Nashville is generally regarded as a safe city for tourists. But, like any city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings when visiting Nashville.
To determine if Nashville is suitable given your tolerance for risk, you must consider factors like the crime rate and where you plan to stay. This article will discuss some of the more common concerns you may face in Nashville and help ensure that your trip is as pleasant as possible.
As someone familiar with the area, I can guide you to the safest sections in Nashville and give you tips on what to look out for during your visit here.
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Is Nashville Safe?
In general, Nashville is considered reasonably safe for visitors. That said, Nashville does have a crime rate above the national average, so sightseers should remain cognizant of their surroundings as they would in any major urban center.
Nashville has experienced considerable demographic changes over recent years as its citizenry and recognition have dramatically increased. This swift transformation means that some locales now have very different characteristics.
Nashville’s rate for both violent crime and property crime is above the national average. However, this doesn’t mean that tourists are likely to be victims of violent crimes or property crimes.
Generally, most crimes do not occur in the areas frequented by visitors. Public places where you’ll find all the best activities to engage in Nashville are usually safe.
When evaluating the safety level of Nashville, you’ll also need to consider other environmental aspects. Potential meteorological matters can influence your trip as well. The state of these factors can fluctuate rapidly, relying upon the timing of your visit, so it’s wise to check the most up-to-date weather reports before exploring Nashville.
Things to Know About Safety in Nashville
Safe Neighborhoods and Areas in Nashville
In general, most places that tourists frequent are considered safe. Popular zones like Downtown Nashville, Midtown, and Music Valley are busy for most of the day and evening.
While you should be aware of your surroundings, the average tourist is not likely to encounter any problems.
One of the kids also motivated our last trip to Mesa Verde National Park. She`d just finished examining Colorado history in the fourth grade and wanted to see the cliff dwellings she learned about for herself.
Outside the city center, there exist numerous other regions of Nashville that are safe to explore on foot especially during daylight hours when locals are also around.
There are a few regions where the criminal rate is significantly higher than the criminal rate in the rest of the city. Many neighborhoods, especially in East Nashville, have become safer throughout the past several years. But there are a few areas that visitors should still avoid for now.
It is advised that visitors steer clear of the following areas in Nashville:
- Heron Walk
- Talbot’s Corner
- Glencliff
- Bordeaux
All of these areas have high rates of violent crime and property crime in relation to the number of Nashville inhabitants living there. There isn’t much for visitors to do in those areas anyway, so they aren`t difficult to avoid.
For assistance selecting the perfect Nashville neighbourhood for your visit, read our guide about where to lodge in Nashville. You can also just abide by my Nashville weekend itinerary for an effortless way to plan the perfect trip.
Crime in Nashville
The violent crime rate in Nashville is higher than the average national criminal activity rate in the U.S., but the city remains generally safe for visitors. Acts of violence tend to occur mostly in a few clustered locations in Nashville rather than throughout the entire city.
While the crime rate is higher than typical for a U.S. city, the instances of crime remain lower than throughout most of the 90s and early 2000s. In fact, violent criminal offense has minimized in the past year. However, property theft, specifically auto theft has amplified.
While the property crime rate in Nashville exceeds the national average, this does not necessarily mean that tourists will encounter such problems.
The Nashville Police Department advises that visitors refrain from leaving valuables inside automobiles or unsecured in hotel rooms. Both of these steps are actions most travelers typically take.
Locals, as well as visitors, frequently get reminders to secure their vehicles. Property crime commonly occurs when it`s dark, but all should lock their vehicles when parking during the day too.
Common Scams in Nashville
Street scams are not very common in Nashville. There are just a few things to watch out for during your visit.
👜 Pickpocketing – This dishonest tactic can happen in any city. Keep your purse and valuables near you while in crowded areas. That being said, Nashville doesn’t have too many instances of pickpocketing, even in places where people are drinking heavily and clustered together listening to music.
👮 Fake tickets warning – When buying tickets to shows online, make sure that you are purchasing through an official channel. You don’t want to get to your event and find out that you bought a fake ticket from an online scammer.
Hazardous Weather and Natural Disasters
The climate in Nashville is generally safe most of the time. Yet, conditions can become hazardous with comparatively little forewarning. It is crucial that visitors be conscious of the prediction prior to and during their trips.
Depending on the season, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, or icy conditions are possible. Check for alerts that may occur during your visit. Follow the advised guidelines if any warnings or watches are issued.
Nashville also has a system of loud tornado warning sirens. You will certainly be able to hear them if they sound off. Most places in the city have emergency plans intended to guide visitors to safety in dangerous situations.
To learn more about what can be expected during the different seasons in Nashville, see my guide to The Best Times to Visit Nashville.
Drinking Water Safety
The tap water in Nashville meets all standards established at the federal and state level. It is safe for visitors and residents to drink the water in Nashville.
4 Safety Tips for Nashville
Safety Tip #1 – Lock Your Vehicle
Lock your car whenever you park it somewhere. The most common property crimes in Nashville involve car theft and break-ins. Making sure that your car is locked and that there are no valuables inside helps reduce your risk of being a victim of property crime.
Vehicle break-ins are reported more often during the summer at Nashville’s parks. Each year, the Nashville Police Department reminds citizens to secure their vehicles in these locations. Visitors should be aware of this concern, too.
Safety Tip #2 – Be Aware of Your Surroundings
While most places tourists go are reasonably safe, it`s possible to inadvertently enter riskier zones in a few neighborhoods. For example, East Nashville is a popular area that`s mainly safe, but there are isolated pockets to steer clear of. If surroundings drastically change or something seems amiss, head back the way you came.
Safety Tip #3 – Plan Your Transportation in Advance
If you’ll be out at night, figure out how to get home in advance. If you plan to drink late, either plan ahead to have someone else in your party drive or plan to book a rideshare. Tourists sometimes have issues finding their way back after drinking heavily.
Safety Tip #4 – Go Out With a Group at Night
Nashville is protected for solo travelers, but if you plan to spend a lot of time enjoying the nightlife, go out with a group of companions. Then, you can look out for each other and everyone in your group will be less inclined to be a victim of crime. Downtown Broadway is an enjoyable place to party as long as you recollect to stay safe.
Speaking of going out, be sure to check out my list of the 13 best places for listening to music in Nashville. You can also see my full list of Nashville tips for more.
FAQs About Safety in Nashville
Is Nashville Tennessee a safe city?
Nashville generally has a safe environment for tourists. Like any large city, visitors must stay aware of their surroundings.
What should I avoid in Nashville?
When exploring Nashville at night, avoid dimly lit areas with few other people, as most tourist spots in the city are generally safe.
Are there bad areas in Nashville?
While much of Nashville is safe, there are some risky parts of the city. The most secure neighborhoods in Nashville for tourists are Downtown, Midtown, the Gulch, West End, Hillsboro Village, and Music Valley.
Is Nashville safe to walk at night?
Walking in Nashville at night is safest in well-lit areas with many other tourists. Avoid isolated or unfamiliar locations. Going out at night in a group is advisable. While violent criminal acts are rare in tourist spots, they do unfortunately occur more often after dark than daytime hours.
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That’s it for my guide to safety in Nashville.
With any luck, you now have a clearer picture of what to anticipate in Nashville and what aspects to be cognizant of during your time in the city. Be sure to review my guide to the top-rated restaurants in Nashville as you plan your trip.”
Enjoy your time in Music City!
