Thinking about moving your office closer to Nashville’s core without paying downtown premiums? MetroCenter in North Nashville gives you practical access to highways, public transit, and a range of office and flex options that can fit most budgets and workflows. If you want a move that balances cost, commute, and growth potential, this guide walks you through what to expect, permits to plan for, and a proven timeline. Let’s dive in.
Why MetroCenter works for business
Proximity and access
MetroCenter sits a few miles north of the CBD along Great Circle Road and Athens Way. You have quick access to the regional highway network, including the I‑65 corridor, which supports both employee commutes and regional client visits. Learn more about the corridor via the state overview of Interstate 65 in Tennessee.
Improved public transit
If your team relies on transit, access has improved. WeGo opened the Dr. Ernest Rip Patton Jr. North Nashville Transit Center in August 2024, and Route 9 MetroCenter plus several crosstown routes now connect through it. That means better frequency and cross‑town links without a downtown transfer, which can simplify commute planning for your staff. See details in WeGo’s transit center announcement.
Parking and loading
Most buildings in MetroCenter offer surface parking or structured lots. If you expect frequent deliveries or large move‑in trucks, confirm on‑site loading and plan early for any curb reservations with the city. You will likely need right‑of‑way permits if you want to reserve street space for moving day.
What space is available
Office and flex options
MetroCenter is a mixed office park with low‑ to mid‑rise buildings and a strong flex/office‑warehouse presence. You will find a range of suites from small professional offices to larger floorplates suited to regional operations or back‑office teams. Market dashboards show MetroCenter often pricing below downtown averages with higher vacancy, which can present value opportunities for tenants seeking savings. For current trends, review Nashville submarket data on CommercialCafe.
Flexible workspace
If you are testing hybrid schedules, a short‑term swing space or coworking setup can help. National reporting shows coworking supply increased in 2024 as flexible work demand grew, and Nashville participated in that expansion. For context, see the industry overview from Allwork. Plan a site survey for fiber and power before you commit to any plug‑and‑play solution.
Budget, rents, and tradeoffs
Rents and vacancy context
MetroCenter commonly trades in the mid‑$20s per SF asking range, below many downtown Class A options, with vacancy near or above the metro average. Lower headline rent is attractive, but you should model total occupancy cost, including tenant improvements, parking, and any loading needs. A building tour and market survey will help you compare effective rates across options. See Nashville submarket comparisons on CommercialCafe.
Building quality checks
Older buildings can deliver value, but you need to verify systems. Check HVAC age and capacity, electrical service, ceiling heights, and floorplate depth for daylight and planning. Ask about nearby construction that could affect access or noise during your lease term.
Permits and logistics you must plan
Right‑of‑way and loading permits
If you need to reserve curb space or close a lane for move‑in, apply through NDOT’s ePermits. Temporary street or lane closure permits start at a posted fee, with add‑on daily charges. NDOT also offers a parking/loading zone permit for extended loading; fee schedules are published online. Apply early to avoid possible triple fees for unpermitted activity. Start with NDOT’s temporary street closure permits.
Special events or extended closures
If your move impacts an arterial street, requires daytime closures, or needs police traffic control, the Special Event permit path likely applies. Lead times and fees are higher, so plan ahead. Review the city’s Special Event permit application.
Utilities and service setup
- Electricity: Nashville Electric Service is the county’s provider. Large loads or unusual usage profiles may require surveys and contracts. See the overview of Nashville Electric Service.
- Water and sewer: Coordinate business accounts with Metro Water Services. Plan meter work and service transfers during your TI phase.
- Telecom: AT&T and Spectrum operate locally. Fiber availability is address‑specific, so order a site survey as soon as you sign an LOI. Lead times can range from days to months depending on existing infrastructure.
Building permits and TI
Interior buildouts, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and signage typically require permits and inspections through Metro Codes/Planning. If the space changes occupancy type or impacts egress or accessibility, expect longer cycles. Stay aware of local code and historic zoning processes that can affect timing, as noted in recent reporting.
Incentives to explore
Certain relocations may qualify for Metro Nashville job or property investment incentives tied to net new jobs, wage levels, and project location. These are not automatic and require early engagement with the city. Start with the Office of Economic & Community Development’s growth incentives.
Timeline for a smooth move
3 to 6 months out
- Finalize LOI or lease and begin TI design and budgeting.
- Order site surveys for power, telecom, and HVAC.
- Coordinate building rules for move logistics and signage.
- If relevant, open a conversation on potential incentives with the city.
6 to 10 weeks out
- Apply for NDOT ePermits if you need curb or loading zones.
- Schedule your moving company and any elevator reservations.
- Order fiber or broadband installs and confirm lead times.
2 to 4 weeks out
- Complete TI inspections and punch items that affect occupancy.
- Confirm electric and water service transfers.
- Finalize access lists, keycards, and vendor parking plans.
- Share commute info with staff, including WeGo routes via the NNTC.
Move week and after
- Post any required “no parking” signs and keep permits on hand.
- Coordinate with the property manager and on‑site security.
- Update your address everywhere and close out your punch list.
Quick checklist
- Confirm floorplan fit, parking ratios, and loading access.
- Run a market survey to compare effective rent, TI, and concessions.
- Order telecom and power site surveys early.
- Budget for NDOT permits and schedule applications in advance.
- Align TI scope with codes, inspections, and your move date.
- Share transit and parking instructions with your team.
How we help
You deserve advice that is both strategic and practical. As an owner‑minded, principal‑led advisor, we help you compare sites, negotiate the lease, map your TI and permit timelines, and move with confidence. If you want a focused partner who brings brokerage discipline and operator insight to your MetroCenter decision, let’s talk at NEW SOUTH COMMERCIAL.
FAQs
How close is MetroCenter to downtown Nashville?
- MetroCenter sits a few miles north of the CBD near Great Circle Road, with quick highway access; exact drive times vary by traffic, but proximity makes it a practical alternative to downtown.
What public transit serves MetroCenter today?
- WeGo’s Dr. Ernest Rip Patton Jr. North Nashville Transit Center opened in 2024, and Route 9 MetroCenter plus crosstown routes connect through it for improved frequency and transfers; see WeGo’s transit center announcement.
Do I need a permit to reserve curb space for my move?
- Yes; NDOT requires right‑of‑way permits for temporary street or lane use and offers loading zone permits with posted fees; apply early via the city’s temporary street closure permits.
What are typical office rents in MetroCenter?
- Public dashboards often show MetroCenter asking rents in the mid‑$20s per SF with vacancy near or above the metro average; verify current comps on CommercialCafe.
Are there city incentives for relocating to MetroCenter?
- Possibly; Metro Nashville’s growth incentives can apply to projects with qualifying job creation and investment levels, but they are project‑specific and require early engagement with the city’s economic development office; review the growth incentives.
How long does business internet take to install?
- It is address‑specific; AT&T and Spectrum operate locally, but fiber requires a site survey and lead times can range from days to months depending on existing infrastructure, so order the survey as soon as you sign an LOI.
