Home > Moving > City Guides > Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Nashville
Skyline of tall buildings on sunny day in Downtown Nashville.

Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Nashville

Thinking about moving to Nashville? Music City isn’t just home to iconic country music history—it also offers affordable housing options, safe neighborhoods, and a growing job market, making it a great place to settle down. Here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Nashville to check out!

Germantown

A post shared by @instagram

  • Home Price: $368,900 median purchase price; $1,755 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Nashville neighborhoods
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals

Germantown offers everything young adults could want in a neighborhood while also being one of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville! Located within walking distance of Downtown Nashville, this area is filled with plenty of apartments, condos, and townhomes in new and restored buildings, as well as Italianate-style homes. Housing options are also in the midst of a variety of coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars, so you’re never far from fun things to do. Beginning as the city’s first official suburb, Germantown is now a central part of Nashville, a registered historic district, and a designated city arboretum, thanks to its more than 100 different tree species growing in the area. Residents can celebrate the neighborhood’s Germanic roots during Nashville Oktoberfest, an annual event featuring live music, German food and beer, a kids play zone, and more across ten city blocks.

Things to Do in Germantown

Head to First Horizon Park and catch a home run ball from the Nashville Sounds (MiLB). Venture to the Nashville Farmers Market to pick up fresh produce, buy a bouquet of flowers, or grab a bite to eat at the Market House. Take a small-group strength and conditioning class at the 24-hour ProVita Fitness. Explore exhibits like Tennessee Time Tunnel or Forging a Nation while strolling through the Tennessee State Museum. Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and a breakfast biscuit at Barista Parlor. Fill your belly with traditional Southern favorites like Fried Catfish or Pulled BBQ Pork at the original Monell’s. Go out for dinner and enjoy a Shocker, Cowboy, or Elvis burger from Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint. Or pick up a State Street Spinach deep-dish pizza, Wrigley Dog, and Mozzarella Sticks from 312 Pizza Company.

Green Hills

A post shared by @instagram

  • Home Price: $491,215 median purchase price; $1,154 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Nashville neighborhoods
  • Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees

One of the best neighborhoods in Nashville for those who’d prefer to live closer to the edge of the city is Green Hills! With a good mix of housing options—ranging from affordable apartments and townhomes to cozy bungalows and two-story Colonials—you can find the perfect home in this suburban neighborhood. For families who want good local education options, Green Hills is also home to some of Nashville’s top public schools, including Julia Green Elementary School and J.T. Moore Middle School. And young professionals or families with college-aged children can benefit from nearby higher education at Lipscomb University.

Things to Do in Green Hills

Hear from authors and find a new favorite read at Parnassus Books, owned by acclaimed author Ann Patchett. Take a pottery class with your little ones or friends at Brushfire Pottery Studio. Reserve a table at The Bluebird Cafe, where you can listen to up-and-coming country music artists or a famous surprise guest who got their start singing inside this venue. Shop luxury retailers like Saint Laurent and Gucci, or attend regular events like MallTalk, Walking & Wellness Social Hour, or the weekly Camp Gladiator Workout at The Mall at Green Hills. Start your morning with a Chai Tea Latte, Cappuccino, or Sunrise Breakfast Burrito from The Well Coffeehouse. Grab brunch at etc., where you can try the Smoked Turkey Wrap, Lamb Meatballs, or Golden Cauliflower Bowl. Experience authentic New York deli favorites like a Pastrami, Roast Beef, or a Traditional Club Sandwich at Noshville Delicatessen. Or grab beers and cocktails while sitting inside a literal greenhouse at Nashville hidden gem, The GreenHouse Bar!

Hillsboro West End

A post shared by @instagram

  • Home Price: $459,978 median purchase price; $1,152 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 37% of Nashville neighborhoods
  • Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees

You can check several items off of your neighborhood “must-have” list when you choose Hillsboro West End. This safe, affordable neighborhood in Nashville is close to both Vanderbilt University and Belmont University—making it a prime spot for college students, faculty, and staff. The Hillsboro-West End Neighborhood Association also hosts a variety of fun events for residents, such as the Annual Garden Tour and Dragon Music Sundays. And this Nashville neighborhood is very walkable and bikeable, so residents can easily get to a variety of shops, restaurants, and boutiques in the booming Hillsboro Village business district. For more fun in Music City—residents only need to travel just 15 minutes by car to Downtown Nashville. On top of that, renters and homeowners alike can find just about any type of home in this area.

Things to Do in Hillsboro West End

Go for a run, take your dog for a walk, or view the unique Dragon Park art installation at Fannie Mae Dees Park. Venture over to the Vanderbilt campus to watch the Commodores (NCAA D-I) play football at Vanderbilt Stadium or basketball inside the Historic Memorial Gymnasium. See indie films, beloved classics, and new releases like Poor Things and Past Lives, or take part in film seminars and clubs at the Belcourt Theatre. Update your closet with stylish threads, accessories, or shoes from local women’s boutique Dress Up. Make any morning brighter with a stack of fresh Pancakes, Medley Omelet, or Avocado Toast from the Pancake Pantry. Grab fresh chicken tenders and wings from McDougal’s Chicken Fingers & Wings. Order an East Nasty Sandwich, Hungry Hash Bowl, or a Southern Benny from Biscuit Love. Or stop in at Brown’s Diner, which has been serving burgers and fries in Nashville since 1927!

Historic Edgefield

A post shared by @instagram

  • Home Price: $490,750 median purchase price; $1,126 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 84% of Nashville neighborhoods
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families

Across the Cumberland River in East Nashville, you’ll find Historic Edgefield. This Nashville neighborhood traces its roots back to 1869, and thanks to local preservation efforts, the area is still populated by many historical structures—including Italianate, Craftsman, and Victorian-style homes. In addition to preserving the area’s history, the Historic Edgefield Neighborhood Association fosters a close-knit community feel by hosting neighborhood meetings, fundraisers, and annual events like the HEN Holiday Party in December. Residents can also gather in popular parks like East Park and nearby Frederick Douglass Park, or enjoy a vibrant dining and nightlife scene along Main and Woodland Streets.

Things to Do in Historic Edgefield

Jam out to live music in Nashville from your favorite bands or from up-and-comers at The Basement East. Titan up at Nissan Stadium as you cheer on the Tennessee Titans (NFL). Pick up your next read or attend events like book clubs and children’s story time at Nashville Public Library‘s East Branch. Check out the fitness classes, swim lessons, and other community programs at East Park Community Center. Try the Turnip Noodles, Meatballs, or Pan-Seared Scallops at Butcher & Bee. Get your Nashville spicy chicken fix with mild, medium, or hot chicken sandwiches from Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish. Feast on New York-style pizzas like Dave’s Pie, Pesto Pie, or Hot Hawaiian at Five Points Pizza East Nashville. Or bring your four-legged pal with you to relax on the patio at Smith & Lentz Brewing and sip on a Vienna Lager or Razzle Dazzle IPA.

Inglewood

A post shared by @instagram

  • Home Price: $197,582 median purchase price; $718 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 70% of Nashville neighborhoods
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Another of Nashville’s historic neighborhoods, Inglewood is a great, well-established place to settle down! Homebuyers will find everything from ranches and cottages to Tudor-style homes—many of which boast large yards perfect for families with children. Families also appreciate the area’s numerous education options, including Inglewood Elementary School, East End Prep, Isaac Litton Middle School, and Stratford STEM Magnet School. Meanwhile, young professionals can take advantage of locally-owned upscale bars, restaurants, vintage retail shops, and more along Gallatin Pike. And residents of all ages benefit from the neighborhood’s strong community mindset, especially the Inglewood Neighborhood Association‘s Neighborhood Grant Program—which provides funding for the local library, schools, non-profits, and more.

Things to Do in Inglewood

Go for a jog, bike ride, or spend time outdoors rollerskating at Cornelia Fort Airpark, part of Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area. Enroll the kids in daily programs at the rec center, have a picnic, or take a walk on the trails at the South Inglewood Park and Community Center. Shop for cassette tapes, CDs, or vintage records at Nashville’s premier record store Grimey’s New & Preloved Music. Grab tickets to shows from country legends like Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban at the Grand Ole Opry, located just 15 minutes away across the Cumberland River. Enjoy Steamed Dumplings, Fried Tofu, or Coconut Mussels at Bite A Bit. Dine on dishes like Fried Bucksnort Farms Trout, Crispy Rice, or Black Hawk Farms Ribeye in a a cottage-like setting at lou nashville. Chow down on a Beef Link Sausage Sandwich, “Texas Sized” Salt and Pepper Pork Ribs, or Creekstone Farms Prime Angus Brisket at Shotgun Willie’s BBQ. Or play pool while sipping on draft beers like Founders All Day IPA or Shiner Bock at Mickey’s Tavern.

***

Moving to Nashville? With convenient self storage facilities located throughout Music City, Extra Space Storage is here to help with your transition. Find a storage unit near you!

Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes