Is Cedar Valley safe?
Huntsville, Alabama · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Cedar Valley as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Cedar Valley
“Go with care. Cedar Valley is primarily a quiet, established residential neighborhood in North Huntsville, but it borders busier corridors with higher rates of property crime. Visitors staying in the area or visiting residents will find it generally uneventful by day, though standard situational awareness is advised after dark.”
About the area
Cedar Valley is a modest, mid-century residential enclave situated in North Huntsville, characterized by single-story brick ranch homes and mature trees. It offers quick vehicular access to Alabama A&M University, downtown Huntsville, and the commercial corridors along North Memorial Parkway.
- Quiet Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Mid-Century Ranches
- Suburban
Walking and biking in Cedar Valley
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 32/100
Cedar Valley lacks dedicated bike lanes and does not directly connect to Huntsville's greenway system, though residential side streets have low motor vehicle speeds.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower traffic volumes and established single-family residential character
- Affordable lodging and rental options within minutes of downtown Huntsville
- Convenient driving access to Alabama A&M University and Memorial Parkway
Cons
- Property crime and vehicle break-in rates are elevated compared to South Huntsville and Madison
- Pockets of lower household income and deferred property maintenance in surrounding tracts
- Virtually no internal neighborhood commercial amenities or dining options within walking distance
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the residential streets of Cedar Valley, though occasional unhoused individuals and panhandling can be observed along major nearby commercial arterial intersections like Memorial Parkway and University Drive.
What Cedar Valley is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and low-activity as residents commute to work and school, making morning strolls generally calm.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet suburban environment with occasional residential delivery traffic and neighborhood activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly at dusk; residential streets remain quiet, though lighting is sporadic.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and dark with minimal foot traffic; visitors should avoid walking along perimeter thoroughfares late at night.
Transit, parking and getting around
Huntsville Orbit operates local bus service with route coverage along nearby North Memorial Parkway and Oakwood Avenue, but direct transit through the interior neighborhood streets is very limited.
Parking is abundant, free, and hassle-free, consisting primarily of private residential driveways and unrestricted on-street curb parking.
Things to do in Cedar Valley
- Explore the campus grounds and events at nearby Alabama A&M University
- Enjoy outdoor recreation and sports fields at nearby Lakewood Park
- Take a short five-minute drive to explore historic downtown Huntsville's museums and parks
Local favorites
- G's Country Kitchen · Southern Restaurant · 4.7★ (1420)Beloved local staple serving hearty soul food, fried chicken, and traditional Southern comfort sides.
- Betty Mae's Restaurant · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.6★ (730)No-frills counter-serve spot known for homestyle meat-and-three plates and sweet tea.
- Tim's Cajun Kitchen · Cajun & Creole Restaurant · 4.5★ (1650)Casual eatery serving crawfish, po' boys, and jambalaya in a relaxed setting.
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.