Is Lakewood safe?
Nashville, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Lakewood as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Lakewood
“Go. Lakewood is a peaceful, laid-back residential riverside community tucked away in northeastern Davidson County. While it offers limited tourist-specific infrastructure, it is a very safe and tranquil area for visitors looking for river recreation or a quiet suburban retreat.”
About the area
Once an independent municipality, Lakewood is now a quiet residential neighborhood nestled along a bend of the Cumberland River near Old Hickory. Characterized by modest mid-century cottages, mature shade trees, and riverfront views, it provides a slow-paced neighborhood feel within driving distance of central Nashville.
- Quiet & Residential
- Riverfront
- Car-Dependent
- Suburban
Walking and biking in Lakewood
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 32/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes or Nashville B-cycle stations in Lakewood, though interior streets have low traffic suitable for casual neighborhood riding.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low rates of violent crime relative to the broader Nashville metropolitan area
- High residential stability with a strong base of owner-occupied single-family homes
- Immediate proximity to Cumberland River public boat launches and quiet parkland
Cons
- Limited pedestrian infrastructure, with few sidewalks on interior neighborhood streets
- Occasional opportunistic property theft and vehicle break-ins common to quiet residential areas
- Minimal commercial or dining amenities located directly within neighborhood bounds
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Lakewood, with virtually no encampments or panhandling observed in this residential pocket.
What Lakewood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are calm and safe, with locals walking dogs along quiet residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons remain very peaceful with low traffic volumes and an overall secure environment.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings are quiet as residents return home, though limited street lighting warrants basic awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights are very quiet with virtually no foot traffic, remaining safe though visibly dark in spots.
Transit, parking and getting around
WeGo Public Transit provides limited service near the area via Route 6 along Lebanon Pike, but Lakewood itself has virtually no direct transit stops, making private vehicles the primary way to get around.
Free street parking is abundant throughout the residential streets, and public parks provide free surface lots.
Things to do in Lakewood
- Enjoy peaceful riverfront views and picnic areas at Lakewood City Park
- Launch a kayak, canoe, or boat for a day on the Cumberland River
- Explore the neighboring historic Old Hickory Village and its artisan shops
Local favorites
- Dos Margaritas Bar & Grill · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)A popular local spot just outside the neighborhood borders serving classic Mexican dishes and margaritas.
- Black Bear Coffee Co. · Coffee Shop · 4.8★ (340)A cozy, nearby community gathering spot offering specialty espresso drinks and fresh pastries.
- Sam's Sports Grill - Blue Turtle Bay · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (2180)A waterside destination on nearby Old Hickory Lake offering casual dining, craft beers, and marina views.
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.
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