Is Ben Hill safe?

Atlanta, Georgia · safety score updated nightly

58out of 100

Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.

VibeLoco rates Ben Hill as “Caution”.

Gogo's take on Ben Hill

“Go with care. Ben Hill is predominantly a suburban, car-dependent residential community in Southwest Atlanta with limited pedestrian infrastructure and few traditional tourist draws. Visitors coming to patronize local eateries or community spots should stick to daytime visits and exercise typical street awareness around major commercial corridors.”

MARTA and the City of Atlanta continue to advance plans for the Campbellton Road Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line to enhance safety, transit access, and pedestrian infrastructure through Ben Hill.

About the area

Ben Hill is an established, predominantly African American neighborhood in Southwest Atlanta characterized by mid-century brick homes, mature trees, and commercial strips along Campbellton Road. While mostly residential and community-focused, the area is car-reliant and sees localized crime typical of outer urban commercial corridors. Visitors mainly pass through for authentic soul food spots or community events.

Car-Dependent
Residential
Suburban Feel
Historic Community

Walking and biking in Ben Hill

Walk score: 36/100 · Bike score: 31/100

There are no dedicated bike-share stations or BeltLine/PATH connections in Ben Hill, and cycling is challenging due to hilly terrain and a lack of designated bike lanes.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

Authentic, longstanding Southern and soul food dining options
Quiet, tree-lined residential interior streets
Active neighborhood community center and park facilities

Cons

Higher rates of property and violent crime along commercial arteries than city averages
Sparse sidewalk continuity and poor pedestrian lighting on side roads
Lack of visitor-oriented attractions and complete car dependency
High-speed traffic on major corridors like Campbellton and Fairburn Roads

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in the residential subdivisions but occasionally noticeable around bus shelters, gas stations, and shopping plazas along Campbellton Road.

What Ben Hill is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a: Mornings are calm and quiet, with light commuter traffic and residents starting their daily routines.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p: Afternoons see heightened vehicular traffic along Campbellton Road with standard daytime commercial activity.
Evening · 5p – 10p: Dusk brings quieter residential streets, though caution is advised around strip malls and bus stops as lighting fades.
Late night · 10p – 5a: Late-night walking is not recommended due to limited visibility, lack of foot traffic, and increased risk of crime.

Transit, parking and getting around

The nearest rail stations are H.E. Holmes (Blue Line) and Oakland City (Red/Gold Lines), both roughly 4 to 5 miles away and requiring a bus connection via MARTA Route 83 or Route 162.

Free surface lot parking is readily available at commercial plazas and community centers, and street parking in residential subdivisions is free and easy to find.

Things to do in Ben Hill

Enjoy outdoor recreation, walking paths, and sports courts at Ben Hill Park
Savor classic Southern cooking and fried fish along the Campbellton Road dining strip
Visit the nearby historic Greenbriar Mall area for regional shopping

Local favorites

This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q · Soul Food Restaurant
A regional Atlanta staple serving hearty plates of rib tips, baked chicken, and classic Southern sides.
Supreme Fish Delight · Seafood Restaurant
A longstanding local counter-service favorite known for quick fried fish sandwiches and wings.
Ben Hill Recreation Center · Community & Recreation Center
A neighborhood hub featuring basketball courts, sports fields, and community programming.

Scores blend recent reported crime levels, area poverty and walk/bike access, refreshed nightly. They are a guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.