10 Safest Areas In Nashville: Best Neighborhoods to Stay in 2025

Nashville is not only the capital of country music, but it's also one of the fastest-growing cities in America, attracting families, students, artists, and entrepreneurs. With the skyline climbing higher and the neighborhoods stretching outward, the question on everyone's mind is easy: where are the safest places to reside in Nashville?

No matter why you're relocating, whether it's for work, school, or a new beginning, having a sense of where the safest neighborhoods in Nashville are will greatly impact your overall quality of life. Though the city is full of its lively, crowded areas, there are also numerous safe areas to stay in Nashville that offer community character, minimal crime, and contemporary convenience. Some of the safest areas in Nashville provide just the right combination of suburban serenity with easy access to the city's center.

When selecting the safest place to stay in Nashville, several considerations are involved. To begin with, crime rates, both violent and property crimes, offer a starting point. Neighborhoods with below-average crime rates always rank among the safest neighborhoods in Nashville. Statistics, however, are not everything. Community engagement, including neighborhood watch initiatives and civic organizations, is critical in building safety and trust within the community.

Local amenities are also important. Being close to quality schools, walkable neighborhoods, parks, and healthcare facilities can be good signs of a clean and safe area. That is why many of the safest places to stay in Nashville are also some of the best equipped.

In this guide, we’ll explore the safest areas in Nashville, diving into what makes them ideal for different lifestyles, whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone seeking the safest place to stay in Nashville for a short-term visit or long-term move.

Top 10 Safest Neighborhoods in Nashville

If you are moving or visiting and looking for the safest areas to stay in Nashville, you're on the right page. Whether you're in search of a quaint family residence, an upmarket apartment, or just the safest place to stay in Nashville for a short while, these ten areas shine with safety, community spirit, and a desirable lifestyle. Here are the safest areas to stay in Nashville that locals and newcomers alike keep on top of as the highest.

1. Belle Meade

Belle Meade is the jewel of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville. This high-end, historic neighborhood boasts sweeping estates, tree-lined streets, and a reputation for being in the club. It's located in southwest Nashville and feels a world away from city chaos, yet remains just a quick trip to downtown.

Crime Rate: 80% lower than the national average, making Belle Meade one of the safest areas in Nashville by far.
Average Rent: Rent for upscale apartments and homes starts around $2,500/month.

Why It’s Safe: With its private security patrols, vigilant homeowners' associations, and beautifully kept public areas, Belle Meade has been known for decades as one of the safest places to stay in Nashville. Minimal traffic and restricted public access further enhance its desirability.

Ideal For: Retirees, professionals, and anyone looking for the safest place to stay in Nashville while enjoying the luxurious lifestyle.

2. Brentwood

Situated just south of Nashville, Brentwood is technically part of Williamson County, but is one of the safest places to stay in Nashville because of its excellent school districts, minimal crime, and suburban atmosphere.

Crime Rate: Violent crime in Brentwood is 61% below the national average

Average Rent: The average rent sits around $2,200/month.

Why It’s Safe: Well-ranked schools, efficient neighborhood watch groups, and generous open space add to the neighborhood's safety. Brentwood ranks among the safest places to stay in Nashville for families that highly prize peace and seclusion.

Ideal For: Families, executives, and anyone who wants a mixture of quiet suburban living and access to the city in one of the safest areas in Nashville.

3. Green Hills

Only a few miles southwest of the city center, Green Hills is a shopping and restaurant complex that also happens to be one of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville. With high-end boutiques, eateries, and leafy residential avenues, it's perfect for those seeking safety and convenience within walking distance.

Crime Rate: Green Hills reports significantly lower crime than central Nashville, placing it among the safest areas in Nashville.

Average Rent: Expect to pay around $2,100/month for a one-bedroom apartment

Why It’s Safe: The combination of affluent residents, neighborhood watches, and walkability all ensures safety. It's one of the safest places to stay in Nashville, particularly for professionals and students.

Ideal For: Young professionals, graduate students, and small families looking for the safest place to stay in Nashville with quick downtown access.

4. Sylvan Park

Quirky, artistic, and neighborhood-oriented, Sylvan Park is a quaint west Nashville community that is increasingly popular. Its village atmosphere and friendly neighbors make it one of the safest areas to stay in Nashville.

Crime Rate: Crime here is well below the city average, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville for anyone seeking peace of mind.

Average Rent: Rent averages around $1,850/month.

Why It’s Safe: Close-knit neighborhood activities, downtown business patronage, and engaged residents keep Sylvan Park safe. It's one of the safest places to reside in Nashville for those who yearn for a friendly, front-porch lifestyle.

Ideal For: Young families, artists, and pet owners looking for a safe area to live in Nashville that remains lively

5. 12 South

Trendy and historic, 12 South is among the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in Nashville. Famous for murals, boutiques, and brunch destinations, it also ranks among the safest places to stay in Nashville.

Crime Rate: The area has consistently low rates of violent crime, especially when compared to central neighborhoods.

Average Rent: Rental prices average about $2,000/month.

Why It’s Safe: With a high level of community, walkability, and steady foot traffic, 12 South is one of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville, particularly for young professionals and students.

Ideal for: Digital nomads, artists, and couples seeking the safest area to stay in Nashville that's also rich in personality.

6. The Nations

A rising community to the west of downtown, The Nations melds new townhomes with inviting bungalows and neighborhood brewpubs. It's becoming one of the hottest and most secure areas in Nashville to call home.

Crime Rate: Lower than the city average, especially in areas with newer developments and active neighborhood associations.

Average Rent: The average rent is around $1,850/month.

Why It’s Safe: Revitalization efforts, heightened police patrols, and a close-knit community have transformed The Nations into one of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville.

Ideal For: Young couples, remote workers, and creatives looking for a stylish and safe area to stay in Nashville.

7. East Nashville

While there is still some building going on in East Nashville, neighborhoods such as Lockeland Springs and Eastwood are now rated among the safest neighborhoods in Nashville. They are walkable, welcoming, and full of charm.

Crime Rate: Lower in specific residential zones, especially where there are active neighborhood watches and historic preservation.

Average Rent: Rent varies but averages about $1,750/month

Why It’s Safe: Strong community associations, local companies, and a mutual support culture make it one of the safest areas to stay in Nashville.

Ideal For: Artists, musicians, and remote workers who want a quirky but safe place to stay in Nashville.

8. Hillsboro Village

Sitting between Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, Hillsboro Village is full of student life, boutique shopping, and old-time charm. It's also one of the safest areas to stay in Nashville if you're in the mood for a college-type atmosphere.

Crime Rate: With frequent campus patrols and student involvement, crime here stays below city averages.

Average Rent: Around $1,900/month.

Why It’s Safe: The student-friendly environment, round-the-clock activity, and walkable design make it one of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville for campus life.

Ideal For: Students, faculty, and visiting scholars who desire a secure place to reside in Nashville close to campus.

9. Donelson

By the airport and famous for its mid-century modern homes, Donelson brings suburban bliss close to downtown. It's one of the most settled and safest areas in Nashville for families.

Crime Rate: Lower crime rates compared to many urban areas, especially in residential enclaves.

Average Rent: Approximately $1,650/month.

Why It’s Safe: Tranquil tree-lined boulevards, engaged residents, and proximity to parks make Donelson one of the safest places to stay in Nashville.

Ideal For: Young families, airport professionals, and retirees who want a quiet, safe place to stay in Nashville.

10. Belmont-Hillsboro

A historic neighborhood of gracious residences and quiet streets, Belmont-Hillsboro is a picturesque and safe option just close to Belmont University. It is reliably always among the safest neighborhoods in Nashville.

Crime Rate: One of the lowest crime rates in the city, supported by both university and community watch programs.

Average Rent: Expect rent near $2,000/month.

Why It’s Safe: Preservation zoning, community engagement, and a low transient population help keep this area one of the safest areas in Nashville.

Ideal For: Professors, graduate students, and long-term renters looking for a serene and safe area to stay in Nashville.

Why These Neighborhoods Are the Safest in Nashville

And of course, in terms of where to reside within Music City, safety is amongst the most considered, particularly amongst students, professionals, and families. But just what are a few of those neighborhoods that offer the safest areas to live in Nashville?

Let’s break it down:

• Low Crime Rates: All of the safest areas in Nashville have crime rates well below the city and national averages. Belle Meade and Green Hills are neighborhoods known for having nearly non-existent violent crime.
  
  
• Strong Community Engagement: In areas such as Eastwood and Belmont-Hillsboro, there are community associations that are visible and active. They organize neighborhood watches, sponsor events, and coordinate well with local police to ensure that these safe places to reside remain peaceful and safe in Nashville.
  
  
• Proximity to Universities and Institutions: Hillsboro Village and Belmont-Hillsboro are helped by frequent campus patrols and an ongoing student and staff presence, which discourages criminal behavior. That's part of what makes them two of the safest places to stay in Nashville if you're a student.
  
  
• Family-Oriented Atmosphere: Neighborhoods such as Brentwood and Donelson are family-oriented, with parks, peaceful streets, and top-rated schools. This makes them the best choice among the safest neighborhoods in Nashville for long-term residence.
  
  
• Well-Planned Infrastructure: Wide sidewalks, well-lit streets, and easy access to emergency services contribute to safety in areas like The Nations and West End. You’ll notice that the safest places to stay in Nashville often have excellent urban planning.
  
  

It's not surprising that these communities are always rated as the safest places to stay in Nashville, whether you're leasing for a semester or intend to stay long term.

Is Nashville a Safe Place to Live?

Absolutely, but it depends on where you look.

Nashville, being an expanding metro area, is a city of contradictions. While there are a few high-traffic urban areas where petty crime and late-night disruptions are more prevalent, there are also numerous safe neighborhoods in Nashville that are light-years away from the tourist throngs of Broadway.

The safest areas in Nashville, such as Belle Meade, Brentwood, and Belmont-Hillsboro, are characterized by low crime rates, community engagement, and high quality of life. These neighborhoods are particularly perfect for students, remote employees, and families seeking the safest neighborhoods in Nashville without compromising convenience or comfort.

If you’re wondering about the safest places to stay in Nashville for a weekend trip or semester abroad, areas like Green Hills or Hillsboro Village strike a perfect balance between security and local charm. These neighborhoods are walkable, filled with local cafes and shops, and offer peace of mind.

Conversely, areas that are more touristy near downtown might be lively but aren't necessarily the safest place to stay in Nashville to spend the night. That's where research and selecting the right neighborhood come into play.

Whether renting for school, moving with the family, or searching for long-term possibilities, there are more than enough safe places to stay in Nashville; you just have to know where to find them.

Top 5 Safest Neighborhoods in Nashville

These communities always rank among the safest neighborhoods in Nashville and are the perfect safe zones to live in the city, whether you're here for a few months or life.

From walkable student zones to quiet suburban retreats, these safe areas to stay in Nashville provide not just security but a true sense of belonging. For anyone wondering about the safest place to stay in Nashville, the answer lies in choosing a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and gives you room to grow.