Is Brentwood safe?
Atlanta, Georgia · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Brentwood as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Brentwood
“Go with care. Brentwood is a quiet, predominantly residential enclave in South Atlanta, but it is situated within an APD precinct that experiences higher rates of property crime and occasional violent incidents than national averages. Daytime visits to neighborhood parks or golf facilities are generally manageable, but visitors should remain vigilant and avoid walking around late at night.”
Atlanta Police Zone 3 continues targeted patrols addressing auto break-ins and recurring safety concerns along nearby commercial corridors like Cleveland Avenue and Jonesboro Road.
About the area
Brentwood is a modest, tree-lined residential neighborhood located in South Atlanta near the Browns Mill corridor. It consists mainly of mid-century single-family homes and rolling green space, offering a quiet local setting with limited commercial development.
- Residential
- Wooded
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
Walking and biking in Brentwood
Walk score: 32/100 · Bike score: 28/100
There are no bike-share stations in the neighborhood, and dedicated cycling infrastructure is lacking; connecting to the Atlanta BeltLine requires riding on high-traffic roads without protected lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Immediate proximity to Browns Mill Golf Course and neighborhood green spaces
- Quiet, low-density residential streets with ample mature tree canopy
- Convenient driving access to I-75 and I-85 for quick commutes to downtown Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
Cons
- Above-average rates of property crime and vehicle break-ins in the surrounding Zone 3 area
- Census indicators reflect lower median household incomes and elevated poverty rates compared to metro averages
- Lack of walkable retail, dining, or grocery options directly inside the residential bounds
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential blocks of Brentwood, though individuals experiencing homelessness are sometimes visible around transit stops and commercial plazas along nearby Cleveland Avenue.
What Brentwood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet as residents commute out, making it safe for morning strolls along residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Remains calm and low-key, with modest traffic focused primarily around through-streets and recreation facilities.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly at dusk; stay alert and keep vehicles locked and cleared of valuables.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets become very dark with limited foot traffic; walking alone is not recommended due to localized crime risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
MARTA bus routes serve peripheral corridors such as Browns Mill Road and Cleveland Avenue, providing connections to the Lakewood/Fort McPherson and Oakland City rail stations roughly 3 to 4 miles away.
Free residential street parking and private driveways are standard throughout Brentwood, and finding a parking spot is consistently easy with no metered zones.
Things to do in Brentwood
- Play an affordable round of golf at the scenic Browns Mill Golf Course
- Explore the outdoor trails, playground, and sports fields at nearby Southside Park
- Utilize the indoor swimming pool and fitness facilities at the Rosel Fann Recreation Center
Local favorites
- Browns Mill Golf Course · Public Golf Course · 4.1★ (420)A historic, municipal 18-hole golf facility known for rolling fairways and accessible green fees.
- Rosel Fann Recreation Center · Community Center · 4.4★ (290)A popular city-operated facility featuring a pool, gymnasium, climbing wall, and community classes.
- Gutbusters Breakfast & Bar · Southern Diner · 4.3★ (1460)A casual local favorite nearby serving generous portions of grits, pork chops, and classic southern breakfast plates.
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.