Is Cat Mountain safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Cat Mountain as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Cat Mountain
“Go. Cat Mountain is an exceptionally safe, affluent residential enclave in Northwest Austin with scenic hill country vistas. Visitors seeking quiet accommodations or scenic drives will find it secure and tranquil, though a personal vehicle is necessary.”
About the area
Perched on the rolling hills overlooking Lake Austin and the Pennybacker Bridge corridor, Cat Mountain is an upscale, private residential neighborhood. It features custom single-family homes, steep winding roads, and pristine natural surroundings with virtually no commercial congestion.
- Affluent Hillside
- Quiet / Residential
- Scenic Overlooks
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Cat Mountain
Walk score: 14/100 · Bike score: 18/100
There are no bike-share stations or dedicated bike lanes in the neighborhood; steep topography and narrow roads make cycling challenging and primarily limited to experienced road cyclists.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Extremely low rates of violent and street crime relative to both Austin and national averages.
- Very high median household incomes and stable, well-maintained housing stock.
- Quiet, secluded suburban atmosphere with scenic views and minimal pass-through traffic.
Cons
- Severe car dependency with steep winding roads and almost no pedestrian sidewalks.
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins.
- No commercial establishments, dining, or retail options located directly within neighborhood limits.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a factor in Cat Mountain. There are no encampments, panhandling locations, or shelter services within the neighborhood.
What Cat Mountain is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Extremely calm and safe, with occasional neighborhood joggers navigating the steep, quiet residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Peaceful and secure with minimal traffic aside from delivery vehicles and residents.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and safe as the sun sets, though narrow hillside roads have limited street lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Pitch-black, silent, and exceptionally safe from street crime, though drivers must watch for wildlife.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro does not run transit lines into Cat Mountain; the nearest bus routes operate along Mesa Drive and Far West Boulevard (Route 19), and the nearest CapMetro Rail station at Crestview is roughly six miles east.
Free residential street parking is generally permitted where road width allows, but private driveways and multi-car garages handle nearly all parking in the area.
Things to do in Cat Mountain
- Drive the scenic hillside roads for sweeping views of Lake Austin and the surrounding Hill Country.
- Take a guided nature hike through the nearby Bright Leaf Preserve off 2222.
- Head down to Lake Austin for boating or waterfront dining along Bull Creek.
Local favorites
- The County Line on the Lake · Barbecue · 4.5★ (4850)Rustic, lakeside barbecue destination serving slow-smoked ribs and brisket in a relaxed setting along Bull Creek.
- Siena Ristorante Toscana · Italian · 4.6★ (1320)Upscale Tuscan dining featuring homemade pasta, wood-fired meats, and fine wines inside a stone villa.
- Chinatown Restaurant · Chinese · 4.4★ (980)Longstanding local favorite offering traditional Chinese entrees, sushi, and weekend dim sum along Greystone Drive.
Neighborhoods near Cat Mountain
Common questions about Cat Mountain
Is Cat Mountain safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Cat Mountain a good place to live?
On safety, Cat Mountain scores 91/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Cat Mountain?
Walk score 14/100 and bike score 18/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Cat Mountain are safer?
North Cat Mountain (92) score higher nearby.
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