Safest Areas in and Around Nashville

Because it developed as an epicenter of higher education, the nickname “Athens of the South” was coined for Nashville, Tennessee. But that’s just one aspect of the city’s charm. Nashville is known as a cultural touchstone for country music, too. There are also museums, historic landmarks, and a burgeoning food scene. Long story short, Nashville can be a nice place to live.

In this article, we highlight some of the safest areas in and around Nashville, based on available public crime data and resident feedback.

How We Identified Nashville, TN’s Safest Neighborhoods

These selections are based on crime statistics from the FBI Crime Data Explorer and safety rankings from local analysis sites like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes. We also considered community engagement, lighting, walkability, and overall resident sentiment. While no neighborhood is completely free of crime, the following areas in Nashville consistently rank among the lowest in reported incidents and are often praised for their safety-focused community culture.

Safest Areas in and Around Nashville

Edmonson – Cloverland

Edmonson – Cloverland leads this listing of the safest areas in Nashville, Tennessee. The area’s 2,497 denizens experience 93 percent less crime than the city of Nashville as a whole. Reporting 380 crimes per 100,000 people, Edmonson-Cloverland’s crime rate is also 82% lower than the national average. However, one must be quite well heeled to live there, which is one of the reasons its livability score is below average at 58/100. One must also have a car to live there comfortably. The median home value in the area is $747,000, and rents average $1,800 monthly. Still, Edmonson-Cloverland is a welcoming suburban neighborhood in southeast Nashville, featuring well-maintained homes, tree-lined streets and local parks that foster community events and outdoor activities.

Poplar Creek Estates

Poplar Creek Estates offers a peaceful, family-friendly environment with large single-family homes built primarily around 1993. Situated 15 miles southwest of downtown Nashville, Poplar Creek Estates’ hilly terrain is surrounded by dense woodlands. As a result, its 816 residents are largely car dependent, which contributes to its average livability score of 61/100. Home prices are higher in the neighborhood as well. Median home values are approximately $534,125. On the other hand, the crime rate in the area is 93% lower than Nashville as a whole and 82% lower than the national average. Poplar Creek Estates is said to experience 388 crimes per 100,000 people. Tree-lined streets, well-kept yards, sidewalks, a strong sense of community and dog-friendliness are among the neighborhood’s leading attributes.

West Meade

West Meade is known for its spacious lots, mature trees and family-friendly vibe. The neighborhood offers a quiet retreat, with easy access to downtown Nashville, blending natural beauty with convenience—if you have a car. Despite having some of the highest home values in Nashville, West Meade’s livability score of 50/100, which is below average for the US, can be partially attributed to that fact. West Meade is also quite expensive, with home values in the area ranging from $700,000 to over $1 million. Approximately 9,926 residents of Nashville live there, with a very low crime rate of 560 per 100,000 people. The area is reported to experience 90% less crime than Nashville as a whole and 74% less than the national average.

RELATED: THE MOST DANGEROUS AREAS IN AND AROUND NASHVILLE

Rachel Jackson

Rachel Jackson blends historic charm with modern living. Named after the wife of the seventh US president—Andrew Jackson—the neighborhood offers a central location, strong safety, and community appeal. Home to 677 of Nashville’s citizens, Rachel Jackson’s crime rate of 578 per 100,000 people ranks it as having 90% less crime than Nashville as a whole, and 73% less than the national average. The neighborhood’s livability score comes in below average at 56/100, mostly due to the fact that amenities are limited and the cost of living is high. On the other hand, Rachel Jackson’s central positioning ensures easy access to downtown via major roads and public transit.

Hermitage Hills

Hermitage Hills, a suburban neighborhood in southeast Nashville, is appreciated for its family-friendly environment and convenient access to urban amenities. Hermitage Hills blends peaceful residential living with proximity to parks, shopping, and downtown Nashville, which is a 20-minute drive away. Home to some 2,246 residents of Music City, the area is reported to have a crime rate of 1,160 crimes per 100,000 people. This gives it 79% less crime than Nashville overall. The crime rate in Hermitage Hills is also 45% lower than the national average. Featuring midsize single-family homes, with a mix of owner-occupied properties and some apartments, the community scores a 64/100 in terms of livability.

What Makes These Neighborhoods Safer

While every part of the city has unique characteristics, the neighborhoods above tend to share several safety-positive traits:

Active neighborhood associations and community events
Higher levels of homeownership
Better lighting and street visibility
Access to parks, schools, and public services
Residents who take initiative with watch programs or local communication

Local police departments also maintain a presence in many of these areas, further supporting public trust and responsiveness.

Best Practices for Keeping a Safe Neighborhood Safe

Even in low-crime areas, staying vigilant helps preserve that sense of security. These everyday habits contribute to neighborhood safety:

Keep porch lights and entryways well-lit at night
Use motion-sensor lighting or camera doorbells
Lock all doors and windows, even during the day
Join or start a neighborhood watch
Coordinate with neighbors via apps like Nextdoor or Citizen
Report concerns quickly to Nashville Crime Stoppers online, or phone 615.74.CRIME

Neighborhood safety is strongest when residents work together and stay informed.

RELATED: TOP NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH APPS

How Guardian Protection Can Help

If you live in one of Nashville, TN’s safer neighborhoods, you might not feel the same urgency around home security, but prevention is always better than reaction. Guardian Protection offers peace of mind that complements the environment you’ve chosen to live in.

Our smart home security options include:

Indoor and outdoor security cameras with live mobile access
Window and door sensors to detect intrusion
Smart home control and mobile app management to keep you informed when you’re away
24/7 professional monitoring for rapid response

Whether you live in Edmonson–Cloverland, West Meade, or another low-crime area in Nashville, our systems are designed to fit your lifestyle and your neighborhood’s needs.

EXPLORE GUARDIAN’S SERVICES IN YOUR AREA: HOME SECURITY IN NASHVILLE

Building Peace of Mind at Home

Choosing a safe neighborhood is a smart move, but true peace of mind comes from knowing your home is protected, no matter what. Guardian Protection offers home security solutions that fit seamlessly into low-crime, community-focused areas.

Looking to reinforce your sense of safety? Get a free quote or call 615.398.8721 to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safest areas in and around Nashville?

Areas such as Edmonson–Cloverland, Poplar Creek Estates, West Meade, Rachel Jackson, and Hermitage Hills consistently rank among the safest in and around Nashville based on public crime data and resident feedback.

Are Nashville, TN, suburbs safer than the city?

Many suburbs do report lower overall crime rates compared to Nashville, TN’s urban core. However, several Nashville neighborhoods, particularly those recognized for safety and community cohesiveness, are just as safe or even safer than some suburban areas.

What types of crime are most common in safer areas?

In neighborhoods with low crime rates, incidents typically involve occasional vehicle break-ins or minor vandalism. Violent crime is rare but not impossible anywhere, so vigilance and community action remain important.

What makes neighborhoods like Edmonson-Cloverland and Poplar Creek Estates safe?

Their safety comes from a combination of factors: active neighborhood associations, high homeownership rates, good street lighting, proximity to parks and schools, and engaged residents who participate in watch programs and communicate effectively with local police.