you like older neighborhood character but do not necessarily want a historic-village setting. It offers a more established postwar suburban feel, straightforward downtown access, and the lowest current median price of the three.
If mature surroundings and mid-century housing style appeal to you, Donelson deserves serious consideration. It can be a smart choice for buyers who want convenience and personality without jumping to the newest housing stock.
Old Hickory is the right call if you care most about traditional character, lake proximity, and a more distinct village identity. It is the most specific and style-driven option in this group.
Because Old Hickory can vary more block by block, touring carefully matters here. If you love homes with personality and do not mind a more car-dependent routine, it may be the most memorable fit of the three.
If you feel stuck, try ranking these four factors from most important to least important:
Once you do that, the picture usually gets clearer. Hermitage often wins on flexibility, Donelson on established suburban feel and lower median pricing, and Old Hickory on historic character and a more traditional identity.
The right choice is less about the neighborhood name and more about which area best supports your everyday life. When your commute, home style, budget, and preferred feel all line up, the decision gets much easier.
If you want help narrowing the fit between Hermitage, Donelson, and Old Hickory, the Asadoorian Group can help you compare options, plan efficient tours, and move forward with confidence.
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