Is Amarillo Blvd East safe?
Amarillo, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Amarillo Blvd East as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Amarillo Blvd East
“Go with care. While the corridor is known for outstanding authentic immigrant-owned eateries and Route 66 history, it also experiences noticeably elevated rates of property crime, narcotics activity, and occasional violent incidents compared to the rest of Amarillo. Daytime visits to specific restaurants and markets are generally fine, but heightened situational awareness is recommended, especially after dark.”
About the area
Amarillo Boulevard East represents an eclectic, working-class stretch of Historic Route 66 characterized by auto shops, mid-century motels, and an array of international grocery stores and restaurants. The surrounding residential neighborhoods feature modest older housing stock with a diverse, tight-knit immigrant community.
- Historic Route 66
- Car-Dependent
- Diverse Dining
- Commercial Strip
Walking and biking in Amarillo Blvd East
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 42/100
Biking is challenging due to heavy, fast-moving vehicle traffic and lack of dedicated bike lanes, with no bike-share kiosks or major multi-use trail connections directly along the boulevard.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Home to some of Amarillo's most authentic and diverse international dining options
- Rich automotive and neon-sign roadside heritage along Historic Route 66
- Affordable prices at local markets, ethnic grocers, and specialty shops
Cons
- Significantly elevated rates of property theft, vehicle break-ins, and petty crime compared to national averages
- High local poverty rate exceeding 25% with pockets of aging infrastructure and blighted motels
- Sparse pedestrian infrastructure along high-speed commercial thoroughfares
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and panhandling are moderately common along Amarillo Blvd East, particularly around budget motels, bus stops, and vacant lots between North Pierce and Eastern Street.
What Amarillo Blvd East is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Commercial and industrial traffic picks up early; walking between open businesses is generally safe with typical urban vigilance.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy vehicle traffic along the boulevard; the area is active with diners and shoppers at local strip plazas.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity concentrates inside dining spots as foot traffic diminishes; keep vehicles locked and valuables hidden.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Safety drops noticeably due to reduced visibility, closed storefronts, and increased street activity around older motel corridors.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Amarillo City Transit (ACT), with Route 3 and Route 4 serving portions of Amarillo Boulevard East, though service frequencies are hourly and there is no rail or BRT system.
Surface parking lots are abundant and free in front of virtually all businesses, though leaving valuables visible in vehicles is strongly discouraged.
Things to do in Amarillo Blvd East
- Sample authentic Lao and Thai cuisine at established corridor restaurants
- Take a daytime self-guided driving tour of Historic Route 66 roadside architecture
- Shop for specialty ingredients and imported goods at local Asian and Hispanic markets
Local favorites
- Bangkok Restaurant · Thai Restaurant · 4.5★ (510)Unassuming strip-mall gem serving traditional Thai and Lao dishes with generous portions.
- Super Bowl Cafe · Asian Fusion Restaurant · 4.6★ (320)Casual, beloved local spot known for authentic noodle soups, stir-fries, and bubble tea.
- El Manantial Bakery · Panaderia · 4.4★ (210)Longstanding neighborhood bakery offering fresh pan dulce, specialty pastries, and tamales.
Neighborhoods near Amarillo Blvd East
Common questions about Amarillo Blvd East
Is Amarillo Blvd East safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Amarillo Blvd East a good place to live?
On safety, Amarillo Blvd East scores 50/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Amarillo Blvd East?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Amarillo Blvd East are safer?
Bel-Aire (Amarillo) (67), Skyline Terrace (66), Sunny Hill Village (64) score higher nearby.
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