Buena Vista

If you ask a local for directions to Buena Vista, you probably won’t wind up in the neighborhood noted on the StreetAdvisor map. Instead you’ll likely find your way to Buena Vista Heights; we use the two terms interchangeably around here.

A case in point is the recent Community Development Block Grant. When _The Tennessean_ newspaper reported that project’s completion, their headline read “Buena Vista Heights.” _The City Paper_ called the area “Buena Vista.” Both newspapers were correct, both were talking about an area bounded by Clarksville Pike, Cass Street, and so forth—and that area isn't here.

I sincerely wish those community development improvements had happened here. Because when Elder Daughter and I took that house hunting drive a few years ago, we wound up in this area. There were several homes here that needed some lawn maintenance and repairs. I would be thrilled to learn that my information is outdated and that things have improved.

StreetAdvisor appears to have taken the Buena Vista name from Buena Vista Elementary School, an Enhanced Options public school in this area. The school offers optional extended hours and other programs to help the children in the area learn.

Public transportation here is good. MTA bus routes 22, 29, and 42 all run through or near this area.

The area of Buena Vista has numerous areas which are in need of updating. The area around Rosa Parks Blvd and the Clarksville Pike area are not bad areas that are in need of updating but rather just a little TLC. Located near the Rosa Parks Blvd you will come across the Bicentennial Mall which is home to the local Farmers Market. Here you will come across a number of vendors who sell everything from fresh fruits to sneakers and shoes.

Inside the buildings of the Farmers Market, you will come across a number of different restaurants which have been recently updated in the wake of the 2010 Nashville Flood. Also in this area, you will come across the Hope Gardens.

Metro Center is not to far away and is known for its businesses and restaurants. The Tennessee Titans practice in the Metro Center Area of Nashville where the big white dome is located not to far from the Metro Center intersection. This is more of a neighborhood that is in need of funding for updates and is more for businesses than actual residents. If improvements were made to this area, it would be a nice location for couples to be and singles but is not so much a good area for children to be raised.

This is an area bounded by Rosa Parks Blvd., Clarksville Pike, Cass Street, and 10th Ave. North, and located near Hope Gardens, the Farmer's Market, Metro Center and Germantown.

There are many nice older, historic homes in this area, but also some room for improvement. It has recently been designated a Neighborhood Strategy Area and is eligible for Community Development Block Grant funding. Improvements that might be made include more lighting, greenspace, street signs, and a walking track.

The Nashville Jazz Workshop is located nearby, as is Bicentennial Park. Not to miss: the hilarious Nash Trash bus tour that leaves from the Farmer's Market.