Is Smith Springs safe?
Nashville, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Smith Springs as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Smith Springs
“Go. Smith Springs is a quiet, lake-adjacent suburban neighborhood that offers a safe and peaceful environment for visitors looking to enjoy outdoor recreation on J. Percy Priest Lake. Violent crime is low, though standard vehicle safety precautions should be taken when parking near boat ramps and trailheads.”
About the area
Smith Springs is a relaxed, tree-filled residential enclave situated along the western shores of J. Percy Priest Lake in southeastern Davidson County. The community features mid-century to modern single-family subdivisions, lakefront access points, and easy proximity to both Nashville International Airport and Antioch.
- Suburban
- Lakeside
- Quiet / Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Smith Springs
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There are no dedicated bike-share stations, and riding along main roads like Smith Springs Road is challenging due to missing bike lanes, though Anderson Road Park offers scenic paved multi-use loops.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to the Nashville metro average
- High rate of single-family homeownership and established residential subdivisions
- Abundant public lakefront recreation and parkland along J. Percy Priest Lake
- High household vehicle availability and easy access to Interstate 24 and Interstate 40
Cons
- Occasional vehicle break-ins reported at lakeside recreation areas and trailheads
- Extremely car-dependent with minimal pedestrian infrastructure or sidewalks on main roads
- Limited commercial dining and entertainment options within direct walking distance
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Smith Springs; individuals experiencing homelessness and support services are primarily located closer to urban commercial corridors like Murfreesboro Pike.
What Smith Springs is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with locals jogging or heading to the boat ramps under clear morning light.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-oriented, with modest residential traffic and active recreation along the lakefront parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and dark along winding residential roads, feeling secure with minimal on-street commotion.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low activity; standard caution is advised due to sparse street lighting and isolated park access roads.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited in Smith Springs; WeGo Public Transit operates Route 55 along Murfreesboro Pike several miles west, but there is no direct rail or BRT service within walking distance, requiring a personal vehicle or rideshare.
Parking is abundant and universally free throughout residential streets, local business plazas, and public park lots, though US Army Corps of Engineers lake access sites may charge a modest day-use fee.
Things to do in Smith Springs
- Launch a boat, paddleboard, or fish from the Smith Springs Recreation Area ramp.
- Walk the shaded lakeside paths and picnic at Anderson Road Day Use Area.
- Enjoy waterside dining and boat watching at nearby lakeside marinas.
Local favorites
- Papa Turney's BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (1420)Lakeside smokehouse serving hearty ribs, pulled pork, and Southern sides with regular live blues performances.
- Sal's Pizza & Restaurant · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (750)Local strip-mall favorite known for generous New York-style slices, calzones, and classic pasta dishes.
- Shipwreck Cove · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (890)Casual open-air marina grill dishing out burgers, cold drinks, and scenic lake views right on the dock.
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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