Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Nashville

Affordability in Nashville, TN

Nashville has seen significant rent growth in recent years, making income-restricted housing an important resource for renters on a budget. Lease Lantern tracks 59 HUD-assisted and income-based properties totaling 9,585 units across the city.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 1,179 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around Nashville

The area around Nashville's assisted properties scores well for car-free living, according to Walk Score. Note that individual properties will vary -- check a specific listing to see scores for that location.

• Walk Score: 97 -- Walker's Paradise (Walk Score)
• Transit Score: 75 -- Excellent Transit (Walk Score)
• Bike Score: 69 (Walk Score)

Schools

Nashville is served by 129 public schools across 5 districts, including 64 elementary, 32 middle, and 32 high schools (plus 1 other), according to the NCES Common Core of Data. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

Cost of Living and Affordable Housing in Nashville, TN

Nashville's rental market has grown increasingly competitive in recent years, making income-restricted housing an important resource for renters watching their budget. Lease Lantern tracks 59 HUD-assisted or income-based properties with 9,585 total units across the city.

Rents at these properties are set based on area median income (AMI) limits established by HUD, not the open market, which can mean significant savings compared to Nashville's going market rates. Eligibility thresholds vary by property and household size.

• Affordable properties tracked: 59
• Total income-restricted units: 9,585
• Rent basis: HUD-calculated AMI limits, not market rate

To find out whether you qualify at a specific property, contact the leasing office directly -- income limits and available units change frequently.

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 59 HUD-assisted properties in Nashville were mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to flood zone data for these properties.