Shadow Glen - Nashville, TN

Shadow Glen started in the early 1980s as part of Nashville's suburban expansion southward amid steady growth in the city. As lifestyles became busier in the late 20th century, and young professionals found their schedules fuller with obligations, the demand for hassle-free home ownership in the form of townhouses and condominiums grew. Living in a professionally-managed community such as Shadow Glen obviates the need for time-consuming tasks such as yard work and exterior maintenance.

The Shadow Glen Homeowners Association governs the community and provides services such as roofing, exterior repairs, painting,and lawn care. Residents also enjoy access to a community pool.

Shadow Glen doesn't provide an arts scene or cultural events, so residents make the short drive downtown to visit such attractions as the Frist Center for the Visual Arts or to participate in annual events such as the Independence Day fireworks on the river.

Many dining and entertainment options reside close to Shadow Glen. These include diverse restaurant options that range from Italian and Mexican to burger joints and steakhouses. Tacos Lopez sits in an unassuming shack on Nolensville Road that belies the richly flavored cuisine and pleasant ambiance that await diners inside the restaurant. Traditional ground beef crispy tacos rank as a favorite menu item, but don't expect the run-of-the-mill fare found at chain Mexican establishments. Every ingredient, from the beef and cheese to the tomatoes and salsa, carries an authentic south-of-the-border flavor not typically found in middle Tennessee.

If you enjoy Korean food, visit Seoul Garden Restaurant, located on Edmondson Pike. Don't be fooled by the simple surroundings: this atmospheric establishment serves a variety of genuine Korean dishes, some of which are quite decadent on the palate. Skilled chefs cook meat at the side of your table and serve the food in a traditional Korean manner. Don't leave without trying the Galbi, and delve into a variety of little side dishes before you hit the road.

Residents who like it hot head down Bell Road to the aptly named Hot Stuff, a local restaurant that specializes in spicy food, particularly chicken and fish. The chicken tenders are delectable, and if the heat gets to be too much, take in a cool bite of the homemade coleslaw served on the side. When your hunger coincides with the big game, make Hot Stuff your first stop to catch all the action in high-definition on the 60-inch TVs.

Tourists come from all over the country and even the globe for the abundant nightlife of Nashville, well-known for its unique flavor of honky-tonks and country bars. A 15-minute drive from Shadow Glen puts you in the center of all the action, or if you would rather stay in the neighborhood, local dives, such as Jonny's Sports Bar on Nolensville Road, provide a convenient destination for a fun night on the town. At Jonny's, patrons consume wings and dozens of beers on tap while enjoying numerous sporting events, including UFC, on large-screen televisions.

Shadow Glen contains very steep hills, minimal sidewalks and no bike lanes. As a result, traveling on foot beyond visiting your neighbors or walking the dog becomes difficult. Most residents drive to their destinations, the good news being that the neighborhood offers abundant free parking and quick access to numerous major thoroughfares.

Driving, however, isn't the only way to get around. While you can't hail a cab in Shadow Glen, numerous taxi companies can pick you up and take you to your destination. Uber, the app-based ride-sharing service, has also become popular in the Shadow Glen area.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), Nashville's public bus service, provides a stop on Nolensville Road near the entrance to the Townhomes of Shadow Glen.

The closest park, William A. Pitts Park, doesn't feature exercise facilities, annual events or organized sports, but its vast green space, basketball courts and playground allow patrons to burn calories while enjoying fun games and pick-up sports with friends, family and pets. Free parking and admission make Pitts Park a fabulous and also affordable place to spend a weekend afternoon, and when the weather is nice, many smiling families fill the park and make it come alive.

Two popular large-scale shopping destinations, the CoolSprings Galleria Mall and the Green Hills Mall, can be accessed in less than 20 minutes from Shadow Glen. The Galleria is larger and contains more big-box retail stores, while Green Hills serves as Nashville's premier destination for high-end shopping.

Many residents, however, prefer to shop more locally, taking advantage of the many options available in the form of boutiques and specialty shops. Residents who want to try a new style head to KARISSIMA Boutique and Salon, which carries unique attire and jewelry from India and Pakistan. The Aquatic Critter on Nolensville Road serves as the largest and most complete aquatic and reptile store in Nashville. Many residents who never gave a second thought to owning fish or reptiles turn into enthusiasts after a trip or two to the Critter.

A Kroger at the corner of Nolensville Road and Old Hickory Boulevard provides residents with a convenient destination for large grocery shopping trips. The Tennessee Oriental Market, Super Latina Market and other international and niche grocers sit close by and give locals something different to try.