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!

• Buena Vista
• Germantown
• Green Hills
• Hillsboro West End
• Historic Edgefield

Buena Vista

Photo via @nashrealtor_christenwhitney

• Home Price: $326,200 median purchase price; $225 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Nashville neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families

If you’re looking for budget-friendly housing within a short drive of Downtown Nashville, head to Buena Vista! This North Nashville neighborhood has undergone a revitalization in the past few years, adding newly-constructed townhomes and single-family homes that are drawing new residents. In addition, Buena Vista residents can take advantage of public transit services like Nashville MTA or Nashville B-Cycle for work commutes or exploring nearby neighborhoods and attractions!

Things to Do in Buena Vista

Take a guided bike tour through Music City or purchase a bike for yourself from Green Fleet Bikes. Update your wardrobe with high-quality leather shoes and accessories from boutique Nisolo. Stroll around Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, where you can see war memorials, water fountains, and live events at the amphitheater. Head to Minerva with friends after work and sip a Mind Ya Business craft cocktail or make some s’mores in the courtyard fire pit. Come together with other wing lovers and feast on Honey Gold Wings at Rocky’s Wing Shack. Try hip-hop-inspired pizzas like the Got 5 On It or the Nothing But a “V” Thang from Slim & Husky’s. Dine at vegan restaurant The Southern V, where you can find dishes that are 100% plant-based but made with a Southern flair. Or make any pie into a personal dessert with Sweet Creations Bakery, where three-inch personal pies are always available!

Germantown

Photo via @hollyvioletragsdale

• Home Price: $325,300 median purchase price; $1,290 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of Nashville neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals

Located near the heart of the city with plenty of apartments, condos, and townhomes in restored buildings—as well as a variety of coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars within walking distance—Germantown offers everything young adults could want in a Nashville neighborhood! As the city’s first official neighborhood, Germantown is a registered historic district and landmark, and it’s a designated city arboretum, thanks to its more than 100 different tree species growing in the area.

Things to Do in Germantown

Head to First Tennessee Park to catch a Nashville Sounds (MiLB) game or venture to the Nashville Farmers Market to pick up fresh produce, or buy a bouquet of flowers. Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and a breakfast biscuit at Barista Parlor. Watch your favorite teams play while drinking everything from Hefeweizens to Porters at Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen. Try absinthe cocktails like the Run DMC or the Midnight Marauder at Green Hour. Fill your belly with traditional Southern favorites like Fried Catfish or Pulled Pork at the original Monell’s. Turn any weekend into a heat wave with a Shocker burger from Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint. Or make any Chicago transplant’s day with a trip to 312 Pizza Company for a deep-dish pizza!

Green Hills

Photo via @realtoralexhelton

• Home Price: $491,215 median purchase price; $1,154 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 85% of Nashville neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

One of the best neighborhoods in Nashville for those who’d prefer to live a little farther outside of the city is Green Hills! With a good mix of housing options from affordable apartments and townhomes to cozy bungalows and two-story Colonials, you can find the perfect home for your needs in this neighborhood. For families who want good local schools, Green Hills is also home to some of Nashville’s top public schools like Julia Green Elementary School and J.T. Moore Middle School.

Things to Do in Green Hills

Hear from authors and find a new favorite read at Parnassus Books, which is owned by acclaimed author Ann Patchett. Take a pottery class with your little ones or with your 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. Kick back with some popcorn and watch the latest films at Regal Green Hills. Start your morning with a latte or cappuccino from The Well Coffeehouse. Grab brunch at Etc., where you can try the Crab Cakes Benedict, Gluten-Free Carrot Waffle, or Smoked Salmon Toast. Experience authentic New York deli favorites like a New York Style Pastrami or Corned Beef Sandwich at Noshville. Or grab some beers and cocktails while sitting inside a literal greenhouse at Nashville hidden gem The Greenhouse Bar!

Hillsboro West End

Photo via @timkyneproperty

• Home Price: $459,978 median purchase price; $1,152 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 68% of Nashville neighborhoods
• Perfect For: 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 and university staff. On top of that, renters and homeowners alike can find just about any type of home in this area. And Hillsboro West End is only about 15 minutes from Downtown Nashville. It truly is the neighborhood with everything!

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 play football at Vanderbilt Stadium or basketball inside the Historic Memorial Gymnasium. See beloved classics or new releases at the Belcourt Theatre. Update your closet with stylish threads from local women’s boutique Dress Up. Grab fresh chicken tenders and wings from McDougal’s Chicken Fingers & Wings—just check to see if the Christmas lights are on so you know if they’re open! Order an East Nasty sandwich or a Southern Benny from Biscuit Love. Make any morning brighter with a stack of fresh pancakes from the Pancake Pantry. Or stop in at Brown’s Diner, which has been serving burgers and fries in Nashville since 1927!

Historic Edgefield

Photo via @chrisbillingslea

• Home Price: $320,467 median purchase price; $823 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of Nashville neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families

Across the Cumberland River in East Nashville, you’ll find the Historic Edgefield neighborhood. What makes this Nashville area great? It’s not just the affordable home prices and close proximity to downtown! This neighborhood also has beautiful Victorian-style homes, a “residential first” focus with its local planning, and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene along Main and Woodland Streets.

Things to Do in Historic Edgefield

Get your fix of live music in Nashville from your favorite bands or find new music down in The Basement East. Titan up at Nissan Stadium as you cheer on the Tennessee Titans (NFL). Pick up a new book or attend children’s story time at the Nashville Public Library‘s East Branch. Check out the fitness classes, swim lessons, and other community programs at East Park Community Center. Try the Seared Mushrooms or Tallow Seared Sirloin at Butcher & Bee. Get your Nashville spicy chicken fix with chicken sandwiches from Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish. Bring your four-legged pal to the patio at Smith & Lentz Brewing while you sip on a Late Night Text Stout or Full Value IPA. Or make your sweet tooth happy with a Waffle Mondae or Moonshake from The Soda Parlor!

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes