The Best Nashville Neighborhoods for Every Lifestyle in 2025

The best neighborhoods in Nashville include Downtown for walkability and nightlife (98 walk score), Green Hills for families and top-rated schools (A public school grade), SoBro for young professionals seeking nightlife and city action, and Edgehill for proximity to multiple universities.

We’ve rated 11 of the best neighborhoods in Nashville on different livability factors, including walkability, public transit access, safety, diversity, and amenities, to help you find the best area for your lifestyle. (Germantown is listed twice, resulting in a total breakdown of 12 Nashville neighborhoods.)

We used internal Apartment List inventory data and cross-referenced with neighborhood data from Rent.com, Zumper.com, and HotPads.com to give you the most accurate snapshot of rents across Nashville as of September 2025.

What Are the Most Walkable Nashville Neighborhoods?

Downtown Nashville

• Best for: Renters who want a walkable lifestyle close to major employers, live music, and nightlife
• Walk score: 98
• Bike score: 72
• Transit score: 75
• Diversity rating: B
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $3,208
• Crime grade: Below average

With a walk score of 98 out of a perfect 100, Downtown Nashville is the city’s most walkable neighborhood and a hub for renters who want an urban, car-free lifestyle. Major employers, Broadway’s honky-tonks, Bridgestone Arena, and dozens of restaurants are all just steps away. The transit score of 75 makes it one of the few areas in the city where bus connections are practical, and cycling infrastructure is growing.

That said, the high demand comes at a price: Downtown’s average rent of $3,208 is among the highest in Nashville, and the F crime grade means safety is a concern after dark, especially in nightlife-heavy corridors. Still, for urbanites who want nonstop activity and unmatched convenience, Downtown delivers Nashville’s most connected living.

Germantown

• Best for: Foodies and professionals who want historic charm, walkable dining, and a neighborhood vibe near Downtown
• Walk score: 75
• Bike score: 72
• Transit score: 50
• Diversity rating: C+
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $3,084
• Crime grade: Below average

Germantown blends historic brick townhomes with a trendy dining scene, making it a favorite for renters who want a walkable neighborhood with character. Its 75 walk score reflects the ease of strolling to local coffee shops, farmers markets, and Nashville’s hottest restaurants. While bus access is more limited (transit score 50), the neighborhood is just north of Downtown, making commutes manageable by car, by bike, or even on foot.

At $3,084 for a two-bedroom apartment, rents here rival Downtown, but the atmosphere is more residential and community-driven. The main drawback is the D- crime grade, something renters should consider when evaluating the neighborhood. But for those who want a balance of history, walkability, and nightlife without being in the thick of Broadway, Germantown is a top pick.

Belmont-Hillsboro

• Best for: Students, young professionals, and families seeking affordable, walkable living near universities and cafés
• Walk score: 74
• Bike score: 58
• Transit score: 34
• Diversity rating: B
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,499
• Crime grade: Average

Adjacent to Belmont University and near Vanderbilt University, Belmont-Hillsboro offers a lively yet laid-back neighborhood with tree-lined streets, independent shops, and local restaurants. Its 74 walk score makes daily errands and dining out easy, even without a car. While bus service is limited (transit score 34), the area is reasonably bike-friendly and well connected to major corridors.

The big draw is affordability: With average two-bedroom rents at just $1,499, Belmont-Hillsboro offers one of the best values among Nashville’s walkable neighborhoods. The C- crime grade is average for the city, making it a relatively safe choice compared to Downtown or Germantown. For renters seeking a blend of campus energy, community charm, and affordable housing, Belmont-Hillsboro is a standout choice.

What Are the Best Nashville Neighborhoods for Families?

Green Hills

• Best for: Families looking for top-rated schools and suburban convenience with city access
• Public school grade: A
• Overall Niche grade: B+
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $2,210
• Crime grade: Average

Green Hills stands out for its excellent schools, stable community, and suburban-style amenities. Families choose the neighborhood for access to Julia Green Elementary and private options like Lipscomb Academy, plus the larger homes and yards that are rare as you get closer to Downtown. The area also offers a strong mix of convenience, with the nearby Trader Joe’s, the Mall at Green Hills, and Radnor Lake just minutes away. Rents are higher than the Nashville average, but many families view the trade-off as worthwhile for the quality of schools and stability.

West Meade

• Best for: Parents seeking quiet streets, larger homes, and a strong neighborhood feel
• Public school grade: B-
• Overall Niche grade: A
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $2,166
• Crime grade: Average

West Meade provides space and peace without being far from the city. Families appreciate the tree-shaded lots, traditional homes, and community-driven atmosphere. Schools receive a solid rating, and the area’s overall Niche grade of A reflects its reputation as a safe and family-friendly part of town. While the crime rate is average, West Meade has a steady, long-term homeowner base and a calmer feel than denser areas closer to Downtown.

Inglewood

• Best for: Families who want affordability, character, and access to East Nashville’s amenities
• Public school grade: C+
• Overall Niche grade: A-
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,364
• Crime grade: Below average

Inglewood has become a favorite for families who want more space without stretching their budget. Its mix of midcentury houses, larger yards, and tree-lined streets offers value, while rents remain lower than in much of Nashville. Parents also like the proximity to Shelby Bottoms Greenway, parks, and the dining and arts scene of East Nashville. Schools are more mixed here, with a C+ grade, and crime reports come in slightly below the city average. Even so, the neighborhood’s affordability and strong community spirit make it a practical choice for many families.

What Are the Best Nashville Neighborhoods for Young Adults?

SoBro

• Best for: Nightlife, live music, and renters who want to live where the action is
• Transit score: 65
• Diversity rating: B
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $3,927
• Crime grade: Below average

With a 65 transit score, a B diversity rating, and some of the highest average rents in the city at $3,927, SoBro is Nashville’s urban playground. The neighborhood sits just south of Broadway’s honky-tonks and is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and brand-new luxury apartments. Renters here are paying for convenience: short commutes to Downtown employers and walkable nightlife steps from their door. The F crime grade reflects typical issues in busy entertainment hubs, but the energy and accessibility keep SoBro a top choice for young adults who want to skip the car and stay close to the city’s heartbeat.

Germantown

• Best for: Foodies, professionals, and young adults who want historic charm with modern living
• Transit score: 50
• Diversity rating: C+
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $3,084
• Crime grade: Below average

Germantown blends historic character with a trendy social scene, offering a 50 transit score, C+ diversity rating, and average rent of $3,084 for two-bedroom apartments. Its brick-lined streets are filled with brunch spots, breweries, and chef-driven restaurants, making it one of Nashville’s culinary destinations. Walkability is strong (walk score 75) within the neighborhood, and Downtown is just minutes away. Crime scores land at D-, which reflects its urban location, but many renters find the neighborhood vibrant, walkable, and ideal for balancing work with a lively social calendar.

Urbandale Nations

• Best for: Social renters who want breweries, affordable new apartments, and a community vibe
• Transit score: 39
• Diversity rating: A-
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $2,184
• Crime grade: Below average

Urbandale Nations has become one of Nashville’s fastest-growing hubs for young professionals, offering an A- diversity rating, below-average crime grade, and a more approachable two-bedroom rent of $2,184. The transit score is just 39, so most residents still rely on cars, but the neighborhood itself has a social, walkable pocket of coffee shops, breweries, and casual dining options.

New apartment complexes and townhomes dominate the rental market, drawing renters who want modern amenities without Downtown prices. With an F crime grade, safety is a consideration, but the area’s active, tight-knit vibe continues to attract young adults looking for an alternative to pricier Germantown and SoBro.

What Are the Best Nashville Neighborhoods for Students?

Hillsboro West End

• Best for: Students who want walkability to Vanderbilt and Belmont with coffee shops and nightlife
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $2,673
• Proximity to universities: Walking distance to Vanderbilt University and Belmont University; 10 minutes by car and 30 minutes by bus to Lipscomb University and Tennessee State University
• Diversity rating: A-
• Crime grade: Average

Hillsboro West End is one of the most student-oriented areas in Nashville, anchored by its proximity to both Vanderbilt University and Belmont University. The neighborhood mixes historic homes with student apartments, and its walkability to cafés, study spots, and nightlife makes it a go-to for undergrads and grad students alike. Rent runs higher at $2,673 for a two-bedroom, but many find the convenience worth the cost. The C- crime grade reflects its urban density, though the constant student presence keeps the area active and vibrant at almost all hours.

Edgehill

• Best for: Belmont and Music Row students looking for affordable rentals near campus
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,979
• Proximity to universities: Walking distance to Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, and Music Row; 11 minutes by car or bus to Lipscomb University
• Diversity rating: A
• Crime grade: Below average

Edgehill offers a more affordable option near Belmont University and Music Row, with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,979. Students are drawn to its quick access to classrooms, rehearsal spaces, and performance venues, as well as its high diversity rating and strong community feel. The F crime grade means safety varies by block, but the mix of student rentals and ongoing redevelopment continues to boost its appeal. For renters seeking budget-friendly housing while staying close to campus life, Edgehill strikes a good balance.

Fisk-Meharry

• Best for: Students attending Fisk University or Meharry Medical College seeking nearby housing
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,500
• Proximity to universities: Directly adjacent to Fisk University and Meharry Medical College; three minutes by car to Tennessee State University; seven minutes by car to Vanderbilt University
• Diversity rating: B+
• Crime grade: Below average

Centered around three of Nashville’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs)—Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, and Tennessee State University—Fisk-Meharry is one of the most affordable student neighborhoods in the city. With an average two-bedroom rent of $1,500, it’s a budget-conscious choice for undergrads and med students alike. Its location makes commuting to HBCUs effortless, while Vanderbilt University and Belmont University are still within easy reach. The F crime grade is a concern, but many students choose it for the affordability, close-knit academic environment, and strong cultural history tied to the universities.

Find Your Perfect Nashville Apartment

Nashville offers renters a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from. Each has its own vibe and amenities. Choosing where to live will depend on your priorities, whether they be nightlife, walkability, schools, or affordability.

• Best overall for urban living: Downtown Nashville - Walkable, lively, and full of music and nightlife
• Best for families: Green Hills - Top-rated schools, abundant parks, and a family-friendly community
• Best for young adults: SoBro - Nightlife, live music, and urban energy
• Best for students: Fisk-Meharry - Close to TSU, Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University, and Belmont University

You can take the Apartment List quiz to find your match. Why take the quiz? So you can save 50 hours of doomscrolling through apartment ads and spend more time connecting with rental properties that are right for you.

Best Nashville Neighborhood FAQs

What is the safest neighborhood in Nashville?

Nashville’s safest neighborhoods include Green Hills, Hillsboro West End, West Meade, and Belmont-Hillsboro.

What are the most walkable areas in Nashville?

Downtown, Germantown, and Belmont-Hillsboro rank highly in terms of walkability.

Where do creatives live in Nashville?

Creatives tend to cluster in Montrose, East Downtown, and parts of the Heights, where there’s access to galleries, music venues, and independent cafés.

Is Nashville affordable for renters?

Yes, Nashville is affordable for renters—especially for a major city—as it’s only 4.7% more expensive than the national average cost of living. Renters should consider the 30% rule to keep housing costs within their budget, and also take into account other aspects of Nashville’s cost of living when selecting an apartment.

How do I choose between living in the city and the suburbs of Nashville?

Nashville’s urban areas provide renters with more nightlife, live music, and shorter commutes, while suburban areas like West Meade or Green Hills offer renters a quieter atmosphere, larger homes, and better school options. Select the option that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.

​​Which neighborhoods have the best access to universities?

Hillsboro West End, Edgehill, and Fisk-Meharry are closest to Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, and Tennessee State University, with walkable streets or short drives to each of the schools.

What is the average rent in Nashville in 2025?

As of mid-2025, the average rent in Nashville is approximately $1,840 for a one-bedroom unit and $2,292 for a two-bedroom unit, according to internal Apartment List data.

What’s the cost of living like in Nashville compared to other major cities?

Nashville is affordable compared to other major U.S. cities, as it’s only 4.7% more expensive than the national average. New York City, by comparison, is currently 72.5% higher than the national average, while Los Angeles is 61.7% higher.

Is Nashville a good city for remote workers?

Yes, centrally located neighborhoods like Germantown, Downtown, and Hillsboro West End offer coworking spaces, cafés, and reliable internet connections for remote workers.

How is the traffic in Nashville?

Traffic in the Music City is heavy during rush hours, especially near Downtown, Interstate 65, and Interstate 440.

What are the quietest neighborhoods in Nashville?

To find the quietest neighborhoods, you’ll have to head to suburban areas. Neighborhoods like Green Hills, West Meade, and Inglewood are known for being peaceful.

Where do young professionals live in Nashville?

Young professionals tend to cluster in areas like SoBro, Germantown, and Urbandale Nations, where there is nightlife, breweries, and easy access to Downtown.

Which part of Nashville is the best?

The area you like the best will depend on your preferences and lifestyle. Downtown is excellent for walkability, Green Hills is ideal for families, SoBro is happening for young adults, and Edgehill is ideal for students.