Is Nashville safe? What you should know

Posted Dec 3, 2024

The capital of Tennessee, Nashville, is also called the "Music City!" Country tunes play non-stop, the food’s packed with flavor, and the streets are lined with music legends! Whether you're here to dance the night away, explore the great outdoors, or enjoy a plate of hot chicken, there’s plenty to keep you busy!

But before you dive into the fun, let’s talk about how to keep things safe and smooth during your stay. You’ll get some tips on how to navigate the city safely from public transport to driving and biking. In this guide, you’ll also dive into local culture and how to connect with friendly Nashvillians!

Of course, no visit would be complete without experiencing nature, so get ready to explore some of Nashville’s best outdoor spots for hiking, swimming, and more! Plus, you need to know how to handle emergencies. So, buckle up (or put on your boots) and let’s get ready for a fun, safe, and unforgettable Nashville adventure!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Nashville

Nashville is generally a safe city, but it does have a higher violent crime rate than the national average. Violent crimes don't usually affect tourists, but just for extra safety, check out some tips on how you can reduce the chance of anything happening while you're visiting Nashville! Read on for some info to help you feel as safe as possible!

Getting from the airport to Nashville city center

Did you just touch down at Nashville International Airport? Welcome! If you want to get to the downtown Nashville area, just grab the number 18 train from the airport and you'll be there in just half an hour! And if you want to jump right into exploring, the Country Music Hall of Fame is minutes away!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Nashville

There are some common scams you should always look out for. Here's what we've encountered:

Sob story scam: People will come up to you with all kinds of sob stories to try and fish some money out of you. Some of them are so notorious that they have their own Facebook page! A woman whose name starts with S will ask you if you've got money for a hotel so she can get away from an abusive relationship. She's been getting away with it for years, and it’s hard not to give her credit for persistence!
Fake donations scam: You might also run into some kids raising money for their basketball team. This is just one example, but the sad part is that they're being used to get money from locals and tourists. The kids are victims too, so getting angry won't solve anything. You usually can't tell if a street charity is real or not, so don't take the risk.

Is tap water in Nashville safe to drink?

Yes, Nashville, like some other cities, gets its water from the Cumberland River. The quality is constantly monitored, so you don't need to worry about drinking it. The US has strict quality requirements, and you can relax.

Safe accommodation options in Nashville

Here are three of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville, each with lovely accommodation options:

If you're looking for an upscale neighborhood for your stay in Nashville, Belle Meade is it! It's got posh homes, historic charm, and a peaceful vibe thanks to its remarkably low crime rate! The Belle Meade Mansion is about $250 a night with cozy, vintage-style rooms. There are some amazing personal touches that you'll easily spot. Plus, its closeness to Belle Meade Plantation makes it even better.
Green Hills is the place to stay if you're looking for shopping ops in Nashville! The Mall at Green Hills is perfect for shopping and dining with the family, so make a day of it! Hilton Green Hills is about $180 a night and it's got a rooftop pool with a bar!
Trendy and vibrant, The Gulch is a hotspot for foodies and music lovers. Its focus on urban safety makes it very appealing to visitors. If you're looking for more luxurious Nashville hotels, Thompson Nashville has boutique and stylish decor at about $300 a night.

East Nashville is also pretty safe and close to the Grand Ole Opry music venue. If you want to watch out for a few neighborhoods that are a bit more dangerous, those are Buena Vista Heights, McKissack Park, and North Nashville.

Pro tip: If you're here to enjoy the local music scene, many venues don't allow large luggage items or extra bags. So, just find a Bounce storage location near you and leave your suitcase, baby stroller, or anything else with us! We're dedicated to making your stay as comfortable as possible so if you need anything, feel free to contact our 24/7 support team!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Keep reading if you want some tips on Tennessee culture, so you can blend in with the locals:

Nashvillians are famous for their southern friendliness and charm! Feel free to strike up the conversation anytime!
"Y'all" is a common abbreviation of "you all," and it’s used a lot when addressing people. So don't let it confuse you, even when it’s just you and a friendly local chatting.
Nashville has a laid-back vibe, so embrace it, and take things nice and slow!
Tipping is standard in America and 15-20% is expected.
The LGBTQ+ scene is vibrant in Nashville, with an exciting Pride Festival happening every year!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

We've got some top tips so you can maximize your safety while you travel around the city:

Nashville public transportation is pretty solid. The buses and commuter trains are usually the best choices, and you can use the WeGo Public Transit system to figure everything out easily!
Ubers are always a good choice for a bit more comfort and convenience.
If you're driving in Nashville, watch out for the steep hills! They can be a challenge especially when it's raining or if you've got a manual and don't want to risk damaging an automatic rental.
You can rent a bike with BCycle (HA!), but remember those steep hills!
Stay on lit paths and stations when you're biking at night!

Nature and Nashville: Tips to keep in mind

Nashville’s got some awesome outdoor spots for nature lovers, and there are plenty of places to swim, hike, and just soak in the beauty!

If you're looking for beaches near Nashville, Percy Priest Lake, Cummins Falls, and Old Hickory Lake are nice options. With sandy beaches, cool water, and water sports, it's fun for everyone!
Radnor Lake State Park, Laurel Woods Trail, and Burgess Falls are the best hikes around Nashville! From strolls to tough hikes, they have it all!
Nashville woods have a lot of snakes, spiders, and coyotes. Arachnophobes, take a note!
If a snake or spider bites you, get it checked out and describe the animal to the doctor if you managed to get a good look.
If a wild coyote bites you, which is unlikely, immediately check yourself in and get a rabies shot. It’s always better safe than sorry!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to stay safe and healthy during your visit:

When going anywhere (especially America), always grab travel insurance in case of health scares. The costs can be through the roof!
Grab an Uber if your life isn't in immediate danger. Ambulances are expensive.
If you've got a severe food allergy, always bring an EpiPen with you.
911 will get you through to an ambulance, police, or fire department.

So, is Nashville safe?

Yes, it's as safe for tourists as any other city! It is among the more dangerous cities in the US to live in, but it's fine for short trips! Just keep in mind the tips about nature, scams, and getting around the city, and you'll be fine! And if you need to leave anything with Bounce, know that your stuff is safe with our $10,000 protection plan!