The Top Safest Cities to Live in Tennessee
Tennessee’s reputation for warm hospitality and rich culture makes it an attractive destination for families, professionals, and retirees alike. From the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee to the scenic plateaus of the east and the peaceful suburbs of Memphis, the state offers numerous cities that prioritize public safety through strong law enforcement, community engagement, and thoughtful urban planning. These communities not only boast impressive safety records but also provide excellent schools, abundant recreational opportunities, and high quality of life. The city ranks in various safety categories such as crime rates, quality of schools, and overall quality of life further highlight the comparative advantages these cities hold. Let’s explore some of Tennessee’s safest cities and discover what makes them such desirable places to call home.
The Safest Cities in Tennessee
Brentwood
Consistently ranked as one of Tennessee’s safest cities, Brentwood offers residents an exceptional quality of life in the Nashville metropolitan area. This affluent suburb boasts remarkably low crime rates, with its dedicated police force maintaining vigilant community patrols and strong relationships with residents. The city’s commitment to safety is evident in its well-maintained streets, abundant streetlighting, and active neighborhood watch programs.
Brentwood’s high median household income and strict zoning laws, which require minimum one-acre residential lots, contribute to its stability and security. The city’s quality schools, extensive park system, and upscale shopping districts attract families seeking both safety and sophistication, making it a premier destination for those prioritizing security in Middle Tennessee.
Spring Hill
Nestled between Nashville and Columbia, Spring Hill combines small-town charm with modern amenities, making it one of Tennessee’s safest residential havens. The city’s remarkably low crime rate is bolstered by an engaged police force that emphasizes community-oriented policing and neighborhood watch programs. With its rapidly growing population, Spring Hill has managed to maintain its safety record through careful urban planning, well-lit streets, and active community involvement.
The city’s family-friendly atmosphere is evident in its numerous parks, well-maintained subdivisions, and excellent school system, which all contribute to a strong sense of community where neighbors look out for one another. This commitment to public safety, combined with its strategic location and economic growth, has made Spring Hill an increasingly attractive option for families seeking a secure place to call home. Additionally, Spring Hill is appealing to young professionals due to its modern amenities and safety.
Signal Mountain
Perched atop the Cumberland Plateau overlooking Chattanooga, Signal Mountain stands out as a premier safe haven for Tennessee residents. This affluent suburban community boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the state, thanks to its dedicated police department and tight-knit community atmosphere. The town’s natural geographical isolation, combined with limited access points, provides an additional layer of security that residents appreciate. Signal Mountain’s commitment to safety is reflected in its well-funded police force, active neighborhood watch programs, and a community where most residents know their neighbors by name.
The town’s excellent public schools, abundance of outdoor recreational areas, and strong sense of community make it particularly attractive to families seeking both security and natural beauty in their hometown. Signal Mountain also offers numerous hiking trails that attract families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Oakland
Situated in Fayette County just east of Memphis, Oakland has emerged as one of Tennessee’s safest residential communities while maintaining its peaceful, rural character. The town’s proactive approach to public safety includes regular police patrols, modern emergency response systems, and strong relationships between law enforcement and residents.
Oakland’s strategic growth management has helped preserve its small-town atmosphere while incorporating new developments with security-minded features such as well-lit streets and carefully planned neighborhoods. The combination of a vigilant police force, engaged citizenry, and lower population density compared to larger urban areas has resulted in consistently low crime statistics. Families particularly appreciate the town’s safe environment, which is complemented by highly rated schools and abundant green spaces, making Oakland an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a secure suburban lifestyle away near Memphis.
Nolensville
Tucked away in Williamson County, Nolensville exemplifies the perfect blend of historic charm and modern safety standards. This growing suburb has maintained its position as one of Tennessee’s safest communities through careful planning and strong community policing initiatives. Nolensville has maintained its safety record for over a decade. The town’s police department takes pride in its quick response times and visible presence throughout the community, while residents actively participate in neighborhood watch programs and community safety initiatives.
Nolensville’s commitment to security is evident in its well-designed subdivisions, abundant streetlighting, and regular community safety meetings. The town’s low crime rates are particularly impressive considering its rapid growth, a testament to the effective collaboration between local law enforcement and residents in maintaining a secure environment. This dedication to safety, combined with top-rated schools and a strong sense of community, continues to attract families seeking a secure and peaceful place to call home.
Germantown
Consistently ranked among Tennessee’s safest cities, Germantown stands as a testament to effective community policing and resident engagement in public safety. This affluent Memphis suburb maintains its stellar safety record through a well-funded police department that emphasizes both prevention and rapid response, with average emergency response times well below the national average. The city’s comprehensive approach to security includes state-of-the-art surveillance systems, regular police patrols, and active neighborhood watch programs that keep residents connected and vigilant.
Germantown’s low rates of violent and property crimes are significantly lower than the national average, underscoring its dedication to safety. This commitment extends beyond law enforcement to include thoughtfully planned neighborhoods, extensive street lighting, and regular community safety workshops. Paired with excellent schools, meticulously maintained public spaces, and a strong sense of community pride, Germantown has become a highly sought-after location for families prioritizing security in their choice of residence.
Kingston
Situated along the scenic Watts Bar Lake, Kingston stands as a shining example of small-town safety in East Tennessee. The city’s commitment to security is evident through its well-staffed police department, which maintains strong ties with the community through regular outreach programs and swift emergency response times.
Kingston’s waterfront location attracts residents who appreciate both safety and natural beauty, while its close-knit community atmosphere ensures that neighbors remain vigilant and supportive of one another. The town’s careful balance of tourism and residential life has been achieved without compromising security, as evidenced by its consistently low crime rates, including a low rate of motor vehicle theft.
With its proximity to Oak Ridge and Knoxville, Kingston offers residents a peaceful, secure haven while maintaining easy access to larger urban areas, making it an increasingly popular choice for families and retirees seeking a safe place to settle.
Atoka
Located in Tipton County just north of Memphis, Atoka has distinguished itself as one of Tennessee’s safest small towns while experiencing steady, controlled growth. The town’s exceptional safety record can be attributed to its responsive police force, which maintains high visibility throughout the community and emphasizes preventative policing strategies.
Atoka’s thoughtful urban planning incorporates modern security features into its residential developments, while its strong sense of community encourages neighbors to stay vigilant and look out for one another. The town’s commitment to public safety is further enhanced by its investment in advanced emergency response systems and regular community outreach programs. This dedication to maintaining a secure environment, with notably low property crimes, coupled with excellent schools and family-friendly amenities, has made Atoka particularly appealing to young families and professionals seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle within commuting distance of Memphis.
Franklin
As the jewel of Williamson County, Franklin has earned its reputation as the safest city in Tennessee while preserving its distinctive historic character. The city’s police department is known for its innovative approach to law enforcement, combining cutting-edge technology with community-based policing strategies that keep crime rates consistently low.
Franklin’s affluent status has allowed for substantial investment in public safety infrastructure, including state-of-the-art emergency response systems and comprehensive neighborhood surveillance programs. The city’s historic downtown district and surrounding residential areas benefit from regular police patrols, well-maintained streets, and active community involvement in safety initiatives. This commitment to security, paired with Franklin’s thriving economy, award-winning schools, and rich cultural heritage, has created an environment where families can enjoy the perfect balance of small-town charm and modern safety measures, making it a highly sought-after destination for those prioritizing both security and quality of life.
Hendersonville
Known as the “City by the Lake,” Hendersonville has established itself as one of Tennessee’s premier safe cities, consistently ranking among the state’s most secure communities. This lakeside suburb of Nashville maintains its exceptional safety record through a combination of community-focused policing, cutting-edge law enforcement technology, and strong civic engagement. The city’s police department is renowned for its innovative programs, including a successful school resource officer program and regular community outreach initiatives that foster trust between officers and residents.
Hendersonville’s thoughtful urban planning incorporates safety features throughout its neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas, while its active community watch programs create an additional layer of security. The city’s commitment to public safety, coupled with its scenic location along Old Hickory Lake, excellent schools, and robust parks system, has made it a top choice for families prioritizing both safety and quality of life.
Collierville
Collierville, a charming suburb of Memphis, is renowned for its low crime rate and high quality of life. With a violent crime rate of just 1.6 per 1,000 people, Collierville stands out as a safe haven. This rate is significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking peace of mind. The city fosters a strong sense of community through numerous parks, recreational facilities, and community events. Additionally, Collierville is home to several excellent schools, including the highly rated Collierville School District, which adds to the overall appeal of the area.
Maryville
Nestled in Blount County, about 20 miles south of Knoxville, Maryville is a small town that offers residents a blend of natural beauty and safety. With a population of around 30,000 people, Maryville is known for its scenic parks and recreational areas. The town boasts a low violent crime rate of 1.3 per 1,000 people, making it one of the safest places in Tennessee. Maryville also prides itself on its excellent school system, with Maryville City Schools receiving high ratings from parents and educators alike.
What Makes a City Safe?
When evaluating a city’s safety, multiple factors work together to create a secure environment for residents. Strong law enforcement presence and community-oriented policing form the foundation, but equally important are factors like well-lit streets, active neighborhood watch programs, and quick emergency response times. Cities with lower crime rates often share common characteristics: engaged local governments that prioritize public safety funding, modern police equipment and training, and strong relationships between law enforcement and community members. Additionally, cities that maintain their infrastructure, address quality-of-life issues promptly, and promote community engagement tend to experience lower crime rates.
The safest cities also typically feature well-planned urban development, including thoughtfully designed neighborhoods that incorporate crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) principles. These communities often boast excellent school systems, abundant recreational facilities, and robust economic opportunities – factors that contribute to lower crime rates by fostering community pride and stability. Quality schools, in particular, enhance the overall safety and appeal of a city by attracting families and promoting a stable, educated community. Regular community events, active homeowners’ associations, and programs that encourage neighbor-to-neighbor connections all play vital roles in creating and maintaining safe cities. Furthermore, municipalities that implement data-driven approaches to crime prevention and maintain transparency with their citizens about safety metrics typically see better outcomes in maintaining public safety.
Choosing the Right City for Your Needs
When selecting a safe city in Tennessee to call home, it’s essential to look beyond crime statistics and consider your personal lifestyle requirements and preferences. Factor in variables such as commute times to your workplace, school district quality, housing costs, and proximity to amenities that matter to you, whether that’s shopping, healthcare facilities, or outdoor recreation areas. For instance, Signal Mountain might offer excellent safety ratings and stunning views, but if you work in Nashville, Brentwood is a much better option. If Hendersonville is too expensive, you may consider Spring Hill instead. Certain cities in Tennessee are particularly appealing to young professionals due to their job opportunities and safety.
Remember that different cities cater to different lifestyles and life stages. Consider visiting your potential new city at different times of day and during different seasons to get a comprehensive feel for the community. Talk to local residents, attend community events, and spend time exploring the neighborhoods you’re interested in. This firsthand experience, combined with research into crime statistics and community resources, will help you make an informed decision about which safe city best aligns with your needs and aspirations.
For expert guidance in finding the perfect safe community in Middle Tennessee, reach out to Bernie Gallerani Real Estate. We are a local real estate team with deep knowledge of these areas who can help you evaluate each city’s unique advantages and find the ideal match for your lifestyle and priorities.
Ready to Find Your Safe Haven in Tennessee?
Tennessee offers a diverse array of safe communities, each with its own unique character and charm. Whether you’re drawn to the historic streets of Franklin, the lakeside beauty of Hendersonville, or the peaceful suburban life in Brentwood, there’s a safe city in Tennessee that perfectly matches your lifestyle and needs. Many of Tennessee’s safest cities also offer hiking trails and other outdoor recreational opportunities, making them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
At Bernie Gallerani Real Estate, we understand that choosing the right community is about more than just crime statistics – it’s about finding a place where you and your family can truly thrive. Our team’s deep knowledge of Middle Tennessee’s safest cities, combined with our commitment to personalized service, makes us uniquely qualified to help you find your ideal home in these secure communities. Ready to explore Tennessee’s safest cities? Contact Bernie Gallerani Real Estate today at and let us guide you to your perfect safe haven in the Volunteer State.