Is Nashville Safe? (Travel Guide by Travelers)

As one of the most vibrant cities in America, Nashville is home to a unique culture and history that goes back generations.

With attractions ranging from world-class restaurants, music venues, and art galleries, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this Southern gem each year.

However, with its rapid growth over the years comes questions about safety—namely: is Nashville safe?

In this guide, we’ll be exploring this question in detail by taking a closer look at the crime rate in The Music City as well as other potential risks visitors should be aware of.

Is Nashville Safe to Visit?

When it comes to visiting a new city, safety is always a top concern.

So, is Nashville safe to visit? The answer is yes! While no city is completely free of crime, Nashville has a lower crime rate compared to other major cities in the US.

The city takes safety seriously and has implemented measures such as a downtown surveillance system to ensure the safety of visitors and locals alike.

Additionally, Nashville is known for its friendly and welcoming community, creating a welcoming environment for tourists.

So, pack your bags and head to Music City with peace of mind that you can safely enjoy all that Nashville has to offer.

Most dangerous areas in Nashville

As a thriving cultural and business center, Nashville fascinates many people who wish to visit and even live in this city.

But just like any other city, Nashville also has areas that may be risky to venture into. Take a look at the most dangerous areas in Nashville, detailing what makes them risky and how best to navigate the situation.

North Nashville

North Nashville, which is located north of downtown, is one of the most dangerous areas in Nashville.

This area has the highest rates of murders, assaults, robbery, and prostitution in the city. The main cause of crime in this area is drug-related, and gang activities.

As a visitor, we advise you to be very vigilant if visiting this area, especially at night.

East Nashville

East Nashville is also another area with high crime rates. The main types of crime here include burglary, non-aggravated assault, theft, and vandalism.

The high crime rate in this area is mainly due to its large population, relatively high poverty rate, and the concentration of public housing projects.

As a visitor to East Nashville, be sure to take precautions, such as avoiding walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.

Downtown Nashville

Downtown Nashville is a bustling area with lots of activities and tourist attractions.

However, due to its popularity, it has become a target for crimes such as theft and robbery, especially at night.

Precautions that visitors should take include avoiding poorly lit areas and dark alleys, and not walking alone at night.

The Gulch

The Gulch, located south of downtown Nashville, is considered a trendy area with bars, restaurants, and high-end stores.

However, like most other urban areas, it has its share of crime, including theft and robbery.

Visitors should be cautious and not fall into the trap of walking alone at night, especially if they’re carrying valuables.

South Nashville

South Nashville is another area considered dangerous. The crime rate here is high, with most crimes related to robbery and burglary.

The best strategy for visitors is to avoid walking alone or carrying expensive items.

Madison

Madison is another area located north of the city center. Although it is a thriving area, crime is quite high in Madison.

Most of the crimes committed here are property crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Visitors are advised to take precautions such as not leaving valuables in their cars and ensuring that their residence is secure.

Antioch

Antioch is an area located southeast of Nashville. This area has a high crime rate, with the most common crimes being burglary and theft.

Visitors should be vigilant and avoid walking alone. It’s not advisable to spend extended periods here after dark.

Safest areas to live in Nashville

Safety is one of the most significant factors to consider when choosing a place to live in. Luckily, we have done the research on your behalf and compiled a list of the seven safest neighborhoods in Nashville.

Forest Hills:

Forest Hills is a gorgeous neighborhood located just a few miles south of Nashville.

With its quiet streets, beautiful houses, and natural surroundings, it is no wonder that this area has been named one of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville.

Forest Hills has excellent schools and is home to some of the wealthiest residents in the city.

Belle Meade:

Belle Meade is a beautiful neighborhood that is perfect for anyone who loves a small-town atmosphere.

With its lush greenery, winding roads, and beautiful homes, it is one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Nashville.

Crime rates are low, and the area has plenty of local amenities, including great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues.

Brentwood:

Brentwood is a beautiful, upscale suburban area located just south of Nashville.

This charming town offers many amenities, including top-rated schools, bustling shopping centers, and fantastic dining options.

With low crime rates and excellent schools, Brentwood is a great place to raise a family.

Germantown:

Germantown is one of Nashville’s most historic and beloved neighborhoods.

A hub for creatives and young professionals, it is one of the city’s most vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods.

Germantown boasts a low crime rate, great public transportation, and easy access to Nashville’s downtown district.

Sylvan Park:

Sylvan Park is a charming neighborhood located in West Nashville.

Known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and friendly community, Sylvan Park is one of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

The crime rate in this neighborhood is low, and there are many amenities, including parks, community gardens, and local restaurants.

Green Hills:

Green Hills is a beautiful, upscale residential area located in South Nashville.

It is one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, offering top-rated schools, excellent shopping options, and a great location.

With a low crime rate and a high quality of life, Green Hills is perfect for anyone looking for a luxury lifestyle.

What should I do if I become a victim of crime while in Nashville?

⚠ First and foremost, stay calm and assess the situation. Are you injured? Is anyone else in danger? Call 911 immediately. Give the operator your location, the type of crime that occurred, and a brief description of the suspect(s) involved, if any. If possible, try to provide any additional information that may be helpful to law enforcement.

⚠ If you are not injured and it’s safe to do so, try to take a mental note of the suspect(s) description, clothing, and any identifying features. However, do not put yourself in harm’s way to gather additional information for law enforcement.

⚠ If you have been physically or sexually assaulted, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Nashville has an excellent team of medical professionals trained to provide forensic exams to obtain evidence to enhance criminal investigations.

⚠ File a report with the Nashville Metro Police Department. NFiling a report will create an official record of your victimization, which can be used for future reference. It’s essential to have your own copy of the report, as this can be useful for seeking restitution or compensation.

⚠ Contact a victim advocate. Nashville’s victim services provide advocacy and services to victims, such as crisis counseling, emergency financial assistance, and court accompaniment. Victim advocates can also assist with obtaining a restraining order or Victim Compensation.

⚠ Be aware of your rights as a victim. In Nashville, victims have the right to be notified of hearings, to be present at court appointments, to be heard at sentencing, and to receive restitution. You can learn more about your rights by contacting the Nashville District Attorney’s Office.

⚠ Take care of yourself emotionally and physically. It’s normal for victims of crime to experience a range of emotions, including fear, anger, and sadness. It’s essential to prioritize self-care by seeking therapy, joining a support group, and practicing healthy coping mechanisms.

Things that I can do to stay safe in Nashville:

Safety is a top priority for anyone living in Nashville. Luckily, there are several actions you can take to stay safe while enjoying all that this bustling city has to offer.

Be Alert and Aware of Your Surroundings:

Saftey is a priority to look out for in all locations and situations. To increase your proactivity and awareness, take special steps to protect yourself.

It’s best to avoid places that seem too secluded and shadowy like alleys or abandoned buildings, especially after dark.

When walking or travelling at night, opt for routes which are well lit or have a lot of pedestrian movement.

Make it a point to keep your phone on you as an emergency contact should you ever find yourself facing difficulty during travels.

Last but no least, keep alert by using all of your senses when moving. Stepping out while listingen to music through your headphones will leavee you unaware of approaching sources which could be either upsetting or even menaceing.

Use Ride-Sharing or Public Transportation:

Exploring Nashville has never been easier. Whether it’s a rental car or more budget friendly options like Uber or Lyft, there are plenty of ways to get around and experience the sights that Music City has to offer.

Public transportation also serves as an excellent way to go regardless of destination, utilizing transportation such as the Music City Star or the Nashville MTA.

However, security is essential when trying out new methods of transportation so make sure to verify helpful checkpoints like checking the ID of your driver and double checking the vehicle that you’re getting in before commuting.

As always, it’s always key to remember safety and well-being in any sort of travel scenarios communication with someone close by is exceptionally instrumental!

Don’t Leave Your Belongings Unattended:

Leaving your belongings unattended can invite unfortunate circumstances. Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings, especially if you’re in a public place.

Make it as hard as possible for someone specialising in snatching bags and phones by having them close and in sight at all time.

Furthermore, don’t go leaving valuables visible in your car when away from it. Doing so can easily attract criminals or thieves, leaving you out of pocket or without important belongings necessary to daily life.

Therefore, ensure items are stowed away properly when away from your automotive vehicle.

Avoid Overindulging in Alcohol:

Nashville is a sophisticated city known for its memorable music, lively nightlife and variety of drinks.

However, it’s essential to consume these alcoholic delights responsibly to fully enjoy the experience. Steer clear of overindulging in alcohol or any expectations therein, as knowing your limit is key.

When out with friends keep that in mind and designate a driver prior to heading out or arrange a safe ride home via a ride sharing service.

Proactive safety measures go beyond not allowing beverages room to be tampered with so make sure not to leave either your own party’s cups behind or accept newcomers’ drinks from strangers.

Enjoy your Nashville outing while at the same time contributing to community!

Research Your Accommodation and Neighborhood:

Make sure to do your research before booking accommodations. Scour reviews from previous guests and take note of areas with high crime rates.

Figure out what safety and security measures are in place for the hotel you’re considering–you can do this by either checking the hotel website or calling them directly.

Going the extra mile to seek out reliable information will leave you feeling extra reassured that your stay is up to par when it comes to keeping you safe.

Don’t discount reviews mentioning any safety concerns either, as they’ll provide great insight on how engaging an establishment is on security issues.

Making these precautions before booking accommodation will serve both your peace of mind and an assurance of a pleasant stay in Nashville!

Carry a Self-Defense Tool:

Carry a self-defense tool, such as pepper spray, with you at all times.

This tool can help you protect yourself if you find yourself in a dangerous situation.

However, make sure to check the legalities of carrying a self-defense tool in Nashville, as some items may be against the law.

Always Trust Your Instincts:

Though there is always safety in numbers, it is best not to take unnecessary risks when you’re already apprehensive about yielding yourself to an environment.

Listening to your inner voice can provide the edge(defense) you need for staying safe. If at any point you find yourself in a difficult or isolated location like a dimly lit alley or heavily populated metro platform, timely use of your ears and eyes can save you from perilous possibilities.

Being friendly and polite go a long way too. When necessary, asking for help from people nearby can be of great assistance in keeping you safe.

Whether it be from store personnel or police officers, they can provide additional security measures when needed.

Final Verdict

As discussed in this guide, Nashville is generally a safe and vibrant city. It has gone through a lot of ups and downs throughout its history, but it has always been able to rise above and come back even stronger.

Criminals will always exist no matter where you are, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Don’t forget the importance of local police and community outreach efforts. There are numerous initiatives that have arisen in the area such as neighborhood watch programs, citizens on patrol drives and more that aim to make Nashville a safer place for all.

With careful planning, thoughtful consideration and active duty from the community members themselves, we can work together to make Nashville an even better city for everyone. Safe travels!

FAQs