Is Woodlawn Area safe?
Nashville, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Woodlawn Area as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Woodlawn Area
“Go. Woodlawn is a quiet, highly affluent residential enclave in West Nashville nestled between Belle Meade and West End. Visitors will find very low violent crime rates, manicured estates, and a peaceful environment, with the primary caution being standard vehicle security along nearby commercial corridors.”
About the area
Woodlawn Area is an established, picturesque neighborhood known for historic mid-century and traditional homes set on large, tree-shaded lots. It offers a tranquil residential setting just minutes from Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West and the upscale shopping and dining along Harding Pike.
- Affluent Residential
- Quiet & Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
- Suburban Feel
Walking and biking in Woodlawn Area
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes within the residential core, though low traffic allows for casual cycling; the closest access point to the Metro Greenways network is the Richland Creek Greenway roughly two miles west.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent crime and property crime rates compared to Nashville metro averages
- High median household incomes exceeding $130,000 and high rates of homeownership
- Well-maintained infrastructure, quiet streets, and proximity to major medical facilities
- Quick driving access to Green Hills, Belle Meade, and Midtown dining
Cons
- Car-dependent neighborhood layout with limited sidewalk continuity on interior streets
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins along arterial edges
- Lack of immediate commercial venues within the interior residential core
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically nonexistent within the interior residential streets of Woodlawn, with only rare panhandling observed along the busier intersections of Harding Pike.
What Woodlawn Area is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with local residents walking dogs and joggers taking advantage of low morning traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and safe, characterized by light local residential traffic and landscaped estate views.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential with subdued ambient lighting, feeling exceptionally safe for evening strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark with almost zero foot traffic; remains very safe though basic situational awareness is recommended due to low illumination on side streets.
Transit, parking and getting around
WeGo Public Transit serves the area primarily along Harding Pike via Route 3 (West End), connecting directly to downtown Nashville; there is no rail or BRT service in this immediate area.
Most destinations offer dedicated private surface lots with free parking, and residential streets typically have ample, free curb space where permitted.
Things to do in Woodlawn Area
- Tour the historic grounds and art exhibitions at nearby Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
- Stroll the serene public garden spaces near the neighborhood edges along Woodlawn Drive
- Explore upscale boutique shopping and dining along the adjacent Harding Pike commercial strip
Local favorites
- Sperry's Restaurant · Steakhouse · 4.6★ (1650)A legendary upscale West Nashville institution serving prime steaks and classic cocktails in an old-school tavern setting.
- Doughnut Factory · Bakery · 4.7★ (420)A beloved local counter offering fresh artisan donuts, breakfast pastries, and coffee just off the main drive.
- Roze Pony · Bistro / Cafe · 4.5★ (310)An airy, chic neighborhood cafe serving upscale brunch plates, pastries, and elevated evening entrees.
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.