Is Smarden safe?
Franklin, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Smarden as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Smarden
“Go. Smarden is an exceptionally safe, quiet, and affluent suburban community in southern Franklin where violent crime is virtually nonexistent and serious property crime is exceedingly rare. Visitors will feel completely secure day or night, though a vehicle is required to explore surrounding amenities.”
About the area
Smarden is a master-planned, upscale residential enclave situated in Franklin, Tennessee, surrounded by scenic Williamson County rolling hills. Characterized by well-maintained single-family homes, manicured lawns, and cul-de-sacs, the neighborhood is entirely residential and caters to families and professionals.
- Peaceful Suburban
- Family-Oriented
- Affluent
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Smarden
Walk score: 14/100 · Bike score: 28/100
While internal neighborhood streets are safe and low-speed for recreational cycling, there is no direct bike-share program, and dedicated greenway trails require navigating higher-speed rural arterial roads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates in Williamson County and Franklin are among the lowest in the state and the country
- Extremely high median household income exceeding $130,000 with poverty rates below 3%
- Pristine, well-maintained housing stock with virtually zero property neglect or structural vacancy
Cons
- Strictly car-dependent with no commercial businesses inside the residential boundary
- Lack of immediate public transit service into the subdivision
- Occasional opportunistic crimes of opportunity such as unlocked vehicle burglaries common to suburban corridors
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a factor in Smarden or its immediate surroundings, with no encampments or panhandling present in this residential development.
What Smarden is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Crisp and peaceful with neighbors jogging, walking dogs, and school buses moving through quiet streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with minimal through-traffic and excellent visibility across all streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and comfortable with residents returning home and families spending time in driveways and front yards.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Exceptionally quiet and dark with virtually no vehicular or pedestrian traffic and zero safety concerns.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by the Franklin Transit Authority, though fixed routes do not run directly through Smarden's internal residential streets. Nashville's WeGo Public Transit operates regional express buses from park-and-ride lots in Franklin, but having a personal car or rideshare access is essential.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the area, consisting of private driveways, multi-car garages, and unrestricted residential street parking.
Things to do in Smarden
- Visit the historic Carnton plantation and Eastern Flank Battlefield Park located a short drive north
- Explore the shops, dining, and seasonal events at the nearby Berry Farms Town Center
- Take a scenic driving tour through the picturesque Williamson County countryside and natchez trace parkway
Local favorites
- Whit's Frozen Custard of Berry Farms · Ice Cream Shop · 4.8★ (320)Popular neighborhood spot serving freshly made vanilla and chocolate custard with rotating daily flavors.
- Soulshine Pizza Factory · Pizza Restaurant · 4.3★ (460)Laid-back casual eatery offering stone-baked gourmet pizzas, calzones, and craft beers on tap.
- Tito's Mexican Restaurant - Berry Farms · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (680)Family-friendly restaurant serving traditional Mexican fare, fajitas, and specialty margaritas.
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.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Smarden? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.