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Whether you're visiting for the live music or the southern food, where you stay in Nashville can shape your entire experience. Known as Music City, the best neighborhoods in Nashville are more than just Broadway country tunes—it's a mix of artsy enclaves and laid-back local gems.
From the buzzing nightlife of Belmont to the hipster cafés of East Nashville, each neighborhood has its personality and perks. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through the best neighborhoods to stay in Nashville and help you find the perfect home base for your time in Tennessee’s most iconic city.
Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Nashville
Ready to dive into the heart of Music City? Let’s explore the top 10 best neighborhoods in Nashville TN, each with its own rhythm and charm:
1. Belmont
Average Rent: $1,538/month
Crime Rate: 10.28/1,000 residents
Belmont, right next to Belmont University, has a laid-back charm that’s hard to resist. With a blend of historic homes, affordable apartments, and student housing in Belmont, it’s perfect for students and young professionals alike.
The stunning Belmont Mansion, a stately relic from 1853, welcomes visitors for tours year-round. And if you’re around in the spring, don’t miss Belmont Porchfest, where the neighborhood comes alive with local musicians performing from front porches, turning every block into a stage.
The neighborhood is great for biking and walking. Bongo Java coffee shop is the main hangout spot, with a huge patio where people gather on off days. Belmont’s strategic location between Hillsboro Village and 12 South makes it one of Nashville TN best neighborhoods for students.
2. Berry Hill
Average Rent: $1,500/month
Crime Rate: 47.18/1,000 residents
Nashville’s hidden gem, Berry Hill, has over 40 recording studios (including Blackbird Studio, where Taylor Swift, Beck, and Kings of Leon have recorded) and music businesses, giving you a real music industry feel.
Student housing in Berry Hill is affordable and easily fits into a student budget. Due to its creative atmosphere, Berry Hill is surely a strong competitor in the best neighborhoods to stay in Nashville list.
3. Brentwood
Average Rent: $2,800/month
Crime Rate: 34.85/1,000 residents
Brentwood, just south of Nashville, is known as one of the best area in Nashville for those who want suburban quiet with city access. With over 14 parks spanning more than 900 acres, including the expansive Marcella Vivrette Smith Park—400 acres of rolling trails and historic charm—there’s no shortage of green space to explore.
While mostly known for houses, newer apartment communities and options for student housing in Brentwood are available for young professionals and students with cars. For students who value peace and safety, Brentwood is arguably the best place to live in Nashville TN.
4. Belle Meade
Average Rent: $1,652/month
Crime Rate: 36.18/1,000 residents
Belle Meade is the fanciest address in town and one of the best neighborhoods in Nashville if safety and luxury matter most to you. The big houses, streets lined with trees, and historic plantations create a feeling of old southern wealth.
With the low crime rate and closeness to Vanderbilt University, student housing in Belle Meade is an option worth considering for those with bigger budgets or plans to share an apartment in one of the city's top neighborhoods.
5. Downtown Nashville
Average Rent: $2,061/month
Crime Rate: 131.5/1,000 residents
Downtown Nashville is one of the best area in Nashville for those who value cultural roots. From the historic Ryman Auditorium to the legendary honky-tonks on Broadway, this neighborhood has music in every doorway.
The Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, and Nissan Stadium are all within walking distance. During the summer, free live music events take place at Riverfront Park, while the Nashville Farmers’ Market offers fresh produce year-round.
With over 60 bars and restaurants, boot shops, western wear stores, and the Fifth + Broadway development, you’ll never run out of things to do. A little pricier, but you can’t beat the location, which makes this one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Nashville.
6. The Gulch
Average Rent: $2,210/month
Crime Rate: 2.712/1,000 residents
Once an industrial zone, it’s now one of the nice neighborhoods in Nashville, located just south of Downtown.
You can find everything you need here – restaurants, bars, grocery stores, gyms, and supermarkets. The Gulch connects to Downtown, Midtown, and other areas effectively through greenways, making it one of the best neighborhoods Nashville TN.
7. East Nashville
Average Rent: $1,592/month
Crime Rate: 11.87/1,000 residents
East Nashville, another popular music destination, is one of the safest areas in Nashville. This area has street art locations, vintage stores, and is home to the city’s most creative people.
One of the famous art festivals, The Tomato Art Fest, held in August, brings out thousands of people. The neighborhood’s historic Woodland Street Bridge offers stunning views of the Nashville skyline.
8. Hillsboro Village
Average Rent: $1,344/month
Crime Rate: 26.60/1,000 residents
Hillsboro Village is between Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, making it one of Nashville TN best neighborhoods for students. The area is home to the famous “Dragon” mural and the unique Fannie Mae Dees 'Dragon Park’ that’s been the neighborhood landmark since 1981.
The annual Belmont-Vanderbilt block party brings the two university communities together each fall. Famous spots like Pancake Pantry and Fido are always busy serving authentic dining experiences.
Housing includes dorms, studios, and mid-sized apartments – great for students who want to live in one of the best neighborhoods in Nashville TN where they can walk to class and enjoy a charming atmosphere.
9. Germantown
Average Rent: $1,700/month
Crime Rate: 21.39/1000 residents
Germantown, one of Nashville’s oldest areas, has become the best place to live in Nashville TN, with the brick streets, old buildings, and great food scene making it special.
This area is known for good food with popular restaurants like City House, Rolf & Daughters, and Germantown Cafe. The Nashville Farmers’ Market and a nice state park are close by.
The yearly Oktoberfest shows how friendly the neighborhood is, making Germantown good for students who want a more grown-up city experience.
10. 12 South
Average Rent: $1,200/month
Crime Rate: 11.02/1,000 residents
12 South has become one of the most Instagram-worthy places in recent years. This area has a trendy and laid-back culture, with a walkable main street full of murals, shops, and places to eat. It hosts a farmers’ market every Tuesday from May to October, featuring local farmers, artisans, and food trucks.
You can get coffee at Frothy Monkey, shop at local stores, and then relax at 12 South Taproom. The relaxed feel and friendly community make it the best area in Nashville for students who want to be near the action but not right in the middle of it.
Safe Student Housing in Nashville
The best neighborhoods in Nashville offer something for every preference and lifestyle, from the creative atmosphere of East Nashville to the academic environment of Hillsboro Village. Whether you're attending Vanderbilt, Belmont, or Tennessee State, the right home can make your college experience even more rewarding.
When looking for student housing in Nashville, amber can be your trusted partner in finding verified options for student housing in Nashville near your university.
With our global network and personalized support throughout the booking process, we take the hassle out of finding the perfect place to live in Nashville. Here are some top picks for student housing in Nashville:
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