Nashville just started a $3 billion overhaul of its airport. A California fast food chain is building its entire regional headquarters here, not just a drive-thru. This isn't the sleepy Tennessee suburb people still picture.
I moved to Williamson County myself from New York and Florida, so I know what it's like to try to picture a place you've never lived in — most of my clients are doing the same thing right now from a laptop somewhere in California or Connecticut. My team and I went through every major project, new neighborhood, and event worth knowing about across this region for 2026. Here's what's actually reshaping this area, and why it matters if you're relocating.
Before you compare suburbs, get the full picture
- The Tennessee Relocation Guide— what to know before you move
- The Nashville Luxury Homes Guide— for buyers eyeing the city
- The Franklin Luxury Homes Guide— for buyers eyeing this specific market
The Developments Reshaping the Region
BNA Airport's $3 Billion Expansion. The construction walls going up around the terminal are part of BNA's "New Horizon" plan, running through December 2027, with a new concourse, parking garage, and a consolidated rental car facility planned for 2029. This matters more than convenience — airports drive real estate the way highways do. Every time BNA grows, it pulls in more direct flights, more corporate relocations, and more housing demand within a reasonable drive of the terminal. If you're weighing Franklin against Brentwood against somewhere further out, commute time to BNA is worth factoring in, especially if you're still traveling back to the coast for work or family.
Franklin's New City Hall and Pearl Park. Franklin has two major downtown projects underway that are easy to confuse. The city hall redevelopment includes an enlarged plaza, a pedestrian promenade, underground parking for 200 vehicles, and a one-acre downtown park. Separately, on Murfreesboro Road, the Pearl is adding an inclusive playground and fields for football and lacrosse, with future phases planned for a clean water facility and walking trail. The city is also widening East McEwen Drive from two to four lanes with over $30 million in federal funding. Cities don't invest millions into a downtown core and a brand-new park for a shrinking population — this is the kind of project that tends to push property values up over the next 5 to 10 years for homes near the square.
In-N-Out's Regional Headquarters at Berry Farms. In-N-Out didn't just open a Franklin location — it picked Franklin for its entire Eastern Territory corporate office, a roughly 100,000- square-foot campus going up next to Berry Farms off I-65. A national company doesn't plant a regional headquarters somewhere it expects to be a temporary trend. Four- and five-bedroom new construction homes in Franklin currently start in the low seven figures; if Berry Farms is on your radar, getting in before the next wave of buyers is the smart move.
The Banks at Brownland (Proposal Stage). A 233-acre farm off Hillsboro could become one of the biggest sports complexes in the state — a mixed-use development anchored by an ice rink operated by the Nashville Predators, with 11 multi-purpose fields, a golf facility, and neighborhood retail. This is still a proposal with no groundbreaking yet; city approval in Franklin is the next step, with construction possibly starting in 2027. The development team's economic analysis estimates roughly $500 million a year in economic impact if it moves forward — worth watching if you're looking near Brownland Farm.
New Construction Communities Worth Watching
- Sagebrook (Nolensville) — Toll Brothers' first-ever community in Nolensville: 26 singlefamily homes, 4-5 bedrooms, up to nearly 5,000 square feet, expected fall 2026 opening.
- Franklin Ridge (Franklin) — Also by Toll Brothers, near the McEwen exchange off I-65: 34 planned homes with base prices starting around $1.5 million, open by appointment.
- Owl Creek, Tarramore, and Raintree Forest (Brentwood) — New phases along the Split Log Road corridor. Brentwood has limited remaining developable land, so new phases here tend to get absorbed fast — the first phase to open is usually the best shot.
- Tollgate Village and Bridgemore Village (Thompson's Station) — Two very different markets in one town: Tollgate starts in the low $300s, while Bridgemore offers all-brick luxury homes on half-acre lots from the low $700s into seven figures.
- Fairington (Nolensville) — A 372-acre, 700-plus-home master-planned community from Southern Land Company, the same developer behind Franklin's Westhaven. Nolensville's new construction currently spans entry-level homes under $700,000, mid-range from $800K– $1.2M, and luxury custom builds above that — Fairington will touch several of those tiers as it builds out.
Events Worth Knowing About
Pumpkinfest (Franklin) — Run by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, 2026 marks its 41st year and its first expansion into a full two-day weekend, October 24–25, with fall food, live music, and a local arts and crafts marketplace. If you're relocating from out of state, it's a great weekend to visit before you buy.
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland — Runs November 2026 through January 2027 with an ice exhibit, ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, and holiday lights, drawing visitors from across the country. For clients wondering what winter actually feels like here compared to New York or California: mild, and festive.
Music City Bowl — Lands December 30, 2026 at Nissan Stadium, typically featuring SEC and Big Ten teams — a genuine local tradition tied to ongoing development around the stadium.
Why This Matters If You're Relocating
Every project here points to the same thing: this region is growing fast, and where you land inside it matters more than just picking Nashville and hoping for the best. Pick the wrong side of town before understanding which of these projects actually affects your commute, your school district, or your resale value, and you could end up with a 45-minute commute or a district that doesn't fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the BNA airport expansion affect my commute? It won't change commute times directly, but airport growth typically brings more corporate relocations and housing demand to areas within a reasonable drive of the terminal — worth weighing against your daily commute when comparing suburbs.
Is the Bank of Brentwood at Brownland Farm approved yet? No — it's still in the proposal stage. City approval in Franklin is the next step, with construction potentially starting in 2027.
What price range is new construction in Nolensville? It currently spans three tiers: entry and move-up homes under $700,000, mid-range from $800,000–$1.2 million, and luxury custom builds above that.
I've helped families move here from California, New York, Illinois, and half a dozen other states — the ones who skip the research usually end up in the wrong area with the wrong commute. If you want to talk through which of these developments actually line up with what you're looking for, Karen Wanamarta can walk you through it before you buy.
Still deciding where to land?
These guides break down exactly what you need to know before you buy:
