Most Dangerous Areas In and Around Nashville

According to data provided by NeighborhoodScout, Nashville scores a total crime index rating of two on a scale of 100, meaning crime levels are higher than in most U.S. cities overall. However, crime is not evenly distributed. Some neighborhoods and nearby areas experience significantly higher rates of violent and property crime than others. Based on publicly available data and community safety discussions, the following areas consistently report some of the highest crime levels in and around Nashville.

RELATED: NASHVILLE CRIME RATE STATISTICS

The Most Dangerous Areas in and Around Nashville

Tennessee’s most populous city, Nashville is also known as “Music City” for its place in country music lore. The city’s rich musical heritage is accompanied by its penchant for Southern hospitality, as well as its historic landmarks and growing culinary scene. As a result, people are drawn to Nashville for live music performances, cultural sites and modern attractions. However, the city does have problem areas that make home security systems in Nashville a valuable asset. Based on the latest crime data from AreaVibes, the following Nashville neighborhoods have the highest reported crime rates.

Shepherd Hills

Shepherd Hills, on the southeast side of Nashville, ranks number one among the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city, according to AreaVibes. With a quoted population of 482, Shepherd Hills’ violent crime rate is reported at 5,623 incidents per 100,000 people. That figure is 400% higher than Nashville in general and 401% higher than that of the nation as a whole.  Rental costs in the area are unusually high—177% above Nashville averages—creating socioeconomic strain, despite decent incomes for employed residents. High unemployment, gang activity and drug issues are cited as key concerns in the area. Property crimes contribute heavily to Shepherd Hill’s exceedingly high crime rate.

Elizabeth Park

Elizabeth Park’s population numbers some 1,503 residents. The area’s reported violent crime rate is 5,459 per 100k people. This gives it 386% more crime than Nashville in general and 544% more than the national average. Elizabeth Park has experienced persistently high crime rates over the past five years, with no clear downward trend based on available reports. A small, low-income neighborhood near the city’s downtown district, robberies, burglaries, assaults and vehicle thefts are among the area’s oft-cited concerns. Summer months bring elevated activity due to factors like youth gangs. 

Buena Vista Heights

Buena Vista Heights, located in the northwest part of Nashville, experiences a high volume of property crimes, most notably theft and burglary. Assault ranks as the area’s leading violent offense. Home to an estimated 1,732 Nashvillians, Buena Vista Heights’ violent crime rate of 3,912 incidents per 100,000 residents is 248% higher than Nashville as a whole. That figure is also 426% higher than the nationwide average. Evening hours account for most of Buena Vista Heights’ incidents—especially the property crimes which are prevalent there. Violent crimes like robberies tend to rise in the area after dark.

RELATED: SAFEST AREAS IN AND AROUND NASHVILLE

Cumberland Gardens

Cumberland Gardens, situated on Nashville’s southeast side, is home to an estimated 792 residents of the Nashville area. The neighborhood is reported to experience approximately 3,517 crimes per 100k people. This is 213% more crime than Nashville as a whole and 511% more than the U.S. in general. Cumberland Gardens’ woes stem from unemployment and urban decay. Cumberland Gardens is also described as a neighborhood with high childhood poverty. While recent statistics indicate assault, burglary, and theft as the most frequent criminal incidents in the area, Cumberland Gardens is reportedly undergoing a degree of gentrification.

Talbot’s Corner

Talbot’s Corner is the most populous area on this list of the most dangerous areas in Nashville, TN. The area’s 12,018 residents are contending with socioeconomic challenges and the urban pressures that can result. Poverty and economic disadvantage drive much of the crime in the neighborhood, as high unemployment and low-income households predominate. Despite overall crime reductions in Nashville, Talbot’s Corner’s crime statistics remain consistently higher than those of the city as a whole. With a rate of 2,844 crimes per 100,000 people, Talbot’s Corner experiences 153% more crime than Nashville in general, and 315% more than the national average. Gang activity and drug-related issues contribute heavily to the neighborhood’s elevated crime rates.

Factors That May Contribute to Crime Rates

While no single factor defines a neighborhood, areas that report higher crime activity often experience a mix of environmental and economic stressors. These may include:

• Limited access to social services
• Higher poverty or unemployment rates
• Under-resourced infrastructure
• Fewer community programs or patrols

With that in mind, it’s important to note that crime data doesn’t always define a neighborhood’s character or potential. Many of these communities are home to dedicated residents and local organizations working toward positive change.

Best Practices If You Live in a High-Crime Area

Being proactive doesn’t require a major investment, even simple steps can improve safety and visibility:

• Keep your property well-lit at night
• Always lock doors, windows, and vehicles
• Install visible cameras or video doorbells
• Join or start a neighborhood watch
• Coordinate with neighbors via apps like Nextdoor or Citizen
• Report suspicious activity to Nashville Crime Stoppers online, or phone 615.74.CRIME

Crime prevention starts with community awareness and consistent action.

RELATED: TOP NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH APPS

How Guardian Protection Can Help

For residents concerned about home safety, technology can add an extra layer of awareness and deterrence. Guardian Protection offers tools designed to support proactive security, including:

• Outdoor security cameras with motion-triggered alerts
• Video doorbells that record and notify in real time
• Smart sensors to monitor doors and windows
• 24/7 professional monitoring for fast emergency response

Our systems help families stay informed and connected, even when they’re not at home.

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

Building a Safer Nashville Together

Crime data can be helpful for awareness, but it doesn’t tell the full story. What matters most is how communities respond. Whether you’re already involved in local safety efforts or just looking to protect your household, every step makes a difference.

Guardian Protection is proud to support Nashville homeowners with home security solutions that fit your neighborhood’s needs.

Ready to feel more secure? Get your free quote or call 615.398.8721 to learn more.