Is Cantarra safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Cantarra as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Cantarra
“Go. Cantarra is a quiet, modern residential subdivision in Northeast Austin that offers a safe and peaceful environment. While strictly residential with little tourist appeal, visitors staying with family or short-term rentals will find minimal safety concerns.”
About the area
Cantarra is a master-planned suburban community situated in Northeast Austin near the Pflugerville border, characterized by newer single-family homes and neighborhood amenities. It functions primarily as a bedroom community for professionals working along the nearby Parmer Lane tech corridor and throughout the Austin metro.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
Walking and biking in Cantarra
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There are no city bike-share stations or dedicated long-distance greenway connections directly accessible, though internal neighborhood streets are safe and low-stress for casual cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Very low violent crime rate consistent with newer planned residential communities
- High rates of homeownership and well-maintained modern properties
- Quiet, family-friendly subdivision streets with low through-traffic
Cons
- Completely isolated from walkable retail, requiring a car for all errands
- Occasional property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins and package theft
- Heavy rush-hour vehicle congestion along surrounding arteries like Howard Lane and Dessau Road
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within Cantarra, with unhoused activity and encampments largely confined to major highway underpasses along I-35 several miles to the west.
What Cantarra is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Bright and active with joggers, dog walkers, and residents starting their daily commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and peaceful with light local vehicle traffic and children playing after school.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential, with families walking the neighborhood in a secure, comfortable atmosphere.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and quiet with virtually no foot traffic; standard precautions regarding locking vehicles apply.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit does not directly enter the subdivision; CapMetro bus lines operate along Dessau Road and Howard Lane about a mile away, and the nearest CapMetro Rail station (Howard Station) is roughly five miles west.
Parking is abundant and free, with ample space in residential driveways and unrestricted curbside parking along wide neighborhood streets.
Things to do in Cantarra
- Take a walk or jog along the neighborhood sidewalks and green spaces
- Enjoy the community playground and swimming facilities at the Cantarra Amenity Center
- Visit Katherine Fleischer Park in nearby Wells Branch for sports fields, nature trails, and historic homestead tours
Local favorites
- Pho Dan · Vietnamese Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)Popular local strip-mall spot serving hearty pho, vermicelli bowls, and spring rolls.
- Inka Chicken · Peruvian Restaurant · 4.7★ (880)Acclaimed casual eatery on Dessau Road known for Peruvian rotisserie chicken and traditional sides.
- Ken's Subs, Tacos & More · Mexican / American Restaurant · 4.3★ (2100)Longtime local staple serving massive breakfast tacos and casual lunch fare.
Neighborhoods near Cantarra
Common questions about Cantarra
Is Cantarra safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Cantarra a good place to live?
On safety, Cantarra scores 86/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Cantarra?
Walk score 12/100 and bike score 24/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Cantarra are safer?
Cantarra scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Cantarra? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.