Is Nashville safe to visit? A comprehensive safety guide

Nashville, Tennessee, is an unmissable city, especially for music lovers. It’s called Music City, with one of the world’s best music scenes, featuring music festivals, songwriting activities, concerts, and live music performances throughout the city center and beyond. But if you’re not into music, you won’t be bored in the capital of Tennessee with numerous historical attractions, including the iconic Parthenon that stands proudly at the heart of Centennial Park.

In 1806, Nashville was chartered as a city and became the state’s political center. The advent of the railroads in the 1850s further augmented its commercial significance. Its population and economy grew rapidly in the first decade of the twentieth century and emerged as the center of American country music. Today, it is Tennessee’s largest city, with nearly 700,000 people and 14.4 million visitors just in 2022.

The peak time for visiting Nashville is summer, though the warm weather from April to October brings the city to life. Whenever you plan to visit, prioritize personal safety and protect your belongings by leaving them with Bounce luggage storage in Nashville. Be a wise traveler and learn as much as you can about Nashville safety to fully enjoy your adventure.

Is Nashville safe to visit right now?

Generally, Nashville is a safe destination for tourists, and you can explore its impressive attractions and watch live shows without experiencing any threat to your safety. However, keep in mind that it does have a medium risk with a crime rate higher than the national average.

Despite the high average crime rate, your likelihood of becoming a victim of a violent crime or a property crime in Nashville is pretty low. The only safety concerns you might encounter are petty crimes like purse snatching and pickpocketing. As you prepare for the common risks in the city, you can travel with confidence and less stress.

Of course, we'll provide you with essential travel tips and information, but your well-being and the safety of your belongings are your responsibility. If you’re not an experienced traveler, do additional research and be familiar with your destination. There is nothing more important than knowing about the place you're visiting.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or not, always check your government’s official travel guidelines for the city or country you plan to visit before starting your journey. Be prepared for everything, especially when entering unfamiliar territory.

Top petty crimes and scams in Nashville affecting tourists

As the most populous city in Tennessee, Nashville has its fair share of petty crimes and scams. Although it has high violent crime rates, tourists are less likely to witness violence in Nashville unless they frequent the rough areas of the city. Below are the common petty offenses in the capital and ways to protect yourself and your belongings.

Pickpocketing and purse snatching

Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in large cities like Nashville, whether in the morning or at night. Pickpocketing isn’t a new problem, especially in crowded areas in downtown Nashville and Broadway bars, targeting people’s wallets, cell phones, and purses.

To avoid getting taken advantage of by those sneaky criminals, avoid being easily distracted, especially when exploring high-traffic areas. Always walk with a purpose, making you look tougher to swindle and appear more vigilant. Don’t wear expensive jewelry while traveling or bring loads of cash. Also, don’t rush to buy souvenirs or costly gifts only to have them stolen minutes later. It’s best to drop them off with Bounce at a reliable luggage storage spot for maximum safety.

Event scams

Nashville is no stranger to thrilling events, and it makes any excuse to throw music shows and parties. Unfortunately, some of them have turned out to be nothing but scams. You see it and get so excited. You buy a ticket online and later realize you’ve been scammed.

Scams are everywhere online, and scammers are becoming more sophisticated than ever, tricking unsuspected people. Avoid buying tickets from social media. You should check the official website, read online reviews, and look for a refund policy. If you get less information than this, you must think twice before purchasing a ticket to the event.

Mugging

With property crimes higher than the average in Nashville, you should treat mugging as a medium risk in the city. The best way to reduce your exposure to being victimized is not to appear like the ideal target. Avoid displaying your wealth and send the message that you’re confident, calm, and know where you’re going. If you come face-to-face with a robber, don’t resist and follow instructions. Then immediately report to the police. Remain alert and observe those around you.

Is Nashville safe to travel alone

Yes, Nashville is a relatively safe city to visit and discover for solo travelers. According to the Bounce Women Travel Safety Index, sixty-two percent of women feel safe walking alone at night in the United States. The country is also one of the most peaceful cities for women, with a 0.861 Women Peace and Security Index score, so solo female travelers don’t have to worry about any immediate danger while touring the capital of Tennessee.

Nashville is a famous spot for reunions, bachelorette parties, girlfriend getaway weekends, and solo female backpackers, and it wouldn’t be the case if it’s risky for women. But no matter where you go, you should exercise caution and stay in public and well-lit areas. If you want to enjoy the city’s colorful music scene and nightlife, don’t travel inebriated or take public transportation late at night. You should also never accept drinks from strangers.

Safest neighborhoods in Nashville

Staying safe in Nashville doesn’t have to be challenging if you know where to go. But as with any metropolitan area, this dynamic city has some shady areas where crimes are more likely to happen. For your guide, here are a few safe Nashville neighborhoods to add to your itinerary and unsafe places you’ll want to avoid.

Poplar Creek Estates

With a 75% lower crime rate than the US average, Poplar Creek Estates is one of the safest neighborhoods, not only in Nashville or Tennessee but in the whole country. The entire area is bordered by woods and fields, making it ideal for nature lovers. For those who prefer shopping and dining over exploring the outdoors, Poplar Creek Estates also has many options for you to visit.

Belle Meade

Compared to the average US total crime rate, Belle Meade scored 54% lower, meaning it’s relatively safer than most neighborhoods. While in the city, you can enjoy its historic tours, learn about the history of Belle Meade, and enjoy Southern food and wine. You’ll also have a lot of fun exploring the streets and taking in the picturesque views.

Edmondson-Cloverland

Another safe Nashville neighborhood is the Edmondson-Cloverland. There are 2,072 crimes per 100K people, 60% lower than the average rate in the city. Its population density is also 58% less than Nashville’s average. This makes Edmondson-Cloverland great for a quiet and peaceful stay in the city. In general, there’s not much going on in this area, which can be a good thing, safety-wise.

While there’s no 100 percent crime-free place in Nashville, some areas have higher crime rates than others. Some of the dangerous neighborhoods here include Glencliff, Talbot’s Corner, and the central parts of Antioch. You must also be aware of high-traffic parts of town like East Nashville and downtown Nashville where petty thieves are lurking around.

Is Nashville public transportation safe?

There are many ways to get around Nashville, but the most common is by bus. There are several stations throughout the city, going by hourly trips. There’s a low risk of danger when taking public transportation, but it may increase during big events due to the influx of tourists.

If you’re unfamiliar with the routes, consider taking a taxi or using ride-share applications such as Uber or Lyft. Hailing a cab or booking a ride online is easy enough, as thousands operate in the country daily.

Like with everywhere else, observe the usual safety precautions. When taking public transportation, be mindful of your belongings, as there’s a medium risk of pickpocketing in the city. When traveling at night, avoid dimly lit areas, and go by large groups if possible. Also, if you’re exploring the city by car, make sure to lock it all the time, as Nashville has quite a reputation for car theft and car break-ins.

Important emergency numbers in Nashville

You might not have time to search for emergency numbers or are too stressed to think straight if disaster strikes. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have the city’s emergency numbers on your phone before traveling. Also, be sure you’re aware of your embassy number—just in case.

• US Country code: +1
• Nashville area code: 615
• Emergencies: 911
• Non-emergencies: 311 or (615) 862-8600
• Translation services: (615) 741-7579
• Metropolitan Nashville Police Department: (615) 862-7400
• Fire Department: 615-862-5421
• Office of Emergency Management: (615) 862-8530

Travel safely to Nashville

Although Nashville is far from perfect with petty crimes and scams that could ruin your travel experience, they can easily be avoided by common sense and situational awareness on your part. Anyone can have a safe and fun trip to Music City, but it requires adequate preparation and following safety tips and regulations. Take sensible precautions and be aware of your surroundings, whether traveling alone or with a group.

Get additional information on How to Get Around Nashville and check out our guide on Where to Stay in Nashville: The Ultimate Guide. Stay informed to make sound decisions.