What is the Real Cost of Living in Brentwood, TN?

With its idyllic tree-lined streets, sprawling, luxurious homes, and lot sizes that are well above average for a community so close to an urban center, Brentwood, Tennessee, offers the best of both worlds to those looking for a small community vibe and quiet residential neighborhoods mixed with the modern convenience of living near a major city.

Located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Nashville, Brentwood is a residential community filled with charming single-family homes surrounded by plenty of open space. And with Brentwood's "one-acre density" development standards, the character of one of Middle Tennessee’s most prestigious communities is not changing any time soon.

In addition to sprawling lots and open spaces, Brentwood is also home to some of Tennessee's top schools, including Scales Elementary, Lipscomb Elementary, Brentwood Middle School, Woodland Middle School, and Brentwood High School. Beyond Williamson County’s strong public school system, dozens of private schools and preschools offer an abundance of options for families looking for the very best education available.

That said, a small-town atmosphere and top-notch schools are not the only things Brentwood has to offer. With its proximity to Nashville, the world-class dining, shopping, and cultural landmarks of Tennessee’s fastest-growing city are literally right next door.

It would seem that living in a desirable community like Brentwood would be unattainable for most people, but despite all that it has to offer, Brentwood is surprisingly affordable. While the cost of living in Brentwood is higher than nationwide averages, living in one of Tennessee's most idyllic communities next door to its most vibrant city costs significantly less than most people think. Read on to find out more.

On average, homes for sale in Brentwood are priced well above state and national averages, but a quick survey of the benefits of home ownership in Brentwood reveals it is still an excellent value.

At just 10 miles from the center of Nashville, Brentwood homes command high prices, with the median price sitting at $1.3 million as of April 2023. This is higher than the median price for Williamson County and for the Nashville area as a whole. That said, home prices in Brentwood are still below many other luxury communities close to a major city. Additionally, considering the extensive square footage of many of Brentwood’s properties and the community’s “one-acre density” development standard, a homebuyer in Brentwood is getting more for their money than those in many other cities than the initial price tag may initially imply.

Long story short, Brentwood’s commitment to luxury, excellent quality of life, and top-notch amenities come with a price tag. However, that price is still lower than many might expect, considering everything one of Middle Tennessee’s most renowned communities has to offer.

Tennessee is one of the nation’s most expensive states when it comes to utilities, ranking at number 16. In addition, remember that properties with expansive square footage, like many Brentwood homes, can lead to slightly larger utility bills as well. The average monthly utility cost in the state is $406, which is similar to surrounding states but higher than those of the midwest and western states.

No region of the U.S. features more affordable gas prices than the Southeast, and at $3.12 per gallon, Tennessee’s average gas price is 41 cents below the national average and ranks as one of the lowest in the nation.

With its tree-lined residential streets and “one-acre density” development standards, Brentwood residents may need that personal vehicle a little more than in some other cities, as the community is still largely car-dependent. However, some neighborhoods are largely walkable, and bike lanes are being added to some of the community’s major roads for extra convenience. Additionally, at less than 10 miles from downtown Nashville, Brentwood residents have access to Nashville’s efficient public transportation system through the Nashville MTA and WeGo transit.

The median income in Brentwood is far above nationwide averages. From the music and tourism industries to international corporate headquarters and new high-tech industries moving to Middle Tennessee, Brentwood residents have benefited from the region’s robust economy. The median household income in Brentwood was more than $165,000 in 2021, and the area’s booming economy signals it will continue to rise in the coming years.

Between its prestigious atmosphere, commitment to quality of life, and booming economy, the cost of living in Brentwood, while significantly more expensive than many other Tennessee communities, is still below what many would expect for one of America’s wealthiest areas.

With all the amenities and beautiful homes that Brentwood has to offer, it's no surprise that Brentwood home sales have remained strong even with recent nationwide slowdowns. With prices that have shown no signs of dropping, Brentwood is the perfect choice for homebuyers seeking luxury and investors looking for a solid return on investment in the future. Additionally, its "one-acre density" standard means that homes in Brentwood are going to come at more and more of a premium in the coming years.

Now is the time to make a move to Brentwood before prices catch up with those in other major cities and inventory dries up. If you’re ready to reach your goals, Debbie Gregory and the Gregory Team of RE/MAX Choice Properties are ready to help. With nearly two decades of experience as a trusted Nashville real estate agent, Debbie has a proven track record of success and expert insight backing her solid reputation.

Debbie and her team are ready to put their market expertise and local connections to work for you. Whether you are considering a move to Brentwood or your next investment property, contact Debbie Gregory today and begin the search for the perfect property in one of the nation’s most idyllic locations.

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