Last week, Brit + Co shared a rundown of what home-buying millennials — that name some give to 20-somethings to early 30-somethings — really want in that home, based on a Pardee Homes survey of 500-plus people.
A lot of what that survey found falls in line with what we’re hearing from clients week after week — smart 25- to 34-year-olds are thinking about spaces that work in both the short- and long-term, and that means flexibility and potential, among other things.
The list does add up to an interesting outline of what young families and young professionals consider important in 2015 — and if you’re house-hunting, it may line up with what you’re sketching in your mind as a perfect home.
So I decided to take the points that survey found and apply them to Nashville. Take a look:
1. Urban-Suburban Environment
More than half of the participants in the survey wanted this best-of-both-worlds mix — getting the space and increased privacy of suburban living while still being a quick walk away from places to go and things to do, like shops, restaurants and parks. We’re lucky here, because there are plenty of places in Nashville to find that balance. A few of my picks:
There are great walkable pockets all around East Nashville, from right near Five Points in Lockeland Springs to getting right around Mas Tacos, Holland House and The Pharmacy in Cleveland Park. And although we’re seeing more condos and lofts on the market in Germantown lately than single-family homes, there are some beautiful homes there, and given the restaurants, shops, the Nashville Farmers Market, the new Nashville Sounds stadium and more, that neighborhood definitely fits the walkability bill.
A few examples on the market right now:
1203 Pennock Ave. in Cleveland Park
$275,000
A really cute restored 1925 home with 3 beds, 2 baths and a quick walk to new laundromat/cafe Madeline Nashville.
1801 A Woodland St. in Lockeland Springs
$459,000
Being right on Woodland, you’re on one of Lockeland’s most beautiful streets, and right near Shelby Park, fabulous food at Lockeland Table and a short stumble from Five Points too. This new construction is spacious (2100-plus square feet), bright, open and full of charm, too.
1040 Scovel St. in Buena Vista, near Germantown
$319,900
A renovated 1910 Victorian — within walking distance of all the good stuff in Germantown — that’s been updated to the nines but still has those great historic touches, like high ceilings and front porch detail.
2. Outdoor Space
Some people assume that everyone in their 20s wants a condo or loft, but this survey showed that ample outdoor living space was high on many lists. I think Inglewood is a really great choice for buyers looking for some green space with a close-knit, neighborhood feel.
On the market now:
1403 Shelton Ave. in Inglewood
$284,900
With this cute 1940s Cape Cod, you get a big fenced-in yard, a screened-in porch and a great patio.
3. Flexible space
From thinking about kids to in-law suites, having flexible space was important to lots of people who took this survey.
On the market now:
222 Antioch Pike in Woodbine/Airdrie
$299,500
A nicely updated 3 bed, 2 bath in the Woodbine area with a finished basement that brings flexibility and potential… Play room? Hangout? Extra bedroom?
4. Financial Gain
Millennials — and everyone else — ideally want to see some equity build in their home. While you can never 100 percent predict what the best buys are on that front, it never hurts to focus on up-and-coming areas. WSMV was just talking about The Nations being “Nashville’s next booming neighborhood.” By the time words like that are in the news, things are usually pretty up and come. A dedicated Realtor can help you look ahead of the curve.
On the market now:
502 Drake Ave. in Woodbine
$219,747
Woodbine is building fast, but there’s still room to grow — this beautifully renovated 2-bed, 2-bath home could be a great place to start.
Did this survey paint a pretty good picture of what you’re looking for, or are you coming from a different vantage point? We’d love to hear about your new-home wish list!