If you’re searching for waterfront homes near Nashville, you’ve probably narrowed your search to two of Middle Tennessee’s most popular lakes:

Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake.

Both offer boating, fishing, beautiful scenery, and proximity to Nashville. However, they provide very different experiences when it comes to waterfront living and real estate opportunities.

As a local REALTOR® who regularly helps buyers evaluate lakefront property, I often get asked:

“Which lake is better?”

The answer depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and long-term goals.

Let’s compare the two.

Location and Convenience

Percy Priest Lake

Percy Priest Lake is located southeast of Nashville and is often considered the closest recreational lake to downtown Nashville.

Advantages include:

• Close to downtown Nashville
• Near Nashville International Airport
• Excellent boating access
• Popular recreation areas

For buyers who want quick access to the city, Percy Priest offers tremendous convenience.

Old Hickory Lake

Old Hickory Lake stretches through:

• Old Hickory
• Hendersonville
• Mount Juliet
• Gallatin
• Lebanon

While slightly farther from downtown Nashville in some areas, Old Hickory still offers excellent accessibility while providing a broader selection of waterfront communities.

Winner: Tie

Both lakes provide convenient access depending on where you choose to live.

Waterfront Home Availability

This is where the biggest difference often appears.

Percy Priest Lake

Because much of Percy Priest’s shoreline is controlled by federal agencies, true waterfront ownership opportunities can be more limited.

Buyers often discover:

• Fewer waterfront homes
• Limited dock opportunities
• Restricted shoreline development

Old Hickory Lake

Old Hickory generally offers:

• More waterfront inventory
• More dock opportunities
• Larger waterfront lots
• Greater variety of lakefront communities

Winner: Old Hickory Lake

For buyers specifically seeking waterfront ownership, Old Hickory often provides more options.

Boating and Recreation

Both lakes excel in boating and recreation.

Percy Priest

Popular for:

• Day boating
• Sailing
• Water sports
• Convenient access

Old Hickory

Popular for:

• Boating
• Fishing
• Wake sports
• Cruising
• Waterfront dining

Winner: Tie

Both are excellent boating lakes.

Luxury Waterfront Homes

Luxury buyers often prioritize:

• Privacy
• Dock access
• Water frontage
• Lot size
• Views

Old Hickory Lake generally offers a larger inventory of luxury waterfront estates compared to Percy Priest.

Many properties feature:

• Private docks
• Guest houses
• Acreage
• Main channel frontage
• Deep water access

Featured Opportunity

One of the most unique luxury waterfront opportunities currently available offers approximately 393 feet of main channel frontage, two separate residences, deep water access, and a private dock on Old Hickory Lake.

👉 https://nashvillesnik.com/d8r563af

Winner: Old Hickory Lake

Waterfront Lifestyle

Percy Priest Lifestyle

Perfect for buyers who:

• Work in Nashville
• Want maximum convenience
• Enjoy boating and recreation
• Prefer quick access to the city

Old Hickory Lifestyle

Perfect for buyers who:

• Want more waterfront inventory
• Value dock access
• Enjoy larger lots
• Want stronger lake-community environments

Winner: Depends on lifestyle.

Property Value Considerations

Both lakes continue attracting buyer demand.

However, many buyers find Old Hickory Lake appealing because of:

• Larger inventory
• More waterfront ownership opportunities
• Established lake communities
• Greater variety of property types

Which Lake Is Better for Full-Time Living?

Many full-time residents choose Old Hickory Lake because it combines:

• Waterfront living
• Community atmosphere
• Boating access
• Shopping and dining nearby
• Convenient Nashville access

Which Lake Should You Choose?

Choose Percy Priest If:

• You want maximum proximity to Nashville.
• You prioritize recreation over waterfront ownership.
• You prefer being close to the airport.

Choose Old Hickory If:

• You want more waterfront inventory.
• You want a private dock.
• You want larger waterfront lots.
• You want stronger lakefront community options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lake is closer to Nashville?

Percy Priest Lake is generally closer to downtown Nashville.

Which lake has more waterfront homes?

Old Hickory Lake typically offers more waterfront housing opportunities.

Can you have a dock on Percy Priest Lake?

Dock opportunities are often more limited on Percy Priest because of shoreline regulations.

Can you have a dock on Old Hickory Lake?

Many Old Hickory Lake properties include private docks or approved dock permits.

Which lake has the best luxury homes?

Old Hickory Lake generally offers a larger inventory of luxury waterfront estates.

Thinking About Buying a Lakefront Home?

Choosing the right lake can significantly impact your lifestyle and long-term enjoyment.

For waterfront homes, lakefront estates, and luxury real estate throughout Middle Tennessee, contact:

Nik Shewmaker (Nashville’s Nik)

📲 Call or Text: (615) 585-0022

📧 NashvillesNik@gmail.com

🌐 www.NashvillesNik.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Hickory Lake vs Percy Priest Lake

Which lake is closer to downtown Nashville?

Percy Priest Lake is generally closer to downtown Nashville and Nashville International Airport.

Which lake has more waterfront homes?

Old Hickory Lake typically offers a larger selection of waterfront homes and lakefront communities.

Can you have a private dock on Old Hickory Lake?

Many waterfront homes on Old Hickory Lake include private docks or approved dock permits, subject to applicable regulations and approvals.

Can you have a private dock on Percy Priest Lake?

Dock opportunities are generally more limited on Percy Priest Lake because much of the shoreline is managed by the federal government.

Which lake is better for boating?

Both lakes offer excellent boating opportunities. Old Hickory Lake provides extensive boating access and waterfront communities, while Percy Priest is known for its convenience to Nashville.

Which lake is better for full-time living?

Many buyers choose Old Hickory Lake for full-time living because of its larger inventory of waterfront homes, lake-oriented communities, and access to shopping, dining, and services.

Which lake has the best luxury homes?

Old Hickory Lake generally offers a larger inventory of luxury waterfront estates with private docks, acreage, and expansive lake views.

Is Old Hickory Lake a good investment?

Many buyers are attracted to Old Hickory Lake because waterfront inventory is limited and demand for lakefront property near Nashville remains strong.

Is Percy Priest Lake a good investment?

Percy Priest Lake remains desirable because of its location and recreational opportunities, though waterfront inventory can be more limited.

Who can help me buy waterfront property near Nashville?

Nik Shewmaker, Nashville’s Nik, specializes in waterfront homes, lakefront properties, luxury real estate, and relocation services throughout Middle Tennessee.

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