Cities / Summerville / Central Summerville vs North Summerville
Central Summerville vs North Summerville: which is safer?
Central Summerville is the safer of the two — 81/100 against 79/100. Go. Central Summerville is a safe, picturesque, and welcoming historic district that offers an authentic Lowcountry small-town experience with very low violent crime. Visitors can comfortably explore the local shops, parks, and restaurants by day or night while practicing standard vehicle security precautions.
Central Summerville
Summerville, South Carolina
81
out of 100 · Go
Central Summerville serves as the historic and cultural heart of 'Flowertown in the Pines,' centered around the walkable Hutchinson Square and nearby Azalea Park. The neighborhood is characterized by towering pine trees, historic 19th-century cottages, local boutiques, and independent eateries.
- Walk score
- 68
- Bike score
- 54
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than state and regional urban averages
- Active pedestrian presence and routine Summerville Police patrols in the core downtown corridor
- High rates of residential stability and homeownership in adjacent historic residential neighborhoods
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins in public surface parking lots and street spaces
- Dim lighting on some peripheral historic residential side streets off Main Street
- Limited public transit connectivity to the broader Charleston metropolitan area
North Summerville
Summerville, South Carolina
79
out of 100 · Go, stay aware
North Summerville comprises the northern residential neighborhoods and commercial stretches along North Main Street (US-17A) just outside the historic district. It features a mix of newer planned subdivisions, older mid-century homes, and convenience-oriented retail strip malls.
- Walk score
- 28
- Bike score
- 32
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to broader regional averages
- High rates of homeownership fostering stable residential communities
- Plentiful open green space, well-maintained parks, and family-friendly environments
Cons
- Car break-ins and retail theft occur occasionally along the commercial US-17A corridor
- Heavy car dependency with sparse pedestrian infrastructure along arterial roads
- Pockets of poorly lit rural-suburban transition roads after dark