East Nashville has transformed into one of Nashville’s most hip and popular neighborhoods, attracting families with its vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and beautiful homes. But many people still ask: is East Nashville safe for raising children and comfortable living? The answer depends heavily on area selection within these diverse communities. Crime rates vary significantly across different pockets of the East side, making safety information crucial before searching for homes for sale. While it doesn’t rank among Tennessee’s safest communities, crime statistics show steady improvement, challenging the outdated crime stigma attached to this special neighborhood.
Is East Nashville Safe?
Yes. East Nashville is generally safe with steadily declining crime rates since 2020. Most neighborhoods are walkable and family-friendly, though standard urban precautions apply, especially after dark.
Is East Nashville a Safe Place to Live in 2026?
Is East Nashville safe place to live in 2026? It’s safer than 10 years ago thanks to development and gentrification transforming this trendy hotspot. East Nashville ranks among the largest neighborhoods in Music City, offering an electric vibe with new community buildings, restaurants, and bars.
Is East Nashville safe for tourists? Yes, with reasonable precautions. The Metro Nashville Police Department tracks reported crimes through FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) and Crime Mapping systems. Overall safety has improved, though neighborhood crime varies by specific location within the boundaries of this diverse area.
Growth brought higher prices and displaced some long-term residents, but also reduced criminal activity across the metropolitan region. The neighborhood shows measurable declines in high crime rates, making it a viable option when reviewing latest listings in Nashville for both living and visiting purposes.
How Does East Nashville Compare to Other Nashville Neighborhoods?
East Nashville falls in the middle for safety among Nashville neighborhoods, rating 8 out of 10 on Area Vibes. It’s safer than South Nashville and North Nashville but has higher crime levels than The Gulch or 12 South.
Development and improved safety measures have reduced reported offenses significantly, making this largest neighborhood more appealing for your trip or move. Understanding these crime levels across different areas helps address any concern when choosing places to settle in this part of the city.
What Crime Categories Are Monitored in East Nashville?
Evaluating any location’s overall safety requires understanding how the FBI tracks different offense types. These crime statistics use specific categories and metrics to review risk in East Nashville communities.
Violent Crimes: Offenses where individuals are physically harmed or threatened using force or violence, such as murder, nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
Property Crime: Incidents where belongings are stolen or destroyed, including burglary, larceny, theft, motor vehicle theft, vandalism, and arson.
What Crimes Happen Most Frequently in East Nashville?
Crime Mapping reports show assault as the most common type of reported offense in East Nashville, followed by property incidents. Understanding these prevalent crimes provides a crucial safety focus for this eclectic neighborhood.
Most Frequent Crime Types:
- Assault – Leading violent crime offenses
- Larceny – Theft of personal belongings
- Vehicle break-in theft – Car-related incidents
- Vandalism – Affects businesses and homes
- DUI – Common in nightlife areas
Property crimes significantly outnumber violent incidents by total number, making this a nice place to live despite the scene’s challenges.
Crime Trends: Is East Nashville Getting Safer?
| Metric | 2020 | 2025 | Change |
| Violent Crime | Higher baseline | 15-20% decrease | ✓ Improving |
| Property Crime | Peak levels | 10-15% decrease | ✓ Improving |
| Murder/Homicide | Spike during pandemic | Returning to pre-2020 | ✓ Improving |
Has East Nashville Safety Improved Over the Years?
Many ask is East Nashville safe now compared to a decade ago—the answer shows huge improvement from 2015 to 2025. Violent crimes experienced a continued decrease across neighborhoods like Five Points, Shelby Park, and the Fatherland District.
Murder and rape offenses saw the biggest decline, while property crimes had a slight rise last year. The East End area now offers pedestrian-friendly streets, walkability, dining options, shopping, and parks within walking distance creating an engaging community.
Lockeland Springs and 5 Points transformed into a safe place to live with an active, community-oriented atmosphere. These numbers over 10 years prove East Nashville is considerably safer than before despite minor fluctuations.
What Has the City Done to Reduce Crime in East Nashville?
Metro Nashville Police Department implemented multiple strategies focused on crime reduction through increased police presence and community engagement. These initiatives target neighborhood crime while promoting safety and protection across the East Nashville community through collaborative efforts.
Gentrification and redevelopment projects have transformed the area, bringing economic investment that indirectly supports crime prevention. The city combines law enforcement tactics with community partnerships, creating a comprehensive approach to reducing criminal activity and improving overall security.
Local programs emphasize community policing, where officers build relationships with residents to address safety concerns proactively. This strategy has contributed to measurable declines in both violent and property offenses throughout East Nashville over recent years.
What Are The Safest Neighborhoods In East Nashville
Historic Edgefield, Inglewood, and Lockeland Springs rank among the safest East Nashville communities based on 2026 crime data from the Metro Nashville Police Department. These areas offer family friendly neighborhoods where kids can play during the day with reasonable awareness and caution.
Historic Edgefield
Historic Edgefield features beautiful historical homes with classic architectural styles including Italianate homes with arched windows and ornate roofs. This safe neighborhood sits near East Park and along Main Street with multiple places to eat, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Properties from the early 1800s create historic homes charm alongside modern amenities within walking distance. The East End borders this district, offering more family friendly adjacent neighborhoods perfect for raising kids.
Inglewood
Inglewood accounts for only 2.8% of violent crimes in Nashville despite being one of East Nashville’s largest neighborhoods. This sprawling community attracts artists, musicians, and young professionals who enjoy impromptu block parties and backyard concerts. Homes range from ranches to Tudor-style properties with large yards. The longest riverfront access and Shelby Bottoms Greenway provide nature and quiet outdoor spaces. Grimey’s record store, local shops, and the YMCA East Nashville create an engaging community atmosphere along Gallatin Pike.
Lockeland Springs
Lockeland Springs offers a suburban-style feel in southern East Nashville with spacious single-family homes for sale and residential blocks. The community sits within walking distance of Shelby Park, Vinny Links Golf Course, and outdoor enthusiasts’ favorite trails. Popular dining options include Lockland Table, Urban Cowboy, and local favorites near 16th and Woodland. This safe place to live combines paved streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian-friendly routes with protection from higher crime areas.
East End
The East End is exceptionally family-friendly, compact at one square mile, and walkable throughout. KIPP Kirkpatrick Elementary School serves families, while restaurants, coffee shops, and bars line the neighborhood within easy reach. Parents appreciate kids having nights out options and schools nearby. The Fatherland District intersects here with Shops of Fatherland between 11th and 16th, featuring Bill’s Sandwich Palace, Freshie, Zero, Frothy Monkey, and Olive and Sinclair Chocolate (a local chocolate maker).
Five Points
Five Points centers around the intersection of Fatherland and other main streets, creating a hub of foot traffic, restaurants, bars, and shops. Five Points Pizza, Two Ten Jack, Jeni’s ice cream, and Five Daughters bakery draw crowds daily. This neighborhood has seen significant gentrification and new construction, transforming into one of East Nashville’s most vibrant areas. The community-oriented atmosphere extends to nearby Chapel, Eastland, Ugly Mugs, Graze, and Eastwood Deli.
What Are The Higher-Crime Areas In East Nashville
While most of East Nashville has experienced improved safety through development and gentrification, certain areas still report elevated crime levels. Understanding these locations helps with prevention and informed decision-making for moving or traveling.
Areas South of Shelby Avenue
Shelby Avenue near the river between 4th and 9th Streets contains several subsidized housing projects with higher crime rates. Exercise caution when walking in this area, especially avoiding dark alleyways and unsecured areas at night. Use common sense safety measures like keeping doors locked, car windows up, and valuables hidden from view in your car. Check Google Street View beforehand and enable location sharing through an app like Life360 when exploring unfamiliar parts of the city.
Talbot’s Corner and Cayce Homes
Talbot’s Corner and Cayce Homes have been high zones for violent crimes. While Southern Grist brewery brings some foot traffic, exercise extra awareness in surrounding areas. Avoid traveling alone after dark, especially near the Dickerson Pike corridor and Interstate 24/Interstate 65 access points. If drinking or on vacation, arrange transportation rather than walking through these zones.
Safety Recommendations
The Metro Nashville Police Department recommends using common sense protection strategies throughout East Nashville. Never leave valuables visible in your car, keep doors locked, and avoid dark alleyways when walking. In any rare situation involving foul play or concern, contact police immediately. When moving to East Nashville, research specific blocks using Crime Mapping tools and prioritize areas with strong community presence and good lighting.
For tourists visiting Music City, stick to well-lit tourist areas like Fifth Avenue, Woodland Street, and established restaurant districts during the day. At night, use rideshare services instead of walking long distances. Some locals suggest avoiding areas near certain apartment complexes closer to the river without proper awareness of surroundings.
Shelby Bottoms Park and Shelby Bottoms Greenway remain safe for day activities, though caution is advised at dusk. The James Robertson Bridge and nearby areas require extra vigilance. Always practice barrier drink safety (never leave drinks unattended) and travel in groups when exploring nightlife. Understanding these dynamics helps balance enjoying East Nashville’s electric vibe with maintaining personal safety.
East Nashville Crime Statistics by Neighborhood (2026)
| Neighborhood | Total Crime Rate (per 100k) | vs National Average | vs Nashville Average | Safety Rating |
| East End | 1,971 | 15.2% lower ✓ | 60% lower ✓ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Safest |
| Historic Edgefield | 2,407 | 3.6% higher | 51.1% lower ✓ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Safe |
| Lockeland Springs | 6,685 | 187.7% higher ✗ | 35.7% higher ✗ | ⭐⭐ Moderate Risk |
| Eastwood | 7,568 | 225.6% higher ✗ | 53.6% higher ✗ | ⭐⭐ Higher Risk |
| Inglewood | 14,157 | 509.2% higher ✗ | 187.3% higher ✗ | ⭐ High Risk |
| Shelby Hills | 14,498 | 523.8% higher ✗ | 194.3% higher ✗ | ⭐ Highest Risk |
Frequently Asked Questions About East Nashville Safety
Is East Nashville safe for solo travelers at night?
East Nashville is generally safe for a solo trip during the day, but exercise caution at night, especially near downtown, Broadway, SoBro, and areas approaching North Nashville via Trinity Lane or Rosa Parks Boulevard. Avoid homeless encampments near the Cumberland River and stay alert for potential robbery in less-traveled areas. The Riley Strain incident (a drunk student who went missing from a hotel area) highlights risks of wandering alone while intoxicated. Stick to well-lit streets like 5th Street, 8th, and popular tour routes. Consider a day tour over a night tour for maximum city safety.
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in East Nashville?
The most affordable neighborhoods in East Nashville include:
- Eastwood – Median sale price of $499,950 with median price per square foot at $379
- McFerrin Park – Homes for sale with four bedrooms and 1,600 square feet offering space for large families, young children, and pets
- Areas near ALDI and Publix Super Market – Great for shoppers seeking convenient best communities
These neighborhoods contrast sharply with wealthy areas like Shelby Hills, where the median price reaches $694,000 for properties up to 3,500 square feet. A two-bedroom home around 1,200 square feet rents for approximately $2,600 a month in more upscale sections.
Is East Nashville safe compared to other Nashville areas?
Yes. East Nashville demonstrates better city safety metrics than Midtown, Germantown, and certain downtown corridors. While North Nashville near Rosa Parks Boulevard experiences higher crime, East Nashville neighborhoods near Shelby Hills, 5th Street, and the Cumberland River with nearby parks and riverfront views remain relatively secure. Areas around Shops of Porter Road, Living Waters, Tom Joy Park, and Dew Street attract high-income people and retirees seeking safer environments. However, avoid isolated spots near Gay Street and homeless encampments at night, regardless of the neighborhood’s overall positive safety profile across various locations.
Is East Nashville a safe place to stay?
Yes. East Nashville is safer than many comparable urban areas, featuring a lower crime rate relative to both state levels and city levels throughout Tennessee. While auto theft occurs in certain areas, overall safety metrics have improved considerably through 2025, making it a solid choice for stays with basic precautions.
What are the best neighborhoods in East Nashville?
The top East Nashville neighborhoods include:
- Lockeland Springs – Offers classic East Nashville charm with tree-lined streets
- Five Points Area – Vibrant dining and nightlife hub
- Inglewood – Artistic community with spacious homes
- Rosebank – Quiet residential area
- Shelby Hills – Riverfront location with parks
- McFerrin Park – Family-oriented community
- Eastwood Neighbors – Affordable and accessible
What is East Nashville’s reputation?
East Nashville has earned its reputation as a creative hub and neighborhood known for Creative Culture and Artistic Energy. The area features numerous galleries, music venues, and artistic spaces that attract talented individuals from across the country, establishing it as Nashville’s premier destination for arts and independent culture.
What is East Nashville like?
East Nashville ranks among Nashville’s trendiest neighborhoods, offering a walkable spot filled with great restaurants, laid-back bars, local boutiques, and high-end design shops. The area combines urban energy with neighborhood charm, creating an eclectic environment that appeals to young professionals, families, and creatives alike.
Is Gun Violence a Problem in East Nashville?
Yes. Gun violence is a real concern in East Nashville and across Nashville. The city saw an uptick in homicides starting in 2020, leading officials to declare it a public health crisis.
The Trace interactive map tracks reported shootings at each location, showing both fatal and nonfatal incidents. Reported offenses reveal a rise in gun-related homicides, though the homicide map shows risk varies significantly by specific area within East Nashville.
Is it safe to walk around East Nashville?
Yes. East Nashville offers excellent walkability with reasonable safety across most neighborhoods. Areas like Lockeland Springs, East End, and Five Points feature pedestrian-friendly streets and a community-oriented atmosphere that encourages walking. Exercise standard urban awareness, especially after dark, and most areas remain quite comfortable for pedestrians.
My Take as an East Nashville Native
As someone who calls East Nashville home, I’ve witnessed this neighborhood’s incredible historic transformation firsthand. The vibrancy of urban life mixed with genuine charm and comfort creates something special you won’t find elsewhere in Nashville. Our close-knit community welcomes creative artists, families, and young professionals alike, making it a truly desirable destination for anyone seeking authentic connection.
The prime location offers unmatched accessibility to downtown while maintaining neighborhood character. Our diverse food scene, walkable neighborhoods, and varied housing options accommodate different lifestyles and preferences—whether you’re raising a family or starting your career. The community prioritizes education, safety, and cultural events while offering abundant outdoor activities near parks and greenways.
Is East Nashville perfect? No neighborhood is. But the experience of living here—the impromptu conversations, the evolving art scene, the genuine sense of belonging—makes it worth considering despite any concerns. If you value community over sterility and character over cookie-cutter suburbs, East Nashville might just be the place you’ve been looking for. Come visit, explore our streets, talk to locals, and decide for yourself. This neighborhood has a way of winning people over.
Founder & CEO A Nashville native with 16+ years in tourism leadership, Dr Ethan Marsh founded this platform to share authentic local experiences. His hands-on approach ensures every guide is crafted with care and verified by trusted experts.
Dr Ethan Marsh
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