Hendersonville is considered moderately affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,650 and slightly lower grocery costs compared to the national average.
Housing Costs in Hendersonville
When it comes to housing options in Hendersonville, renters and buyers have a range of choices. Typical rental properties include apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. For those looking to purchase, the market offers a mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments with single-family homes, condos, and townhouses.
As of 2025, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Hendersonville is around $1,650. However, prices can vary depending on the neighborhood and property type. For example, a 2-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost closer to $1,800, while a similar unit in a more suburban area might be around $1,500. Renters can also find 1-bedroom apartments starting at about $1,200 and 3-bedroom units up to $2,100.
Homebuyers in Hendersonville can expect to pay a median price of approximately $450,000 for a 3-bedroom single-family home. Again, prices fluctuate based on location, age of the home, and amenities. Newer construction homes in desirable neighborhoods often exceed $500,000, while older homes or those further from the city center may be priced closer to $400,000. Some neighborhoods have optional HOA fees ranging from $100-300 per month.
- Renting a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,500 – $1,800 per month
- Buying a 3-bedroom house: $400,000 – $550,000
- HOA fees (if applicable): $100 – $300 per month
Utilities and Energy Bills
Hendersonville residents can anticipate spending around $150-200 per month on basic utilities like electricity, natural gas, water, and trash for a 1,000 square foot apartment. Larger homes may see higher utility costs, especially during the summer months when air conditioning usage peaks. It’s common for energy bills to increase by 20-30% during July and August.
Here’s a rough estimate of typical monthly utility costs for a 2-bedroom apartment:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $80 – $120 |
| Natural Gas | $30 – $50 |
| Water/Sewer | $30 – $50 |
| Trash | $20 – $30 |
| Total | $160 – $250 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Hendersonville residents benefit from slightly lower grocery costs compared to the national average. A single person can expect to spend around $300-350 per month on groceries, while a couple may spend $600-700. These estimates include a mix of cooking at home and occasional dining out.
To give an idea of typical prices, here’s what a sample grocery basket might cost in Hendersonville:
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.50
- 1 loaf of bread: $2.50
- 1 dozen eggs: $2.00
- 1 lb of chicken breast: $4.00
- 1 lb of ground beef: $5.00
- 1 lb of apples: $1.50
Eating out at a mid-range restaurant in Hendersonville typically costs about $15-20 per person for a main dish. Fast food meals are usually in the $8-12 range.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Hendersonville’s property tax rate is $0.758 per $100 of assessed value, which is slightly lower than the national average. For a home valued at $450,000, annual property taxes would be approximately $3,400.
Tennessee has no state income tax, but it does have a sales tax of 7% on most goods and services. Sumner County, where Hendersonville is located, has an additional 2.25% local sales tax, bringing the total to 9.25%.
Vehicle registration fees in Hendersonville are $26.50 for a passenger car, plus an additional $5 county fee. Drivers should also budget for annual vehicle emissions testing, which costs $9.
| Tax/Fee | Rate |
|---|---|
| Property Tax | $0.758 per $100 assessed value |
| Sales Tax | 9.25% (7% state + 2.25% local) |
| Vehicle Registration | $31.50 per year |
| Emissions Testing | $9 per year |
Summary Budget Table
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent for 2BR apartment) | $1,650 | $1,650 | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $160 | $200 | $250 |
| Groceries | $350 | $650 | $1,000 |
| Transportation (car payment, gas, insurance) | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Entertainment/Misc. | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Total Monthly Expenses (pre-tax) | $3,260 | $4,400 | $5,900 |
Note: All figures are estimates based on typical costs and represent gross monthly income (pre-tax). Individual budgets may vary.
Lifestyle Considerations
When deciding where to live in Hendersonville, it’s important to consider factors beyond just the cost of housing. Commute times, access to amenities, and neighborhood character can all impact your overall quality of life.
Hendersonville offers a mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments. Older homes closer to the city center often have smaller square footage but more character and mature trees. Newer homes in the suburbs typically offer more space and modern features but may come with longer commutes.
Residents generally find Hendersonville to be a family-friendly city with good schools, parks, and community events. The city has a small-town feel while still being close to the amenities of Nashville. However, traffic can be a challenge during peak commute times, especially for those working in Nashville.
Ultimately, the right neighborhood for you will depend on your budget, lifestyle preferences, and willingness to trade off between factors like affordability, convenience, and home size. It’s a good idea to visit different areas in person and talk to locals before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What salary do you need to live comfortably in Hendersonville?
To live comfortably in Hendersonville, a single person should aim for a gross monthly income of at least $3,500, while a couple will need around $4,500 and a family of four will require approximately $6,000. - Is Hendersonville more affordable than Nashville?
Yes, Hendersonville is generally more affordable than Nashville, especially when it comes to housing costs. However, commuting to Nashville for work can add significant transportation expenses. - What are the top 3 costs that surprise newcomers to Hendersonville?
The top 3 costs that often surprise newcomers are: 1) Higher summer utility bills due to air conditioning usage, 2) Vehicle emissions testing fees, and 3) Sales tax of 9.25% on most purchases. - Are there any income-restricted housing options in Hendersonville?
Yes, Hendersonville does have some income-restricted housing options, including apartments and townhomes. Eligibility is based on household size and income level. - What’s the job market like in Hendersonville?
Hendersonville has a diverse job market with opportunities in healthcare, education, retail, and service industries. Many residents also commute to Nashville for work in fields like finance, technology, and entertainment. - How much should I budget for entertainment and dining out?
A reasonable entertainment budget for a single person in Hendersonville is around $300 per month, which can include dining out, movies, concerts, and local events. Couples may want to budget closer to $500. - Are there any free or low-cost activities in Hendersonville?
Yes, Hendersonville offers many free and low-cost activities, including parks, trails, community events, and festivals. The city also has a public library and recreational sports leagues.