Safest Places in Tennessee (2026): Value + Safety Picks

Tennessee has a reputation for charm and community, but ask locals and you’ll hear the same warning: not every city feels safe once the sun goes down. Violent crime in parts of Memphis is nearly 5× higher than in nearby suburbs, and homebuyers often wonder:

• “What’s the safest city in Tennessee for families in 2025?”
• “Where’s the cheapest and safest place to live near Nashville?”
• “Is Tennessee overall a safe state compared to the U.S.?”

This 2025 guide delivers the answers:

• Safest cities in Tennessee-crime rates under 1 per 1,000 residents.
• Affordable safe towns - hidden gems where your dollar goes further.
• Best family suburbs - strong schools, parks, and resale value.
• Natural disaster risks - where tornadoes and floods matter most.
• Bonus: How reAlpha helps Tennessee buyers save significantly on commissions while securing the right mortgage in safer ZIP codes.

Whether you’re moving for family, retiring for peace of mind, or investing for long-term stability, this guide gives you the safety map and financial edge you won’t find anywhere else.

Similar to our deep dive into Florida real estate market, Tennessee homebuyers face a mix of affordability, safety, and opportunity in 2025

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Scroll down to see the full Buyer’s Guide Table with home prices, best loan types, and insider tips for each city.

We’ve also ranked the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles and other metros for readers comparing safety nationwide.

Franklin is Tennessee’s poster child for safe suburban living. With violent crime nearly 3× lower than the national average and schools ranked among the best in the Southeast, it’s a magnet for families and professionals seeking long-term stability.

Prices have surged past $650K, locking many first-time buyers out. DTI ratios become a barrier.

With reAlpha Mortgage, buyers can pair smarter FHA/ Conventional loans with a substantial commission rebate, helping them save thousands at closing.

Brentwood consistently ranks among the safest cities in Tennessee, with violent crime under 1 per 1,000 residents. Upscale neighborhoods, gated communities, and strong HOA oversight keep property crime low.

Brentwood’s high entry price - $720K+ - makes jumbo loans a necessity, and not all buyers qualify.

reAlpha Mortgage specializes in jumbo loan loan structuring while returning a substantial portion of the buyer agent commission to affluent buyers, often enough to help cover closing costs.

Just outside Memphis, Germantown has carved a reputation as a stable, family-first community with crime rates far below the metro average. Retirees and families love its parks, medical access, and quiet streets.

Home insurance premiums in the Memphis metro are rising, even in safer suburbs like Germantown.

Collierville blends historic small-town charm with suburban safety. It's walkable downtown, and community festivals make it a favorite for families seeking culture without crime.

Despite being more affordable than Franklin or Brentwood, Collierville faces inventory shortages, leading to bidding wars.

reAlpha buyers save thousands with commission rebates, giving them extra leverage in multiple-offer situations.

Spring Hill is one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing cities, known for safe neighborhoods and affordable homes relative to nearby Nashville suburbs.

Rapid growth means buyers face construction zone delays and competition for USDA-eligible properties.

We simplify USDA /FHA approvals and help families access low- or no-down-payment options, while returning a substantial portion of the agent commission to help stretch budgets further.

Hendersonville is known as the “City by the Lake,” offering families both safety and lifestyle perks like parks, waterfront trails, and good schools.

Waterfront demand pushes up home values, making certain neighborhoods less affordable for first-time buyers.

reAlpha helps buyers secure FHA/ VA or conventional loans tailored to Hendersonville and offers substantial commission rebates, helping save thousands that can go toward closing costs or renovations.

Johnson City offers low-cost housing and mountain charm, making it attractive to young families, students, and investors.

While affordable, buyers often face limited local mortgage programs and need guidance on FHA/Conventional loans.

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Maryville delivers quiet small-town living with quick access to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Lower home inventory and retirees competing with families make bidding competitive.

Nolensville is a fast-growing Nashville suburb that blends safety, upscale housing, and community focus.

Rising popularity drives up prices, making Conventional or Jumbo loans necessary.

Oak Ridge, home to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has long been a stable, professional-friendly city with low crime and steady housing demand.

Professionals relocating here face competition for limited mid-range homes.

For most buyers, the struggle is real:

• Cheap towns often come with higher crime.
• Safe suburbs usually cost a fortune.
• And finding a place that balances both? Almost impossible.

These Tennessee cities deliver both affordability and safety, making them perfect for families, retirees, and first-time buyers who want peace of mind without breaking the bank.

• Affordable Housing → Median prices under $270K, well below Tennessee’s hot suburbs like Franklin or Brentwood.
• Lower Crime Risk → Violent crime rates still below the U.S. average, making them safe bets.
• Cost of Living Advantage → 8–12% lower than the national average = everyday savings.
• Easy Commutes → All three towns connect to bigger metros (Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville) without big-city costs.
• Education & Community → Cookeville’s Tennessee Tech, Cleveland’s small-college vibe, and Morristown’s strong public school presence keep communities stable.

For comparison, check out our list of affordable places to live in Washington

Every parent wants the same thing: a safe, nurturing place to raise kids. But the checklist goes beyond crime rates. Families look for:

• Top-rated schools
• Parks and playgrounds
• Walkability and bike trails
• Nearby hospitals and clinics
• Community programs & family events
• Shopping and daily convenience
• Easy commutes for working parents
• Stable home values for the long term

The following Tennessee cities combine safety, schools, and family-friendly amenities better than most, making them the top picks for raising a family in 2025.

• Franklin → Elite schools, over 30 parks, and a thriving community scene. Perfect for parents who want both education and lifestyle.
• Brentwood → Ultra-safe, upscale suburb with walkability, excellent schools, and family-centered amenities. Ideal for dual-income households.
• Hendersonville → Affordable alternative near Nashville, with lakeside parks and strong schools. Great for families on a mid-range budget.
• Maryville → Small-town peace with big access to nature. Family-friendly neighborhoods, a Smoky Mountains backdrop, and lower home costs.

When people think about moving to Tennessee, the debate is usually the same: city life vs suburban calm. Nashville and Memphis offer culture, jobs, and big-city energy - but they also carry higher crime risks. Suburbs like Franklin, Brentwood, and Germantown consistently rank among the state’s safest, with better schools and quieter lifestyles.

Takeaway: If safety and family life are priorities, suburbs win. If affordability and career access matter most, select safe ZIPs inside cities (e.g., Ballantyne in Memphis, Green Hills in Nashville).

We’ve also compared the safest places to live in Illinois

Crime isn’t the only safety factor - weather risks also matter when choosing a place to live in Tennessee.

• Tornadoes: Central and western Tennessee see seasonal tornado activity. Safer zones: eastern Tennessee (Maryville, Johnson City).
• Flooding: Flooding is more common near rivers and low-lying areas, especially parts of Memphis and Nashville. Flood insurance is often required in these ZIPs.
• Storms: Severe thunderstorms and hail are frequent but less damaging in the eastern region.
• Earthquakes/Wildfires: Minimal risk statewide.

Why it matters: Safer ZIPs (like Franklin, Oak Ridge, Maryville) not only lower physical risk but also mean cheaper insurance premiums and fewer homeownership headaches.

Tennessee may have big cities like Memphis and Nashville, but the overall state reports lower violent crime, fewer burglaries, and less auto theft than much of the U.S. By 2025, FBI data shows Tennessee outperforming the national average - and even ranking safer than neighbors like Georgia and Kentucky in key categories.

• Violent crime: ~15–20% lower than the U.S. average.
• Burglary: rates declining faster than national trend.
• Auto theft: far less common than in most Southern states.
• Homicide: below the national per-capita rate in many suburbs.

Your chances of avoiding violent crime in Franklin, TN are significantly better than in the average U.S. city and nearby major metros. Lower crime isn’t just peace of mind-it also leads to lower insurance costs, more stable home values, and stronger resale demand. That’s why reAlpha Mortgage helps buyers focus on Tennessee’s safest ZIP codes while also delivering meaningful savings through commission rebates.

For more financing insights, see our guide on gift letters for mortgage down payments.

Tennessee isn’t just known for music and mountains - it’s home to some of the safest, most family-friendly, and affordable cities in the Southeast. From Franklin’s elite schools to Johnson City’s affordability and Maryville’s small-town peace, you’ve seen how the right ZIP code can protect your family and grow your wealth.

But here’s the truth:

• Home prices are climbing - Tennessee home values rose 7% in the past year and are projected to keep rising as more families relocate.
• Migration is booming - Tennessee is among the top 10 inbound states, and demand is outpacing supply.
• Inventory is shrinking - safe ZIPs like Franklin and Brentwood see homes sell within weeks, not months.
• Mortgage rates are stabilizing - locking in now means avoiding higher costs later.

The safest time to buy in Tennessee is right now. Waiting even six months could mean higher prices, tougher competition, and lost opportunities in the safest neighborhoods.

• Save a substantial portion of your buyer agent commission, putting thousands back in your pocket at closing.
• Get matched with the right mortgage program (FHA, VA, Conventional, USDA, Jumbo).
• Buy in Tennessee’s safest ZIP codes with lower insurance premiums and stronger resale value.

When families research safety, they don’t just look at one state; they compare across regions. Here’s how Tennessee stacks up against other popular states where buyers search for safe, family-friendly living:

Whether you’re buying in Tennessee or exploring options in other states, reAlpha helps you save a significant portion on commissions and secure the right mortgage in the safest ZIP codes.