Is Arlington safe?
Montgomery, Alabama · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Arlington as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Arlington
“Go with care. Arlington is a quiet, older residential neighborhood that visitors rarely target directly, though it offers quick access to Montgomery's downtown and historic districts. While not heavily plagued by violent crime, property crime rates are elevated and the area requires standard urban awareness.”
Citywide initiatives in Montgomery have increased proactive police patrols and neighborhood surveillance cameras to combat sporadic property theft and gun violence across inner-ring neighborhoods.
About the area
Arlington is an established, modest residential community in Montgomery characterized by mid-century single-family homes, mature trees, and a slower pace. It sits in close proximity to major thoroughfares and Montgomery's central cultural attractions, but lacks a distinct commercial center within its borders.
- Quiet Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Modest
- Mid-Century
Walking and biking in Arlington
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes or bike-share hubs in the neighborhood, though residential side streets have low enough speed limits for comfortable neighborhood cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Primarily quiet residential streets with minimal heavy through-traffic
- Central location providing 5-to-10 minute drive times to downtown Montgomery and Midtown
- Established housing stock with a mix of multi-generational homeowners
Cons
- Above-average rates of property crime including vehicle break-ins and opportunistic theft
- Pockets of elevated rental vacancy and deferred property maintenance
- Limited walkability with essentially no retail or dining options inside the neighborhood
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential streets of Arlington, though occasional panhandling and unhoused individuals can be observed along nearby commercial corridors and major intersections.
What Arlington is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and calm as residents commute, making it safe for morning strolls or dog walking.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally quiet with light neighborhood activity and school-related traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Streets empty out early; side roads can feel dimly lit, so staying aware of your surroundings is recommended.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and isolated; walking after midnight is not advised due to opportunistic property crimes.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by The M (Montgomery Area Transit System) along perimeter corridors, though service is infrequent and a personal vehicle or rideshare is strongly recommended.
Street parking is widely available and free throughout the residential avenues, with most single-family properties having dedicated private driveways.
Things to do in Arlington
- Take a quiet walk through tree-shaded residential side streets to see vintage Montgomery cottage architecture
- Visit nearby Oak Park, Montgomery's historic public park featuring green spaces and the W.A. Gayle Planetarium
- Take a short drive to the Alabama State Capitol and civil rights landmarks along Dexter Avenue
Local favorites
- Filet & Vine · Gourmet Deli & Market · 4.6★ (1150)A nearby local institution known for quality meats, craft beers, and southern deli lunches.
- Vintage Year · Fine Dining Restaurant · 4.6★ (680)Upscale neighborhood eatery in adjacent Cloverdale offering premium steaks, seafood, and cocktails.
- El Rey Burrito Lounge · Eclectic Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (1420)Popular nearby spot serving inventive burritos, tacos, and craft cocktails with a laid-back vibe.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.