Catching early flights, hosting out-of-town clients, or just wanting an easy run to BNA without living downtown? Donelson gives you short airport access with a homey, established feel. If you’re weighing the perks and tradeoffs of living close to the runways, this guide walks you through commute times, housing options, amenities, and how to check airport noise before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Where Donelson fits in Nashville
Donelson sits inside Nashville’s city limits, just east of downtown along US‑70. It’s widely recognized as a post‑war suburb with tree-lined streets, brick ranch homes, and a growing town-center around Donelson Plaza. For a quick primer on geography and history, see the neighborhood overview on Wikipedia’s Donelson page.
You’ll find a balanced mix of homeowners and renters here, with most day-to-day needs met locally. The area’s identity blends well-kept older homes with selective new construction near the station and plaza.
Airport access and commuting
From central Donelson, the drive to Nashville International Airport is commonly about 10 minutes in typical traffic. Downtown is usually 10 to 20 minutes depending on your exact start and end points. For a sense of ranges, check the Donelson to BNA driving-time reference and always verify live conditions for your commute window.
Key routes include Donelson Pike, Lebanon Pike, McGavock Pike, I‑40, and Briley Parkway. Traffic can bunch up near I‑40 and around event times at Opry venues, so plan alternates and give yourself buffers for peak hours.
Rail and bus options
Donelson Station serves weekday commuter rail and functions as a park‑and‑ride. If you’re exploring transit, start with WeGo’s current park‑and‑ride and service details for Donelson Station. Service is commuter oriented, so confirm schedules if you rely on trains or connecting buses.
The station area has received federal funding to improve platforms, parking, and connections, supporting future transit‑oriented growth. You can read about the award and intent in this Donelson Station grant update.
Housing snapshot and prices
The classic Donelson home is a mid‑century brick ranch on a leafy lot. In the last several years, townhomes and new apartments have joined the mix near Donelson Plaza and the station corridor, creating a clear contrast between quiet residential pockets and a more walkable town-center feel.
Market indicators show Donelson and neighboring Hermitage trending as a seller’s market through mid‑2025. A recent snapshot put the median sold price around $410,000 in June 2025, with price per square foot near $234. For context, review the Donelson/Hermitage market report and always confirm the newest MLS figures before you write an offer.
Renters will find a range of apartments, including newer options near the plaza. As of February 2026, the average rent in Donelson is about $1,471, according to recent rental market data. Rents vary by building age, amenities, and proximity to greenways and transit.
Daily life and amenities
Donelson’s revitalized plaza is becoming the neighborhood’s civic heart. The new 24,000‑square‑foot Nashville Public Library branch opened in June 2024 with flexible spaces and community programming. It anchors walkability alongside new apartments and retail. For details on the opening and impact, see Axios coverage of the Donelson Library.
If you like local flavor, you’ll find a compact mix of independent spots such as McNamara’s Irish Pub, Sunflower Bakehouse, Nectar Urban Cantina, and Homegrown Taproom. Seasonal farmers markets and neighborhood events add to the small‑town vibe.
Outdoor time is easy here. Two Rivers Park connects to a wider greenway network for biking and walking, plus a pedestrian bridge to Shelby Bottoms. You can also access a dog park, Wave Country in season, and disc golf. Learn more about the park’s offerings from this Two Rivers Park overview. For weekends on the water, J. Percy Priest Lake is a short drive.
On the neighborhood’s northern edge, the Opry/Music Valley cluster adds shopping, dining, entertainment, and a large hotel base, including Gaylord Opryland and Opry Mills. Get the lay of the land with the Opryland and Music Valley guide.
Airport noise: what to know before you buy
Proximity to BNA is a huge convenience, but sound exposure varies by street and parcel. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority posts official Noise Exposure Maps that show long‑term contours, including the DNL 65 dB threshold often used for planning.
If aircraft noise is on your mind, take two steps:
- Use the MNAA’s Airport Data and Reports page to find the latest Noise Exposure Map and master plan materials for address-level checks.
- Visit any property during typical flight times you care about, like early mornings or late evenings, and note interior sound with windows closed and open.
If a home falls within higher noise contours, ask about past sound‑insulation work and window or door upgrades. Your inspection can also flag sealing and construction details that help with comfort.
Who tends to love Donelson
- Frequent flyers. A quick 10‑minute airport trip from central Donelson can reshape your routine. If you travel for work, living near Donelson Pike, Lebanon Pike, or close to Briley and I‑40 ramps can make airport drives especially fast.
- Remote workers. The new library, cafes, and improving town‑center make it easy to mix home and third‑place work. Greenways and parks help you reset after screen time.
- First‑time and move‑up buyers. The area offers older homes with renovation potential, move‑in‑ready ranches, and newer townhomes and apartments. You can match budget and lifestyle without giving up quick access to the city or the airport.
Buying smart near BNA: quick checklist
Use this simple plan to feel confident about your Donelson choice:
- Test your commute routes at key times, including airport runs and downtown drives.
- Review the MNAA Noise Exposure Map and confirm where your target address falls.
- Ask sellers about window quality, past sound‑insulation work, and recent roof or HVAC updates.
- Walk the lot at different times of day to observe ambient noise and traffic patterns.
- If you want a walkable setup, focus near Donelson Plaza and the station corridor. For a quieter feel, look deeper into established residential streets.
Pros and considerations
Pros
- Short drive to BNA, great for frequent travelers.
- Growing town‑center with a new public library, retail, and apartments that improve walkability.
- Large parks, greenways, and access to Percy Priest Lake support an active lifestyle.
- Mix of housing options across budgets and living styles.
Considerations
- Aircraft noise varies by block. Always check the MNAA NEM and visit at flight times that matter to you.
- Peak traffic near I‑40, Briley Parkway, and Opry events can add minutes.
- Ongoing infill near the plaza and station area will continue to shape the neighborhood character.
Ready to explore Donelson?
If you want airport convenience without losing that neighborhood feel, Donelson is worth a close look. You’ll find a practical mix of homes, strong outdoor amenities, and a town‑center that keeps getting better. When you’re ready to compare streets, test commute times, and check noise contours for a specific address, reach out to Gracie Youngblood for local guidance and a smooth, concierge experience.
FAQs
How close is Donelson to Nashville International Airport?
- Most central Donelson addresses are commonly about 3 miles or roughly 10 minutes from BNA under typical traffic; always confirm your exact route and time of day using a live map.
What are typical home prices in Donelson?
- A recent snapshot showed a median sold price around $410,000 as of June 2025 in the Donelson/Hermitage area; check the latest MLS data or a current market report for updates.
Are there renter options near the plaza and station?
- Yes, newer apartments are clustering near Donelson Plaza and the station area; recent averages put Donelson rents near $1,471 as of February 2026, though pricing varies by building and amenities.
Can I commute by train from Donelson?
- Donelson Station serves weekday commuter rail and functions as a park‑and‑ride; it’s useful for certain schedules but not an all‑day metro service, so always check current WeGo details.
How do I check aircraft noise for a specific address?
- Start with the MNAA Noise Exposure Map on the airport’s data and reports page, then tour the property during times you expect to hear activity, such as early morning departures.
