Nashville Airport Area: Safe Or Not?

is the nashville airport area safe

Nashville is generally considered a safe city, and the airport area is no exception. While Nashville has a higher violent crime rate than the national average, violent crimes rarely affect tourists. The airport area is mostly filled with other hotels and some restaurants, and is about 5 miles from downtown Nashville. Nashville's Broadway is known to be lively until late at night, with a heavy police presence and plenty of people around. The tourist areas such as downtown Nashville and upscale neighbourhoods like Belle Meade are considered the safest parts of town.

Characteristics Values
Safety of Nashville Airport Area Pretty safe, mostly hotels and some restaurants
Nashville Crime Rate Higher violent crime rate than the national average, but it rarely affects tourists
Safe Neighborhoods in Nashville Belle Meade, Green Hills
Nashville Water Quality Safe to drink
Nashville International Airport Renovation Ongoing, with a new central terminal, terminal lobby, security area, and shopping mall expected to open in September 2023
Nashville International Airport Code BNA

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The Nashville airport area is generally safe

Nashville is generally a safe city, and the airport area is no exception. Nashville International Airport (BNA) is located in the southeastern section of Nashville, Tennessee, and it is the busiest airport in the state. The airport is easily accessible from the downtown area, which is about 5-7 miles away, and you can get there by rental car or by taking the number 18 train. The airport area is mostly filled with other hotels and some restaurants.

Nashville has seen a dramatic increase in traffic over the years, with a record 18.3 million passengers passing through the airport in 2019. To accommodate this growth, the airport has undergone extensive renovations and expansions to improve passenger amenities, infrastructure, and capacity. These improvements include new concourses, expanded ticketing and security areas, additional parking garages, and an upcoming new terminal lobby, international arrivals facility, and an on-site Hilton hotel.

While Nashville has a higher violent crime rate than the national average, these incidents rarely affect tourists. However, it is always a good idea to stay vigilant and informed about common scams or safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Some notable incidents at the Nashville International Airport include a small plane crash in 2013 and a Southwest Airlines flight rolling into a ditch in 2015. Despite these occurrences, the airport continues to be a vital economic generator for the region and is well on its way to becoming one of the most modern gateways in the US.

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There are ongoing construction works to expand the airport

Nashville International Airport is undergoing a dynamic growth and expansion plan, known as the BNA Vision. The airport is expanding to keep up with the high travel demand in Nashville, also known as Music City.

The Assistant Vice President of Corporate Communications, Stacey Nickens, commented on the expansion: "We will go from six lanes to 24 security lanes here at BNA... It was really shocking for us to see how the numbers went down but the good thing for us is it allowed us to fast forward our construction." The high volume of passengers at the airport, with a record-breaking 18.4 million passengers during the pandemic recovery, has accelerated the need for construction.

The expansion projects are expected to be completed by late 2023, with the grand lobby set to be unveiled in January. An international arrivals facility and a satellite concourse are also expected to open in the fall of 2023, increasing flight options for travellers. The airport hotel, with a new four-story parking garage underneath, is scheduled to be completed by December 2023.

With the rapid growth and development of Nashville, the expansion of the airport is crucial to accommodate the increasing passenger volume and enhance the overall travel experience.

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Nashville has a higher violent crime rate than the national average

Nashville's violent crime rate is higher than that of similarly-sized metropolitan areas, and within Tennessee, more than 99% of communities have a lower crime rate. The city's overall crime rate is also illuminated by its property crime rate, which is one of the highest in the nation. Your chance of getting your car stolen in Nashville is one in 122.

Despite these statistics, the Nashville airport area is considered safe by many. There are mostly hotels and some restaurants in the area, and it is about 5-7 miles from downtown Nashville.

The Metro Nashville Police Department collects and reports data to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). These reports include Part I crimes, which are the crimes most likely to be reported and occur with sufficient frequency to provide a basis for comparison.

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Nashville's water is safe to drink

Nashville's drinking water is generally considered safe to consume. The water in Nashville comes from the Cumberland River, which is treated at both the K.R. Harrington and Omohundro water filtration plants to remove impurities and contaminants. The treatment process includes the use of chemicals such as chlorine to kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Nashville’s water meets or exceeds all federal and state standards for drinking water, including standards for contaminants such as lead, bacteria, and pesticides.

However, there are occasional boil water advisories, and some residents may still be concerned about the safety of their drinking water. There are a few potential sources of contamination that can affect the water quality. One of the main concerns is the presence of lead in pipes and plumbing fixtures, which can leach into the water supply and pose risks to human health, especially for young children and pregnant women. The Nashville Water Department is working to mitigate this risk by replacing older pipes and encouraging the use of lead-free plumbing materials.

Another potential issue is the presence of microorganisms in the water. While the water treatment process effectively kills most bacteria and viruses, there is a chance that some may survive and enter the water supply. Additionally, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been detected in Nashville's water supply, particularly at the Nashville International Airport. Most municipalities, including Nashville, do not routinely test for or remove PFAS from tap water, and standard water filters are typically ineffective against these substances.

To address these concerns, the Nashville Water Department has implemented a comprehensive water quality monitoring program and regularly tests the water to ensure its safety. Nashville also has a state-of-the-art water treatment plant, and the majority of its water systems are known for their reliability. Certain areas in Nashville may experience hard water, which is high in mineral content and can cause issues with plumbing and appliances, but it is not harmful to human health.

Overall, Nashville's tap water is considered safe to drink, and residents can take additional precautions by using water filters or purification systems if they have specific concerns or preferences regarding their drinking water quality.

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The airport is about 5 miles from downtown Nashville

Nashville International Airport (IATA: BNA) is located about 5 miles from downtown Nashville. The airport area is generally considered safe, with one source noting that there is "not much around there aside from other hotels". However, it is worth noting that Nashville has a higher violent crime rate than the national average, although such crimes rarely affect tourists.

The airport itself is one of the busiest in the region, serving as a vital gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which attracts millions of visitors each year. Nashville International Airport offers flights to 99 destinations across the United States, as well as several international locations. The airport has four runways and covers 4,555 acres of land.

In recent years, the airport has undergone extensive renovations and expansions to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. The $1.4 billion BNA Vision master plan, initiated in 2017, has already delivered a new Concourse D, expanded ticketing wings, and additional parking garages. Future developments include a new terminal lobby, an International Arrivals Facility, and an on-airport Hilton hotel.

If you are staying near the airport, you can easily access downtown Nashville via the number 18 train, which takes about half an hour. Alternatively, if you have a rental car, you can drive to downtown via the I-40 highway.

Frequently asked questions

The Nashville airport area is generally safe. There are other hotels and some restaurants in the area, but there isn't much else around.

Nashville has a higher violent crime rate than the national average, but most violent crimes occur away from tourist spots. To stay safe, you should avoid risky areas, secure your valuables, and be aware of common scams like the sob story scam.

Yes, there are several safe neighbourhoods in Nashville, including the touristy areas of downtown Nashville and upscale neighbourhoods like Belle Meade, which has a remarkably low crime rate.

Nashville has a lively Broadway scene with plenty of people and a heavy police presence. You can also visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, which is minutes away from the airport.

Nashville is safe for solo female travellers, but it's important to take additional precautions. Be careful when checking out the nightlife, avoid bars that are too rowdy, and always keep an eye on your drink.

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