13 Areas to Avoid in Nashville, TN [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

As an excited tourist visiting Nashville, TN for the first time, you’ll likely want to explore all the hot spots and attractions this vibrant city has to offer. From lively honky-tonks on Broadway to the Instagram-worthy neon signs in Printer’s Alley, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. However, like any major city, Nashville has some areas that are better avoided, especially at night or if traveling alone. As you plan your Nashville itinerary, it’s wise to know which areas to avoid in Nashville so you can steer clear and focus on safer, more enjoyable parts of Music City.

Having previously visited Nashville as an eager tourist myself, I, unfortunately, learned the hard way which areas can be unsafe. Though Nashville is an amazing place overall, there are about a dozen or so neighborhoods throughout the city that are considered higher in crime, some significantly more dangerous than others. As you discover all that Nashville has to offer, make sure to avoid these specific areas to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Keep reading for an overview of the top areas to avoid in Nashville for a hassle-free visit.

See Also: Best hotels in Nashville

1. Antioch

Located in southeast Nashville, Antioch is an area you’ll want to avoid, especially at night. Crime rates here are significantly higher than the rest of Nashville, ranging from violent assaults to drug activity and gang violence. Housing prices are low and poverty rates are high, leading to an increase in criminal behavior. The neighborhood feels run down and unsafe, with vacant buildings and signs of urban decay throughout. Even driving through Antioch during the day can feel uneasy and tense. For your own safety, it’s best to avoid this high-crime neighborhood altogether and find lodging in safer parts of Nashville.

2. West Meade

Another precarious neighborhood is the West Meade area in southwest Nashville. Despite its affluent-sounding name, West Meade has issues with gang violence, gun crime, and drug dealing. Low-income housing complexes have attracted criminal activity to the area. Murders, shootings, and aggravated assaults happen frequently in this part of town. West Meade borders other high-crime neighborhoods as well, so it’s best not to risk your safety by wandering into this unstable section of Nashville. Steer clear of West Meade, even during daylight hours.

3. Salemtown

Bordering downtown Nashville, Salemtown seems like it would be safe given its central location. However, some blocks have issues with theft and burglary from cars and homes. Gang violence and shootings also pose a risk, especially at night. Certain parts of Salemtown are currently undergoing revitalization and rehabilitation efforts, but until that’s complete, use caution around 5th Ave North, Douglas Ave, and Historic Buchanan Street. Avoid walking alone here after dark. Stick to more populated, well-lit streets if passing through.

4. Heron Walk

Found just north of downtown near the Cumberland River, Heron Walk harbors criminal activity like prostitution and drug dealing. As a primarily industrial area, you’ll find vacant warehouses, lots of 18-wheelers, and not much else. The atmosphere feels sketchy and isolating. Given its lack of lighting, foot traffic, and proximity to the projects, muggings and assaults are not uncommon. It’s best to avoid Heron Walk altogether as a tourist visiting Nashville. When researching areas to avoid in Nashville, be sure Heron Walk is on your list. Drive around rather than directly through, even during the daytime. There’s simply no reason for tourists to be in this bleak, high-crime pocket of Nashville.

5. Glencliff

Further south near Antioch lies the community of Glencliff. Violent crime rates here are disturbingly high, ranging from robberies to shootings and homicides. Gangs and narcotics activity further add to the danger. Housing options consist of run-down homes, abandoned properties, and dilapidated apartment complexes. Unemployment and poverty plague the area. As a tourist, you’ll find no attractions worth visiting here, only the risk of becoming a victim. It’s safest to avoid Glencliff entirely during your Nashville trip.

6. Bordeaux Area

The Bordeaux neighborhood in north Nashville comes with risks tourists should know about. Gun violence, assaults, robbery, and gang activity are common here. The crime stems from impoverished conditions, unemployment, and abandoned properties that attract illegal behavior. Housing options are limited and poor in this predominantly African-American section. Historic Clarksville Pike runs through Bordeaux, but it’s not an area you’ll want to linger. Drive through cautiously during the day or avoid altogether after dark.

7. Talbot’s Corner

Found near Tennessee State University, Talbot’s Corner is another sketchy area outsiders should avoid. Violent crimes like assault and robbery occur frequently, especially at night. Drug dealing and gang violence are ongoing issues. Blighted conditions, poverty, and homelessness impact the neighborhood’s safety. As a visitor, you’ll find no attractions or amenities worth stopping for. It’s best to steer clear of Talbot’s Corner altogether and not risk becoming a victim of crime here.

8. Four Corners

Despite its pleasant name, Four Corners is one area to bypass in Nashville. Situated north of downtown near Jefferson Street, it’s known for criminal activity. Theft, assault, shootings, and gang violence are far too common. Residents struggle with poverty and unemployment in the neighborhood. Blighted buildings, trash, and a sense of unease pervade Four Corners. Outside of quick travel through, it’s safest for tourists to avoid Four Corners, especially after sunset. There’s simply no reason to linger in this high-crime pocket of the city.

9. Buena Vista Heights

Tucked between downtown and Germantown, Buena Vista Heights may initially seem like a convenient place to stay while visiting Nashville. However, some blocks harbor issues with assault, robbery, and gun violence, so use caution. Certain parts are safer than others, but it’s hard for an unfamiliar tourist to discern. To be on the safe side, avoid Buena Vista Heights at night when criminal activity surges. During the day, stick to busier roads like Rosa Parks Blvd and stay aware of your surroundings.

10. College Heights-Clifton

In North Nashville near Tennessee State University, you’ll find the neighborhoods of College Heights and Clifton. While they house the campus, surrounding blocks suffer from high violent crime, robbery, and assaults. Blighted conditions persist with many abandoned, run-down properties that attract further crime. Though you’ll find some redevelopment closer to the university, most areas here are best avoided altogether, especially at night and if traveling solo. Seek lodging and entertainment elsewhere in Nashville.

11. Hadley Park

Just west of downtown, Hadley Park seems like it would be a convenient, pleasant place to stay while visiting Nashville. However, poverty and blight impact safety in this neighborhood. Property crime, assault, and domestic violence occur more often than average. Prostitution and drug activity are ongoing issues as well, primarily around Jefferson Street. As an unfamiliar tourist, it’s difficult to discern the safer blocks. For peace of mind, lodge elsewhere in Nashville and avoid Hadley Park.

12. Elizabeth Park

Situated east of downtown near Meharry Medical College, Elizabeth Park is another neighborhood plagued by crime and poverty. Violent offenses, gun violence, robbery, and narcotics activity are persistent issues. Unemployment rates are distressingly high, much of the housing stock is dilapidated, and blight pervades the area. As an outsider, you’ll find no attractions worth visiting here. For your own safety as a tourist, avoid Elizabeth Park day or night.

13. McKissack Park

McKissack Park sits just northwest of downtown Nashville across the Cumberland River. However, this close proximity to tourist attractions doesn’t make it a safer area. Poverty and urban decay lead to frequent criminal activity in McKissack Park. Violence, assaults, and property crime all pose risks, especially after dark. As a visitor unfamiliar with the lay of the land, avoid wandering to McKissack Park. There’s nothing worthwhile here anyway – just potential danger.

Conclusion

As you plan your exciting Nashville getaway, be sure to avoid the handful of problematic neighborhoods outlined above. By steering clear of the areas to avoid in Nashville, you can more safely experience the best of Music City. Nashville still offers endless exciting attractions, restaurants, honky-tonks, and that one-of-a-kind Southern charm that makes it so iconic. Just stick to the safer, more vibrant pockets of the city and your trip will be smooth sailing. Now get ready to make unforgettable memories in Nashville – without the hassle of worrying about dangerous areas