Is Ables Place safe?
San Antonio, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Ables Place as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Ables Place
“Go with care. Ables Place is a modest, working-class residential enclave on San Antonio's historic West Side with strong cultural roots, but adjacent thoroughfares experience elevated property crime and occasional violent incidents. Visitors visiting nearby cultural spots or dining along Culebra Road should remain aware of their surroundings and lock their vehicles.”
About the area
Ables Place is a small, predominantly residential neighborhood situated in West San Antonio near Our Lady of the Lake University. The area features mid-20th-century single-family homes, quiet interior streets, and an array of long-standing local taquerias along its commercial edges.
- Working-Class
- Historic West Side
- Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Ables Place
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 48/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure is sparse on interior streets, but paved multi-use paths are readily accessible just south at Elmendorf Lake Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Close proximity to West Side cultural institutions and scenic Elmendorf Lake Park
- Established, multigenerational residential community with friendly neighbors
- Convenient drive time to downtown San Antonio and major highway corridors
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime and vehicle break-ins compared to citywide averages
- Lower median household income and higher poverty rates across the census tract
- Inconsistent sidewalk infrastructure and limited street lighting in residential pockets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately noticeable near bus stops and commercial plazas along Culebra Road, but established encampments are rarely found within residential streets.
What Ables Place is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are generally quiet and safe, with school commuters and residents starting their daily routines.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons are active along commercial borders with steady vehicle traffic and low daylight safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings are subdued on residential blocks, though reduced lighting warrants staying alert when walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights carry a higher risk of opportunistic property crime and disturbances; walking alone is not advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
VIA Metropolitan Transit provides service through the area via bus routes along Culebra Road (Routes 82 and 88) and NW 24th Street, offering direct connections to downtown San Antonio.
Street parking is free and generally easy to find along residential streets, while local retail plazas and restaurants offer free surface parking lots.
Things to do in Ables Place
- Take a walk along the scenic paved trails and bridges at nearby Elmendorf Lake Park
- Visit the historic campus and Sacred Heart Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake University
- Tour the vibrant public murals and cultural landmarks across San Antonio's West Side
Local favorites
- Taqueria Chapala Jalisco · Mexican Restaurant · 4.2★ (1350)Popular neighborhood spot serving generous plates of classic Tex-Mex staples, breakfast tacos, and fresh tortillas.
- Tacos El Rodeo · Mexican Restaurant · 4.2★ (480)No-frills local diner known for hearty carne guisada, affordable breakfast tacos, and fast drive-thru service.
- Panaderia Jimenez & Coffee Shop · Bakery · 4.5★ (310)Long-standing neighborhood panaderia crafting traditional Mexican pan dulce, empanadas, and hot coffee.
Neighborhoods near Ables Place
Common questions about Ables Place
Is Ables Place safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Ables Place a good place to live?
On safety, Ables Place scores 60/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Ables Place?
Walk score 52/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Ables Place are safer?
Terrell Hills (93), Cambridge Village (76), Villa Tanglewood (74) score higher nearby.
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