Breeze Hill - Nashville, TN

Breeze Hill has experienced many changes since World War II. In the 1950s and '60s, it was an upscale neighborhood for Nashville's white-collar professionals, featuring large homes situated on vast lots dotted with oaks. As suburbia seized Nashville in the '70s and '80s, many upper-class residents eschewed neighborhoods like Breeze Hill for distant suburbs. Higher energy prices and a shifting mindset pushed trendy youth back toward the city center. Breeze Hill has been a beneficiary of this changing dynamic, with many of its older homes, which had fallen into disrepair, being bought and renovated, in addition to new, high-end construction.

Fabulous cultural destinations exist near the neighborhood, such as the Belmont Mansion and Vanderbilt University's fine arts gallery. The annual 12 South Winter Warm Up features a 6K and 12K road race along with numerous food trucks and street vendors.

Few Nashville neighborhoods afford more dining and entertainment options within walking or short driving distance than Breeze Hill. Chinese restaurants, burger joints, steak houses and local breweries comprise a small sampling of the diverse selections.

At Edley's Bar-B-Que, urbane decor and smiling staff members greet diners — and the flavorful Southern meats and authentic sides turn them into regulars. Whet your appetite with the fried pickles, then sink your teeth into a catfish sandwich topped with tartar sauce. Save a little room, because the chess and pecan pie at Edley's ranks among the top desserts in Nashville. Of course, no Southern meal is complete without sweet tea, and the experts at this local gem know how to brew it just right.

Burger Up isn't your typical burger joint, so brace yourself for an experience. A rustic setting characterizes the ambiance, with the seating and tables constructed entirely of reclaimed wood. The unique menu contains choices such as the Woodstock, a thick and juicy beef patty topped with Benton's bacon, Tennessee sweetwater white cheddar and a maple ketchup shipped straight from the Jack Daniel's distillery in nearby Lynchburg. Wash it down with one of Burger Up's specialty drinks, such as the root beer and roses, which contains root beer, bourbon and orange bitters.

It seems an upscale neighborhood has to have a nearby sushi restaurant, and Breeze Hill contains a fabulous one: Koi Sushi and Thai. Family owned and operated, this little haunt not only serves the best sushi in the area, but its menu includes a long list of Japanese and Thai classics, such as green curry with sauteed onions, basil leaves, carrots and green beans. Diners on the go take advantage of takeout service, while those wanting a great meal for a party or business function have it catered by Koi.

Nightlife options abound in Breeze Hill's immediate area. The popular bars along 12 South include 12 South Taproom and Grill, which serves home brews on tap alongside typical pub fare, such as burgers and wings. On 8th South, M.L. Rose Craft Beer and Burgers, famous for its sweet potato fries, also carries a wide assortment of brews. For a bigger party, downtown Nashville — with its famous honky-tonk scene — sits only a few miles away.

The streets in Breeze Hill, while without bike lanes or sidewalks, have low traffic and flat landscapes — many residents take advantage by walking to nearby restaurants and bars, or to visit neighbors. Traveling far outside the neighborhood, however, requires using a car, taxi or public transportation. Nashville's public bus system provides stops on 12th Avenue South and 8th Avenue South, both of which sit along the border of Breeze Hill.

Most residents drive to their destinations. The neighborhood features plenty of free parking, and its proximity to interstates 65 and 440 make it easy to commute to other points of interest in Nashville.

Taxis present another transportation option for locals who prefer not to drive. Be sure to call in advance for a pickup, as you cannot hail a cab in Breeze Hill. Uber also operates in the area, simply use the app on your smartphone to find a nearby driver when you need a ride.

Sevier Park contains two playgrounds, one for toddlers and one for older kids, along with ample green space and a community center with a full fitness center and exercise classes. The outdoor section of the park welcomes dogs and provides plenty of room for them to run. Parking and use of the facilities are free, with the exception of the fitness center, which costs $3 per day. Regulars buy the unlimited pass for $30 per month, or $20 for seniors and kids under 18. The annual Winter Warm Up road race starts in Sevier Park, and kicks off with the firing of a Civil War cannon.

Breeze Hill residents pay a premium for enjoying spacious homes and lots in such a desirable part of town. The neighborhood's cost of living runs higher than the Nashville average, with the average one-bedroom apartment in the area renting for about $1,240, and a beer in a local pub costing $3.50 or more. Transportation is the bright side: Gas prices in the area usually sit at least 10 percent lower than the national average, and a bus ticket to downtown Nashville runs only $1.70.

When seeking big-box retail or high-end stores, Breeze Hill residents drive a few miles south and visit the Green Hills Mall. Most of the shopping in the Breeze Hill's immediate area consists of kitschy boutiques and specialty shops.

MODA Boutique carries many designer jeans from national brands and local designers. Its shelves also contain jewelry and accessories, along with other knickknacks and gift items, such as candles. Cadeau, a popular 12 South gift shop, features unique art, lighting and home furnishings, all sold in a homey setting that feels more like an old-fashioned manor than a retail store.

Breeze Hill contains a Kroger, which residents visit for large grocery trips. Also located right in the neighborhood, the 12 South Farmers Market is held Sevier Park seasonally.