Is Chinoe safe?
Lexington, Kentucky · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Chinoe as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Chinoe
“Go. Chinoe is an upscale, exceptionally peaceful residential neighborhood in southeast Lexington with very low crime rates. It offers a safe environment for visitors seeking quiet streets and convenient neighborhood dining at the Chinoe Center.”
About the area
Chinoe is an established, tree-shaded pocket characterized by mid-century single-family homes, manicured townhouses, and convenient shopping strips. Located just south of historic Chevy Chase, the area offers a classic suburban Lexington atmosphere with fast driving access to the University of Kentucky and downtown.
- Affluent
- Suburban / Tree-Lined
- Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Chinoe
Walk score: 46/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Lexington does not operate a docked bike-share system in this neighborhood, and dedicated bike lanes are limited, but the wide residential streets offer comfortable cycling for confident riders.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates well below local and national averages
- High household incomes, strong homeownership rates, and impeccably maintained properties
- Quiet, low-traffic residential streets ideal for peaceful strolling
- Convenient commercial hub at Chinoe Center for everyday dining and essentials
Cons
- Car-dependent layout requiring a personal vehicle for most outings
- Sidewalks are intermittent along some purely residential side streets
- Occasional isolated vehicle break-ins common to quiet residential suburbs
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable factor in Chinoe. There are no homeless encampments or service facilities located within the neighborhood.
What Chinoe is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Pleasant and active with neighborhood joggers, dog walkers, and light commuter traffic heading toward UK or downtown.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and relaxed, with modest foot traffic centered around the Chinoe Center shops and quiet residential streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and inviting as residents visit local restaurants; residential side streets remain safe and peaceful.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with almost no pedestrian activity and dark, tranquil streets that carry negligible safety risk.
Transit, parking and getting around
Lextran serves the outer periphery via routes along Richmond Road and Alumni Drive, but interior service directly through Chinoe is minimal. Lexington has no urban rail or BRT system, making a car or rideshare the primary way to get around.
Free surface parking is plentiful in the Chinoe Center commercial lots. Residential street parking is free, unrestricted, and easy to find throughout the neighborhood.
Things to do in Chinoe
- Browse the local boutiques and casual dining options at Chinoe Center
- Take a quiet architectural walk among mature trees and mid-century homes into adjoining Chevy Chase
- Enjoy outdoor recreation and tennis courts at nearby Lansdowne-Merrick Park
Local favorites
- Puccini's Pizza Pasta · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (460)A cozy, family-friendly staple in Chinoe Center serving specialty thin-crust pizzas, calzones, and pasta.
- Chinoe Pub · Pub · 4.5★ (270)A long-standing neighborhood watering hole offering classic pub grub, draft beers, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- The Mouse Trap · Deli & Gourmet Market · 4.7★ (410)A legendary nearby specialty market and deli renowned for custom sandwiches, gourmet cheeses, and homemade pimento cheese.
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.