Is Donelson North North safe?
Nashville, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Donelson North North as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Donelson North North
“Go. Donelson North is a quiet, leafy suburban area offering low violent crime rates and abundant outdoor recreation. While you will need a vehicle to get around efficiently, it is a safe and relaxing base for visitors exploring Nashville.”
Occasional auto burglaries and thefts from vehicles have been noted at trailhead parking lots along the Stones River Greenway.
About the area
Donelson North is an established residential neighborhood bounded by the Cumberland River, Two Rivers Park, and the Stones River Greenway. Characterized by mid-century ranch homes and sprawling green spaces, it offers a tranquil escape just minutes from Nashville's major attractions.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Green & Leafy
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Donelson North North
Walk score: 32/100 · Bike score: 44/100
Cyclists have excellent off-street connectivity via the Stones River Greenway and Two Rivers trails, though dedicated on-road bike lanes on neighborhood thoroughfares are sparse.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Nashville metro averages
- High homeownership and stable residential occupancy foster a secure community atmosphere
- Direct pedestrian access to extensive paved trail systems at Two Rivers Park and the Stones River Greenway
Cons
- Opportunistic vehicle break-ins occur at park trailheads and retail parking lots
- Suburban street grid lacks sidewalks and streetlights on many interior residential blocks
- Heavy reliance on cars for dining, shopping, and everyday errands
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in the residential neighborhoods, though occasional individuals or isolated camp spots may be present near wooded riverbanks and rail easements.
What Donelson North North is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers taking advantage of park trails.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and residential with steady, low-speed local traffic through the subdivisions.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and dark with limited streetlighting, making high-visibility gear advisable for evening walks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Virtually deserted and tranquil, with very low risk of street crime, though standard vehicle locking precautions apply.
Transit, parking and getting around
WeGo Public Transit operates bus routes along major arterials such as Route 6 on Lebanon Pike, and the Donelson Station for the Music City Star commuter rail is located about 1.5 to 2 miles south.
Parking is exceptionally easy and free throughout the area, with ample surface parking at public parks and wide private driveways on residential streets.
Things to do in Donelson North North
- Tour the historic 1859 Italianate-style Two Rivers Mansion grounds
- Walk, jog, or cycle across the pedestrian bridge on the Stones River Greenway connecting into Shelby Park
- Play a round of golf at the scenic municipal Two Rivers Golf Course
Local favorites
- Sunflower Bakehouse · Bakery / Cafe · 4.7★ (690)Bright neighborhood spot serving gluten-free and plant-based baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee.
- Homegrown Taproom & Kitchen · Gastropub · 4.6★ (730)Laid-back community taproom offering regional craft beers and scratch-made Southern pub fare.
- Two Rivers Disc Golf Course · Recreation · 4.6★ (330)Popular and scenic 18-hole public disc golf course weaving through rolling park hills.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.