Is Brewery District safe?
Columbus, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Brewery District as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Brewery District
“Go. The Brewery District is a safe, vibrant urban neighborhood featuring historic brick architecture, entertainment venues, and easy access to riverfront green space. Violent crime is rare here, though standard urban precautions regarding vehicle break-ins and late-night awareness near major thoroughfares still apply.”
About the area
Situated just south of Downtown and adjacent to German Village, the Brewery District blends 19th-century industrial heritage with modern lofts, bars, and dining. It is anchored by cultural institutions and borders the expansive Scioto Audubon Metro Park.
- Historic Industrial
- Dining & Nightlife
- Riverfront Access
- Loft Living
Walking and biking in Brewery District
Walk score: 82/100 · Bike score: 80/100
CoGo Bike Share stations are stationed throughout the district, with seamless connections to the Scioto Greenways Trail network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than the Columbus citywide average.
- Strong local economy supported by high median household incomes and low residential vacancy.
- Direct pedestrian and bike access to the Scioto Audubon Metro Park and riverfront trails.
Cons
- Property crime, particularly vehicle break-ins and theft, occurs in surface lots and street spaces.
- Late-night bar crowds occasionally lead to localized noise and disturbances along South Front and High Streets.
- Proximity to major arterial overpasses can see occasional transient activity and litter.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is generally minimal within the residential core, though occasional panhandling occurs along South High Street corridors and near highway underpasses leading into Downtown.
What Brewery District is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant, populated by dog walkers, joggers, and commuters heading downtown.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with casual pedestrian activity around local cafes, offices, and green spaces.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively and welcoming as restaurant patios, theaters, and taprooms draw steady crowds.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally safe along active commercial streets, though dimly lit alleys and secluded parking areas warrant vigilance.
Transit, parking and getting around
Served by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), with frequent bus service along South High Street and South Front Street via Lines 5 and 8 connecting directly to Downtown.
A mix of metered street parking and dedicated pay lots/garages serves the district, typically costing $2 to $10 depending on events.
Things to do in Brewery District
- Catch an original sketch comedy or rock-musical show at Shadowbox Live.
- Climb the outdoor climbing wall or birdwatch at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center in Scioto Audubon Metro Park.
- Sample craft sour beers and cocktails in a vintage lounge setting at Antiques on High.
Local favorites
- Antiques on High · Cocktail & Sour Beer Bar · 4.7★ (850)A cozy, retro-styled brewery and lounge specializing in wild ales, sours, and handcrafted cocktails.
- Shadowbox Live · Performing Arts Theater · 4.8★ (1100)The largest resident theater company in the country offering edgy sketch comedy, rock operas, and dining.
- Lawbird · Cocktail Bar · 4.7★ (320)An award-winning neighborhood cocktail destination known for innovative drinks and natural wines.
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.
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