The most affordable neighborhoods in Nashville are Glencliff ($1,152), Autumnwood ($1,160), and Madison Park ($1,246). In these areas, renters can find apartments listed at 35-40% below the city’s median monthly rent of $1,920. These neighborhoods can save renters between $674 and $768 monthly ($8,088-$9,216 annually) compared to Nashville’s citywide median of $1,920, making Music City accessible to musicians, hospitality workers, healthcare professionals, and anyone drawn to Nashville’s booming economy and vibrant culture.
With numerous neighborhoods delivering significant savings, character, and reasonable access to downtown’s honky-tonks, major employers, and the energy that defines Music City, Nashville living is achievable.
Nashville’s most affordable neighborhoods, compared
These ten Nashville neighborhoods offer diverse options for budget-conscious renters. All median rents reflect November 2025 data from Zumper’s internal analysis across all bedroom counts and rental unit types (studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, houses, condos, apartments) over a 30-day period to provide the most accurate neighborhood-level pricing.
| Neighborhood | Median Rent | Monthly Savings | % Below Median | Transit Score | Walk Score |
| Glencliff | $1,152 | $768 | 40.0% | 2 | 5 |
| Autumnwood | $1,160 | $760 | 39.6% | 1 | 5 |
| Madison Park Condominiums | $1,246 | $674 | 35.1% | 3 | 5 |
| Raintree | $1,285 | $635 | 33.1% | 1 | 4 |
| Vista Apartments | $1,301 | $619 | 32.2% | 3 | 4 |
| Piccadilly Square | $1,340 | $580 | 30.2% | 1 | 4 |
| Merry Oaks | $1,347 | $573 | 29.8% | 2 | 4 |
| McMurray | $1,350 | $570 | 29.7% | 1 | 4 |
| Knolls | $1,366 | $554 | 28.9% | 3 | 5 |
| Nashboro Village | $1,372 | $549 | 28.5% | 1 | 4 |
What income do you need to rent in Nashville?
Nashville’s median rent of $1,920 requires an annual income of approximately $76,800 using the 30% budgeting guideline: your rent should not exceed 30% of your pre-tax monthly income. For renters earning Nashville’s median household income of approximately $60,000-$70,000, this creates affordability challenges.
However, Nashville’s most affordable neighborhoods change the equation:
- Glencliff ($1,152): $46,080 annual income
- Autumnwood ($1,160): $46,400 annual income
- Madison Park Condominiums ($1,246): $49,840 annual income
- Raintree ($1,285): $51,400 annual income
- McMurray ($1,350): $54,000 annual income
By targeting neighborhoods like Glencliff or Autumnwood, renters earning less than $76,800 annually can live comfortably in Nashville while staying within the 30% guideline.
Splitting rent with roommates makes Nashville even more accessible: sharing a $1,152 Glencliff apartment between two people means just $576 each, requiring only $23,040 annual income per person. Having roommates opens Nashville living to aspiring musicians, hospitality workers, and entry-level professionals earning $25,000-30,000.
Cost of living can also affect Nashville’s affordability for renters, so be sure to use the Zumper Rent Calculator to help you determine a personalized rental budget based on your income and expenses.
The 10 cheapest neighborhoods in Nashville
1. Glencliff: $1,152/month
Glencliff delivers Nashville’s absolute lowest rents at $1,152, saving you $768 monthly (40% below the citywide median rent). This South Nashville neighborhood sits near Glencliff High School and offers residential character with local parks including Cane Ridge Park. The area provides straightforward access to I-24 and Nolensville Pike for commuting throughout Nashville’s southern employment corridors and downtown.
Transit access: 2/10 | Walkability: 5/10
Best for: Budget-focused renters seeking maximum Nashville savings with car-dependent suburban living.
2. Autumnwood: $1,160/month
Autumnwood saves $760 monthly (40% below the median) at $1,160 rent. With family-oriented apartment communities, this residential area in Southeast Nashville provides a quiet alternative to the city’s urban core. The neighborhood maintains convenient access to I-24 and Briley Parkway, connecting residents to Nashville’s employment centers and entertainment districts.
Transit access: 1/10 | Walkability: 5/10
Best for: Renters prioritizing spacious living and maximum affordability over walkability.
3. Madison Park Condominiums: $1,246/month
Madison Park Condominiums offers $674 monthly savings (35% below the median) in the Madison area of Northeast Nashville. This established neighborhood sits near Rivergate and offers easy access to local shopping, dining, and the Cumberland River Greenway for outdoor recreation. Strong year-over-year growth of 25.54% indicates increasing neighborhood demand and investment.
Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 5/10
Best for: Renters seeking established Northeast Nashville community with river greenway access.
4. Raintree: $1,285/month
With a median rent of $1,285, Raintree saves $635 monthly (33% below the median) in a community-focused setting. This neighborhood provides access to local parks and recreational areas while maintaining proximity to major Nashville employers. Year-over-year growth of 13.12% reflects steady neighborhood appreciation and improving area amenities.
Transit access: 1/10 | Walkability: 4/10
Best for: Active renters prioritizing community wellness amenities at affordable rates.
5. Vista Apartments: $1,301/month
Vista Apartments delivers $619 monthly savings (32% below the median) in a residential area with access to Nashville’s major roadways. The neighborhood offers a suburban feel while keeping residents connected to downtown Nashville and the airport via straightforward commute routes.
Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 4/10
Best for: Renters wanting a suburban feel with easy access to downtown and the airport.
6. Piccadilly Square: $1,340/month
Piccadilly Square offers $580 monthly savings (30% below the median) in a larger residential community. The neighborhood provides access to Nashville’s major employment corridors along I-40 and Briley Parkway, with reasonable proximity to entertainment districts and shopping centers throughout the metro area.
Transit access: 1/10 | Walkability: 4/10
Best for: Renters seeking simple, affordable Nashville living with a variety of unit options.
7. Merry Oaks: $1,347/month
A residential neighborhood emphasizing community living, Merry Oaks saves renters $573 monthly (30% below the median). The area sits near Percy Priest Lake, offering outdoor recreation opportunities and access to greenways, while maintaining connections to Nashville’s employment centers via major highways.
Transit access: 2/10 | Walkability: 4/10
Best for: Socially-oriented renters wanting Percy Priest Lake proximity and community atmosphere.
8. McMurray: $1,350/month
McMurray delivers $570 monthly savings (30% below the median) in a quiet residential area of Nashville. This neighborhood provides a suburban atmosphere with local schools and nearby parks, appealing to families and professionals seeking a calm environment while staying connected to Nashville’s job market.
Transit access: 1/10 | Walkability: 4/10
Best for: Families and professionals seeking a quiet residential environment near schools and parks.
9. Knolls: $1,366/month
Knolls offers $554 monthly savings (29% below the median) in a residential community setting. The neighborhood provides access to local amenities and shopping while maintaining a residential character. Strong year-over-year growth of 11.37% indicates neighborhood stability and appreciation.
Transit access: 3/10 | Walkability: 5/10
Best for: Renters seeking a balance of amenities, including fitness and social opportunities.
10. Nashboro Village: $1,372/month
Renting in Nashboro Village saves $549 monthly (29% below the median). This Southeast Nashville neighborhood near Percy Priest Lake and numerous outdoor recreation areas offers a residential feel with access to the lake’s recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and hiking trails, while allowing residents to stay connected to Nashville’s employment centers.
Transit access: 1/10 | Walkability: 4/10
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts wanting Percy Priest Lake recreation and residential calm.
Why are these Nashville neighborhoods affordable?
Location patterns: Nashville’s most affordable neighborhoods sit away from downtown’s honky-tonk district, The Gulch, and East Nashville’s trendy corridors. However, Nashville’s manageable city size keeps commutes reasonable, at 15-30 minutes to major employment centers.
Car-dependent character: Transit and walk scores of 1-5 reflect Nashville’s car-oriented infrastructure. Unlike transit-rich cities, Nashville renters need vehicles, but Tennessee’s lack of state income tax and lower gas prices offset transportation costs.
Residential focus: These neighborhoods emphasize residential living over entertainment districts. Renters gain quiet, family-friendly environments while remaining connected to Nashville’s music scene, healthcare industry, and growing tech sector via short drives.
Residential focus with practical living: These neighborhoods emphasize comfortable, functional living environments suited to Nashville’s climate and lifestyle. Communities typically offer amenities like swimming pools for Tennessee’s hot summers, fitness centers, and ample parking—neighborhood-level features that enhance quality of life while keeping costs accessible.
Browse Nashville apartments for rent to see current listings.
What are some tips for renting an apartment in Nashville?
Even if you’re on a budget, there are a few things you should keep in mind when apartment hunting in Nashville:
- Factor car ownership: Budget for reliable transportation, as Nashville’s most affordable neighborhoods require cars. Consider total housing costs including vehicle expenses, though Tennessee’s no state income tax helps offset this.
- Prioritize air conditioning: Tennessee summers demand A/C. Verify cooling systems work properly and ask about average utility costs before signing leases.
- Time your search strategically: Avoid peak moving season (May-August) when competition intensifies. Winter months often bring better deals and more negotiating power.
- Consider community amenities: Many apartment communities in affordable Nashville neighborhoods offer pools, fitness centers, and other shared amenities. When comparing options, factor in which community features matter most for your lifestyle in Nashville’s hot, humid climate.
- Research commute routes: Test drive routes to your workplace during rush hour. Nashville traffic has increased with population growth, so before deciding on a neighborhood, calculate your actual commute time.
- Verify parking situations: Confirm whether parking is included or assigned or if it costs extra. In affordable Nashville neighborhoods, parking typically comes standard.
Frequently asked questions about cheap Nashville neighborhoods
What is the cheapest neighborhood in Nashville?
Glencliff is Nashville’s cheapest neighborhood, with a median rent of $1,152, which is $768 below the citywide median and 40% below typical Nashville rents. This South Nashville area offers outdoor space and a variety of nearby amenities while delivering maximum rent savings.
Where is rent cheapest in Nashville?
Rent is cheapest in Nashville’s outlying residential neighborhoods. The top three most affordable areas are Glencliff ($1,152), Autumnwood ($1,160), and Madison Park Condominiums ($1,246). These neighborhoods save renters $674-$768 monthly compared to Nashville’s $1,920 median.
Which Nashville neighborhoods offer the best value?
The neighborhoods that offer the best value for renters balance price and amenities. These communities include Madison Park Condominiums ($1,246, in-unit laundry), Raintree ($1,285, fitness center and pool), Knolls ($1,366, wellness amenities), and Nashboro Village ($1,372, garage parking). These areas combine 29-35% savings with practical features.
Where can you live cheaply in Nashville?
Renters can live cheaply in Nashville’s residential neighborhoods, such as Glencliff, Autumnwood, Madison Park, Raintree, and Vista Apartments ($1,152-$1,301), saving $619-$768 monthly. Moderate affordability exists in Merry Oaks, McMurray, and Knolls ($1,347-$1,366), offering 28-30% savings. No state income tax and low gas prices also help make Nashville living affordable.
What neighborhoods are under $1,400 in Nashville?
Eight Nashville neighborhoods offer median rents under $1,400: Glencliff ($1,152), Autumnwood ($1,160), Madison Park Condominiums ($1,246), Raintree ($1,285), Vista Apartments ($1,301), Piccadilly Square ($1,340), Merry Oaks ($1,347), and McMurray ($1,350). All save 28-40% versus the citywide median rent.
What’s the cheapest area to rent near downtown Nashville?
Though not on the list of the top 10 most affordable Nashville neighborhoods, Fisk-Mehary ($1,448) is a great option if being close to downtown and universities is important. For maximum affordability, Glencliff and Autumnwood require 20-25 minute drives to downtown but deliver 40% savings.
Are Nashville’s affordable neighborhoods safe?
Safety varies by specific area and street. Research neighborhoods during different times, talk to current residents, and check recent development patterns. Many affordable Nashville neighborhoods are family-oriented residential areas with community character and improving infrastructure.
How much can you save by choosing an affordable Nashville neighborhood?
Choosing Nashville’s most affordable neighborhoods saves $6,588-$9,216 annually. Glencliff saves $9,216/year, Autumnwood saves $9,120/year, and Madison Park saves $8,088/year—substantial money you can redirect toward savings, enjoying Nashville’s music scene, or building your career in Music City.
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