Is Bond & College Terrace safe?

“Go with care. While Greater Bond and College Terrace are rich in history and sit directly adjacent to Florida A&M University, the neighborhood experiences elevated rates of property and violent crime compared to the broader Tallahassee metro. Daytime visits to local eateries, community centers, and university-adjacent spots are manageable with basic precautions, but nighttime visits require heightened vigilance.”

Targeted city investments through the Greater Bond Neighborhood First Plan have recently focused on adding streetlighting, sidewalk repairs, and youth center upgrades to mitigate crime risks.

Bond and College Terrace is a historic, predominantly residential African American community situated directly south of FAMU. The area features mid-century modest homes, student rentals, and small neighborhood institutions, currently benefiting from targeted municipal revitalization initiatives.

• Historic
• University-Adjacent
• Community-Focused
• Modest Residential

Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 58/100

Dedicated on-street bike lanes run along parts of South Adams Street, providing reasonable connections to the nearby Capital Cascades Trail and FAMU Way.

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present, mostly concentrated along the South Adams Street corridor and near busy transit stops along Orange Avenue.

Morning · 5a – 11a

Mornings are generally tranquil with students and residents commuting along Adams Street and Gamble Street.

Afternoon · 11a – 5p

Afternoons are active around local parks and storefronts, presenting few issues for visitors staying along primary thoroughfares.

Evening · 5p – 10p

Evenings require added awareness as pedestrian traffic thins and poorly lit residential side streets become darker.

Late night · 10p – 5a

Late-night exploration on foot is not advised due to an increased likelihood of opportunistic property crime and isolated violent incidents.

StarMetro provides bus coverage via South Adams routes (Route 4, Route 8) and nearby university-oriented routes, connecting directly north to downtown C.K. Steele Plaza.

Parking is largely free and accessible via customer surface lots at businesses and open residential street parking throughout the neighborhood.

• Visit the historic Smith-Williams Service Center Annex to explore neighborhood history and local arts exhibits
• Enjoy the playground, pavilion, and open green space at Speed-Spencer-Stephens Park
• Experience traditional southern soul food hospitality at long-running neighborhood dining spots along South Adams Street

• Olean's Cafe · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.6★ (860)
  Celebrated community diner serving homestyle southern breakfasts, fried chicken, and classic sides across from FAMU.
• B&B Smokehouse · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (220)
  Casual neighborhood pit stop known for hickory-smoked ribs, beef brisket, and traditional sweet tea.
• J & J Island Creole Corner · Caribbean Restaurant · 4.5★ (170)
  No-frills eatery preparing authentic Caribbean favorites including jerk chicken, oxtail, and plantains.