Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Sylvan Park and Sylvan Heights






Sylvan Park is located between West End Avenue, Murphy Road and Charlotte Pike. It is an adorable neighborhood only minutes away from Vanderbilt.
One thing I can say that Nashville has missed the boat on, is zoning. And Sylvan Park is a great example of that. There are beautiful, classic old Southern homes with wrap around porches nestled amongst duplexes and shot gun cottages. Sylvan Park has gone through various rejuvenations, yet the past ten years have much of the neighborhood has be revitalized and the old homes have been restored to their original beauty. Small cottages start in the $200,000 range and larger renovated homes range from $300,000-$700,000.
Sylvan Park is home to McCabe Park which has a golf course, playground and community center. There are some great restaurants on Murphy Road. The original, Sylvan Park restaurant is a mainstay Meat and 3. For those of you not familiar with "meat and three" restaurants, Nashville is famous for them. You get a choice of one meat on the menu, traditionally, meatloaf, fried chicken, turkey and dressing, liver and onions (yuck!)-you get the point and a choice of 3 vegetables along with cornbread or a dinner roll. Some places in throw in a sweet tea for good measure. And you get all of that for around $6.00-$8.00! In my day it was even cheaper than that. Who said we aren't healthy in Nashville?! Besides the 'ol meat and 3, McCabe's Pub has been around a long time too. It is a typical family neighborhood restaurant with a great bar. When I say great bar, I mean place they know your name, your drink, your family and your politics. The menu has something for everyone, even an awesome patio. For the upscale diners, there is the renowned Park Cafe. Just a delicious menu and extensive wine list. Cafe Nonna is another Nashville gem. Don't miss Star Bagel for your morning Java and bagel fix. Goldie's Delicatessen moved from Belle Meade to Sylvan Park. There are also some wonderful boutiques. How can I forget Murphy's Fresh Produce. and Bobbie's Dairy Dip? As I write this I am at Portland Brew Coffee house which is adjacent to Grand Cru Wine Shoppe on Murphy Road.
Sylvan Park is also known for it's wonderful elementary school, Sylvan Park Paideia Design Center. Sylvan Park is a very "walkable" neighborhood. You will see joggers, Mom's with strollers, folks walking dogs or riding bikes.
Sylvan Heights as it has been penned is the outskirt of Sylvan Park closer to Charlotte. The homes are a little smaller, yet quaint. But, apart of Sylvan Heights is Nevada Heights. This is an incredible street of homes with architecture unique that looks like you are in California. They are extremely contemporary with some phenomenal views of Downtown Nashville. These homes range from $500,000 to over $700,000.
Sylvan Park is a unique neighborhood with a great location.


Here are a few Sylvan Park links: