Safest Cities in Tennessee: Nolensville Ranked #1, Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, and Fairview Make Top 20
Of the safest cities in Tennessee, Nolensville has earned the top honors, taking the #1 spot on the SafeWise 2025 list of safest cities in Tennessee. For residents, the ranking reflects everyday life in a town where kids play outside, families make use of local parks, and annual events remain part of the calendar year after year. For visitors, it highlights Nolensville as more than a fast-growing suburb; it’s a Williamson County destination with history, character, and plenty to explore.
The recognition extends beyond Nolensville. Fairview, Spring Hill, Brentwood, and Franklin also ranked among the top twenty safest cities in Tennessee, underscoring Williamson County’s reputation as one of the state’s most appealing places to live.
Safest Cities in Tennessee: Behind the Rankings
SafeWise is a national research group that studies community safety and publishes resources for families, movers, and local leaders. Each year, the organization releases its Safest Cities in Tennessee report, using publicly available FBI and state data to compare communities. Rankings are based on per-capita rates of reported incidents and population size, allowing towns and cities of all sizes to be measured on the same scale.
The purpose of the report is to highlight places where residents enjoy a strong sense of security in daily life, where neighborhoods are cared for, and where schools, parks, and civic spaces receive continued investment.
In Williamson County, Tennessee that picture is clear. With five cities making the top 20 on the 2025 list, the county continues to stand out for its quality of life and balanced growth.
Nolensville Feed Mill, Nolensville, TN
Safest City in Tennessee 2025: Nolensville, TN
Nolensville, in the northeast corner of Williamson County, was founded in 1797 when William Nolen and his family chose to settle along Mill Creek after a broken wagon wheel halted their travels. What began as a small farming settlement has become one of the county’s fastest-developing towns, blending historic sites with modern schools, neighborhoods, and businesses.
Ranked #1 on the 2025 SafeWise list, Nolensville is recognized for factors that make daily life secure and convenient. Strong schools, active youth sports, and new residential areas have helped the town grow while maintaining its identity. Nolensville Little League, which has reached the Little League World Series multiple times, is just one example of how local programs continue to thrive on a larger stage.
Outdoor spaces add to Nolensville’s appeal. Families enjoy Nolensville Park, which offers walking trails, a playground area, a dog park, and athletic fields. The Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville offers indoor courts, a fitness center, a pool, and a popular splash pad. Mill Creek Park & Greenway provides shaded trails and open green space for walking, biking, and picnicking, while nearby Morning Glory Orchard offers seasonal fruit and local products that reflect Nolensville’s agricultural heritage.
The town’s historic district adds another layer of interest. Sites like the Nolensville Feed Mill, the Historic Nolensville School Museum, and the Sherwood Green House connect today’s residents to the town’s past.
Dining in Nolensville covers both long-standing Southern traditions and newer global flavors, while coffee shops and dessert stops provide familiar places to pause and connect. Festivals such as the Buttercup Festival in spring and the Hometown Holiday Parade in December keep traditions active and highlight the town’s growth without losing sight of its roots.
Bowie Nature Park, Fairview, TN
Fairview, TN: Safe Small-Town Living
Situated on the western edge of Williamson County, Fairview traces its roots back to the mid-1800s. Once a quiet rural settlement, the town grew around farming and trade before incorporating in 1959. Today, it’s a community of roughly 10,000 residents that balances small-town character with access to nearby cities.
Ranked #9 on the 2025 SafeWise list, Fairview is closely associated with outdoor recreation. Bowie Nature Park, at more than 700 acres, is one of the largest municipal parks in Tennessee and offers miles of hiking, biking, and horseback-riding trails. Veterans Memorial Park provides athletic fields, playgrounds, and walking paths, extending the town’s commitment to safe public spaces. Historic landmarks like the Triangle School and Jingo Post Office remain preserved as reminders of Fairview’s past.
Local businesses, from antique shops to specialty retailers, help define the town’s commercial identity and give residents places to shop while supporting local owners. Restaurants offer casual dining that reflects the community’s down-to-earth character.
Events like Nature Fest at Bowie Park, the Independence Day Celebration at City Hall, and holiday parades bring residents together throughout the year, reinforcing Fairview’s role as a family-friendly place to live.
Rippavilla, Spring Hill, TN
Spring Hill, TN: A Safe City for Families and Growth
Spring Hill, on the southern edge of Williamson County, extends into neighboring Maury County and has grown rapidly in recent decades. Founded in the early 1800s, the town’s history includes the Civil War’s Battle of Spring Hill, remembered through landmarks and historic markers.
Ranked #10 on the 2025 SafeWise list, Spring Hill continues to attract new residents with its combination of new neighborhoods, strong schools, and convenient location. Despite its growth, the city maintains the feel of earlier years.
Recreation plays a central role in Spring Hill’s family life. Parks and ball fields host youth sports, which thrive thanks to parent volunteers and supportive neighborhoods. The Fischer Park Splash Pad provides a summer gathering spot, while the Longview Recreation Center offers year-round fitness, pools, and multipurpose courts, giving residents spaces to stay active together.
Spring Hill’s history adds depth to its identity. Rippavilla, a Greek Revival mansion tied to the Civil War era, offers tours and cultural programming that keep local heritage alive. Historic markers commemorating the Battle of Spring Hill and landmarks such as Grace Episcopal Church highlight how the city preserves its past while fostering a connected present.
Shopping ranges from antique malls housed in historic buildings to modern retail centers. Dining offers a mix of long-standing establishments and newer family-friendly options. Community events, including the annual Experience Spring Hill celebration, seasonal parades, and outdoor concerts, highlight the city’s active civic life.
Crockett Park, Brentwood, TN
Brentwood, TN: Safe Neighborhoods and Top-Ranked Schools
Brentwood, in northern Williamson County, has grown from farmland into one of the area’s most established cities. Incorporated in 1969, it traces its roots to early 19th-century settlements and is widely recognized today for thoughtful planning, high-performing schools, and a strong quality of life.
Ranked #11 on the 2025 SafeWise list, Brentwood is noted for its safe neighborhoods and family-centered amenities. Parks and recreation are central here: Crockett Park, with its sports fields, playgrounds, and the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater, hosts tournaments, concerts, and the annual Fourth of July celebration. Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, the city’s largest, combines historic Ravenswood Mansion with acres of hiking trails and green space.
The John P. Holt Brentwood Library adds to the city’s cultural landscape with its programs, events, and extensive resources. Commercial centers such as Brentwood Place and Hill Center Brentwood provide shopping and dining options.
Community events play a vital role in Brentwood’s small-town atmosphere. From the Tree Lighting Ceremony each winter to outdoor movie nights and neighborhood festivals, these traditions turn public spaces into lively gathering places. Youth and adult sports leagues also thrive, thanks to the city’s commitment to fields and recreation facilities that encourage healthy, community-focused living.
Brentwood’s consistent recognition as a safe and desirable place to live reflects its long-term investment in schools, infrastructure, and public amenities.
Bicentennial Park, Franklin, TN
Franklin, TN: History, Culture, and Community Safety
As the county seat of Williamson County, Franklin has been at the center of the region’s story since its founding in 1799. Named after Benjamin Franklin, the city began as an agricultural community and quickly grew into a hub of commerce, culture, and civic life. Shaped by its Civil War history and preserved 19th-century architecture, Franklin today is one of Tennessee’s most desirable and family-friendly cities.
Ranked #17 on the 2025 SafeWise list, Franklin continues to be recognized for its balance of safety, heritage, and livability. Downtown’s Main Street, with its mix of historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and galleries, is a year-round draw. The Franklin Theatre, restored to its 1937 glory, hosts live music, movies, and performances that draw audiences from across Middle Tennessee.
Just a few blocks away, The Factory at Franklin adds another layer to the city’s identity. The former stove factory has been transformed into a destination for shopping, dining, and the arts. Its mix of preserved industrial character and modern use reflects how Franklin reinvents itself while remaining a family-friendly destination.
Franklin’s festivals, including PumpkinFest, Dickens of a Christmas, and the Main Street Festival, remain some of the county’s largest, bringing together residents and visitors from near and far.
Families also enjoy Franklin’s extensive park system. The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, once a renowned Tennessee Walking Horse farm, now hosts polo matches, music festivals, and events like the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. Pinkerton Park offers playgrounds and a walking trail along the Harpeth River, while Bicentennial Park in downtown Franklin provides open green space and is connected to the city’s broader trail system.
Franklin’s preserved sites, including the Carter House, Lotz House, and Carnton, tell the story of the Battle of Franklin and its lasting impact on the region. Guided tours and living history programs bring this past to life, while the city’s preservation efforts ensure that future generations continue to learn from these landmarks.
Franklin’s mix of historic landmarks, cultural events, and safe neighborhoods reflects why it continues to be one of Tennessee’s most recognized cities.
Williamson County Cities Rank Among Tennessee’s Safest
With five cities ranked among the top 20 safest in Tennessee, Williamson County has earned a reputation as a place where people can feel confident about raising families, starting businesses, or visiting for the day. Each community has its own strengths, but together they reflect a county that values safety, steady growth, and quality of life.
