10 Safest Cities in Tennessee

Tennessee is a state known for its natural beauty, friendly people, and vibrant culture. For those considering a move or a visit to Tennessee, safety is likely to be a top priority.

Whether you’re a family looking for a safe place to raise your children, a retiree seeking a peaceful community to call home, or a visitor looking for a relaxing getaway, these cities are sure to impress. So, I decided to take a closer look at the 10 safest cities in Tennessee and see what makes them such great places to live, work, and play.

Let’s get started!

The Safest Cities In Tennessee

Tennessee is home to some of the safest cities in the United States. Each city on this list has a crime rate that is significantly lower than the state average and the national average. These cities are known for their low crime rates, excellent schools, friendly communities, and overall high quality of life. 

1 Signal Mountain 

Located in Hamilton County, Signal Mountain is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Tennessee. With a population of just over 8,000, this small city offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere while still being just a short drive from the amenities of Chattanooga. 

2 Brentwood 

Just south of Nashville, you will find Brentwood, a thriving suburb that offers a high quality of life. With a population of over 40,000, It has excellent schools, plenty of parks, and recreational opportunities. Young professionals can start their careers here because it is home to several Fortune 500 organizations.

3 Germantown 

Germantown is a charming city with a small-town feel. With a population of just over 39,000, It is known for its low crime rates and some of the best schools in the state. The city also has a strong sense of community, with several annual events that bring residents together.

4 Collierville 

Another Shelby County gem, Collierville, is a vibrant suburb with a population of over 51,000. It is a terrific area for history fans to explore because it is also the location of several historic landmarks. One of the most notable landmarks is the Morton Museum of Collierville History, which houses exhibits on the town’s history, including the Civil War and the area’s agricultural roots. 

5 Spring Hill 

Spring Hill is a growing city located in Maury and Williamson counties in Tennessee. It has a population of around 43,000, and it is a relatively small city that offers a peaceful and safe environment for its residents.

 It is home to several large employers, including General Motors, which has a manufacturing plant in the area. This has helped to create a thriving job market in Spring Hill, with a low unemployment rate and plenty of opportunities for job growth and career advancement.

6 White House

White House is a small city in Sumner County with a population of just over 11,000. It is home to several historic sites, including the Historic Winstead Hill Cemetery. One of the biggest draws of White House is its location. The city is situated just 22 miles north of Nashville, which makes it an ideal spot for commuters who work in the Music City but want to live in a more relaxed, suburban setting. 

7 Mount Juliet 

Heading East of Nashville, you will find Mount Juliet. A growing city with a population of over 36,000. It hosts a number of annual events, including the Mount Juliet Pow Wow and the Mount Juliet Christmas Parade.

8 Nolensville 

Nolensville is a charming city with a population of just over 9,000. The city’s low crime rates, excellent schools, and rural atmosphere make it an ideal place for families and retirees. It is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Nolensville Feed Mill.

9 Franklin

Franklin is a city located in Williamson County, Tennessee, and is widely considered one of the most historic cities in the state. Its charming downtown area is filled with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, all housed in beautifully preserved historic buildings. It is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and performing arts venues located throughout the city.

10 Hendersonville 

Last but not least, we have Hendersonville, a city with a population of over 58,000. The city is lucky to have a number of parks and recreational areas, including Old Hickory Lake and Drakes Creek Park. It also hosts a number of annual events, such as the Hendersonville Farmers Market.

Pros and Cons to Consider

It’s worth noting that while these cities are among the safest in Tennessee, it’s still important to take precautions to ensure your safety. This includes things like locking your doors and windows, always being aware of your surroundings, and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.

For families, the excellent schools and strong sense of community make these cities ideal places to raise children. For young professionals, the strong economies and job opportunities make them great places to start and grow a career. And for retirees, the peaceful, rural atmosphere and access to healthcare make them ideal places to enjoy a relaxing retirement.

Crime Statistics and Analysis

The Importance of Crime Statistics and Analysis

Crime statistics and analysis are essential tools for understanding the safety of a particular area. In this section, I will take a closer look at the crime rates in Tennessee and how they compare to national averages. We will also analyze the factors that contribute to crime and how communities can work to reduce crime rates.

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the overall crime rate in Tennessee decreased by 2.5% in 2020 compared to the previous year. The state’s violent crime rate also decreased by 5.9%, while the property crime rate decreased by 1.7%.

The Crime Capitals: Analyzing Tennessee’s Most Dangerous Cities

It’s important to note that some cities in Tennessee still have higher crime rates than others. For example, Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga are known to have higher crime rates than other cities in the state. These cities are also among the most populated in Tennessee, which may contribute to their higher crime rates.

Factors contributing to crime rates include poverty, drug use, and access to firearms. Communities that struggle with poverty often have higher crime rates due to factors like unemployment and lack of access to resources. 

A New Approach to Law Enforcement: Building Safer Communities Through Community Policing

To combat crime, communities can take several steps. One approach is to invest in community policing, which involves building relationships between police officers and community members. This approach can help to build trust and reduce crime rates.

Communities can also invest in crime prevention programs, such as after-school programs for at-risk youth and drug education programs. These can help to address some of the underlying factors that contribute to crime, such as poverty and drug use.

What Makes A City Safe?

Safety is a top priority for anyone looking to live in a new city. Those with lower crime rates tend to be safer for residents and visitors. In this section, we will examine the factors contributing to a city’s safety and what makes a city safe.

Infrastructure: Building a Strong Foundation for Safety

A strong infrastructure is an essential factor in a city’s safety. This includes well-maintained roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. In addition to reducing the risk of accidents and other safety hazards, strong infrastructure can also help to improve a city’s economy by facilitating the movement of people and goods.

Good roads and bridges are important for reducing traffic congestion and improving traffic flow. This can help to prevent accidents and make it easier for emergency services to respond to incidents when they occur. Public transportation systems, such as buses and trains, are also important for providing affordable and accessible transportation options for residents.

Illumination: The Power of Good Lighting in Public Spaces

Well-lit streets and public areas can help to deter crime and make people feel more secure when walking or driving at night. This is particularly important in urban areas where crime rates tend to be higher.

Emergency Services: The Importance of Quick Response Times

Effective emergency services are critical to a city’s safety, as they play a vital role in responding to emergencies and protecting residents and visitors in times of crisis. The three main components of emergency services are police, fire, and medical services.

Police

Police services are responsible for maintaining law and order and responding to crimes and emergencies. They also work to prevent crime through community outreach, education, and proactive policing. 

Fire 

Fire services are responsible for responding to fires and other emergencies that require specialized skills and equipment. They play an important role in public safety education, conducting fire safety inspections, and ensuring that buildings and other structures are up to code.

Medical

Medical services are responsible for providing emergency medical care to those in need. This includes ambulance services, emergency room care, and other services that are critical in times of crisis. These are especially important in cities with large populations, as they must be able to respond quickly and efficiently.

They require well-trained, well-equipped personnel with strong communication and coordination among different agencies and departments. In addition, they must be able to adapt to changing circumstances, such as natural disasters or other large-scale emergencies.

Sense of Community: Creating a Safe Haven for Residents

A strong sense of community is a factor that contributes to a city’s safety. They tend to have lower crime rates and better social outcomes. This is because a strong community can help to build trust and support among residents, which in turn can lead to a greater sense of safety and security.

Access to Resources: The Key to Addressing Underlying Issues

Finally, access to resources like education, healthcare, and affordable housing is also important for a city’s safety. They tend to have lower crime rates and better social outcomes. These factors can help to address some of the underlying problems that contribute to crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunity.

Which Are The Best Places To Live In?

Not Sure? No problem, we’ve put together a great selection of guides such as the Best Cities To Live In Connecticut, the Best Neighborhoods In Long Island, the Best Neighborhoods In Brooklyn, and the Best Places To Live In Florida For Families.

We’ve also covered a few more of the safest places to live! So, take a look at the Safest Places To Live In Florida, the Safest Cities In California, and the Safest Neighborhoods In Philadelphia, as well as the Safest Cities In Texas and the Safest Neighborhoods In Atlanta.

If you’re moving on a budget, then check out the Cheapest Places to Live in California, the Cheapest Beach Towns In Florida, the Cheapest Places To Live In Texas, and finally, the Cheapest Places To Live In Georgia in 2023.

Final Thoughts

Tennessee is a state that offers a diverse range of cities with varying levels of safety. Community policing, crime prevention programs, access to resources like affordable housing and healthcare, and strong infrastructure are all important factors.

By taking the time to research and understand the different cities in Tennessee, individuals can make informed decisions that best suit their needs and interests.

Happy Tennessee House Hunting!