Is Cattleman's Square safe?
San Antonio, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Cattleman's Square as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Cattleman's Square
“Go with care. While Cattleman's Square offers valuable historic architecture and sits adjacent to major cultural landmarks, it is a socio-economically vulnerable area that experiences elevated levels of property crime and street-level disturbances. Daylight visits for transit or dining are generally manageable, but visitors should exercise caution and avoid walking alone after dark.”
About the area
Cattleman's Square is an urban, historic district on the western edge of Downtown San Antonio centered around VIA's Centro Plaza. It bridges downtown tourism centers like Market Square with the residential and industrial corridors of the historic West Side.
- Transit Hub
- Historic / Urban
- Edgy
- Developing
Walking and biking in Cattleman's Square
Walk score: 82/100 · Bike score: 68/100
San Antonio BCycle bike-share stations are available near Centro Plaza and UTSA, offering direct connections to downtown lanes and the San Pedro Creek trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Immediate access to VIA Metropolitan Transit's primary urban hub at Centro Plaza
- Walking distance to Historic Market Square, San Pedro Creek Culture Park, and UTSA Downtown Campus
- Historic 19th- and early 20th-century commercial building stock with deep cultural heritage
Cons
- High rates of property offenses including vehicle break-ins, theft, and vandalism
- Significantly high local poverty rate and higher concentrations of vacant commercial parcels
- Frequent loitering, open substance abuse, and panhandling around transit stops and service corridors
Homelessness: Homelessness is highly visible throughout the district due to its proximity to the Haven for Hope campus, county service centers, and the central transit terminal, with regular panhandling and sidewalk encampments under highway overpasses.
What Cattleman's Square is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active with commuters and students passing through Centro Plaza and UTSA, feeling relatively safe with standard street awareness.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy with vehicular and bus traffic, though visible loitering and panhandling are common along Medina and Houston Streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pedestrian presence thins outside of transit riders, creating an isolated atmosphere where heightened caution is warranted.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and sparsely lit off main thoroughfares, presenting elevated risks for theft and unpredictable street encounters; walking is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is exceptionally robust; the neighborhood houses VIA Metropolitan Transit's Centro Plaza hub, offering access to high-frequency Primo BRT routes (Route 100) and dozens of local lines.
Surface pay lots and metered street spaces are generally plentiful and range from $5 to $10 daily, though leaving valuables visible in vehicles is strongly discouraged due to break-in risks.
Things to do in Cattleman's Square
- Visit the historic 1907 I&GN Railroad Depot and view the distinctive mission-style architecture
- Walk east across the highway into Historic Market Square for authentic Tex-Mex dining and artisan shopping
- Stroll along the nearby San Pedro Creek Culture Park linear trail to view public art installations
Local favorites
- Pico de Gallo · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (3850)A long-standing, spacious destination serving traditional Mexican cuisine, fresh tortillas, and breakfast favorites.
- Bill Miller Bar-B-Q · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.1★ (1150)San Antonio institution offering quick pit-smoked meats, fried chicken, and sweet tea right next to Centro Plaza.
- Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (22100)Landmark market-side eatery nearby known for 24-hour Tex-Mex classics, festive folk art decor, and a traditional bakery.
Neighborhoods near Cattleman's Square
Common questions about Cattleman's Square
Is Cattleman's Square safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Cattleman's Square a good place to live?
On safety, Cattleman's Square scores 45/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Cattleman's Square?
Walk score 82/100 and bike score 68/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Cattleman's Square are safer?
La Villita (74), Arsenal (74), Midtown (San Antonio) (70) score higher nearby.
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