THE SCOOP

Why Hendersonville Might Be Tennessee’s Best-Kept Secret

By Louis Holstein

If you’re anything like me, you may not have heard much about Hendersonville, Tennessee. I certainly hadn’t before making the move six years ago, and now I can confidently say I’m glad I did.

Known as the “City by the Lake” and located just northeast of Nashville, Hendersonville was founded in 1901 and remained a quiet suburb for much of its history. As Nashville has experienced tremendous growth, so have its surrounding communities, with Hendersonville quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in Middle Tennessee. In fact, Hendersonville was recently ranked the #1 place to live in Tennessee and #79 in the United States (US NEWS). It’s safe to say the secret is out.

Today, approximately 64,000 people call Hendersonville home. The city boasts a diverse mix of residents, with families, young professionals, and retirees all finding a place here. This blend of generations contributes to the welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that makes Hendersonville so special. Of course, one of Hendersonville’s biggest attractions is access to beautiful Old Hickory Lake. The city features miles of greenway trails, including recent additions that run alongside the water, making it an outdoor lover’s dream. Whether you enjoy walking, running, cycling, boating, or simply spending time outdoors, Hendersonville offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature.

The city also delivers the conveniences many families are looking for. Suburban shopping staples (think Target, Walmart, HomeGoods, and Costco) are all nearby, while a growing collection of locally owned restaurants gives the community its own distinct personality. Some of my favorite local spots are two lakefront restaurants: Lyncoya Cafe and Moby Dicky’s. As a Florida native, there is something special about enjoying a craft cocktail while overlooking the water.

And that’s before mentioning everything Nashville has to offer. Hendersonville is approximately 25 minutes from Nashville International Airport (one the countries best airports in my humble opinion), and just a short drive from some of the region’s most acclaimed restaurants, including James Beard Finalists: The Catbird Seat, Kisser, and Locust. Add world-class music, sports, arts, and entertainment, and you have the perfect balance of suburban comfort and city business.

My family truly can’t say enough good things about Hendersonville. It offers the charm of a close-knit community while providing easy access to everything Middle Tennessee has to offer.


Since 2021, Schell Brothers has been proud to build homes in the heart of Hendersonville. Today, we offer opportunities in several communities, including Campbell Crossing, Oak Creek Estates, and Millstone. A Schell Brothers home in Hendersonville is a perfect match. The secret may be out, but there’s still time to make Hendersonville home.