Is Clift Acres safe?
Madison, Alabama · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Clift Acres as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Clift Acres
“Go. Clift Acres is a peaceful, affluent suburban enclave in Madison with exceptionally low crime rates and well-kept homes. Visitors will experience a very safe environment typical of Huntsville's premier suburbs, though having a personal vehicle is necessary.”
About the area
Clift Acres is an established residential neighborhood in Madison, Alabama, characterized by spacious lots, mature trees, and single-family homes. Situated just off the bustling Highway 72 corridor, it offers quiet suburban living within easy reach of regional aerospace, defense, and tech employers.
- Family-Friendly
- Affluent Suburban
- Quiet & Peaceful
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Clift Acres
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 28/100
There is no local bike-share program, and while neighborhood roads have low traffic, dedicated multi-use greenways require a short drive south toward central Madison.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Exceptionally low rates of violent and property crime well below state and national averages
- High median household incomes and stable, owner-occupied housing stock
- Quick access to new retail, dining, and grocery options along the Highway 72 corridor
- Close proximity to top-performing Madison City Schools and regional employment centers
Cons
- Virtually no pedestrian sidewalks within interior residential streets
- Heavy commuter congestion along adjacent arterial roads like Highway 72 during peak hours
- Complete lack of public transit infrastructure
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Clift Acres, as supportive services and shelters are concentrated in downtown Huntsville.
What Clift Acres is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with light residential traffic, school bus runs, and residents walking dogs.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet with low activity levels and completely safe conditions across residential streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe for neighborhood walks, though reflective gear is recommended due to limited street lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and tranquil with virtually no foot traffic or criminal activity.
Transit, parking and getting around
There is no fixed-route public transit in Clift Acres; Huntsville Transit does not operate service into this section of Madison, making personal vehicles or rideshare essential.
Parking is free and easy, primarily relying on private residential driveways with unrestricted curbside parking available on residential streets.
Things to do in Clift Acres
- Shop, dine, and enjoy community green spaces at the nearby Clift Farm development
- Hike scenic rocky trails and overlook vistas at Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve
- Use the sports facilities, walking trails, and pool at Dublin Memorial Park
Local favorites
- Jonathan's Grille · American Sports Bar & Grill · 4.4★ (1250)Popular upscale sports bar featuring classic American fare, pizzas, and craft beer.
- Old Black Bear Brewing Company · Brewpub · 4.5★ (1600)Beloved local craft brewery and kitchen serving burgers and seasonal ales in nearby downtown Madison.
- Super Chix · Fast Casual Chicken · 4.4★ (780)Modern quick-serve eatery known for gourmet chicken sandwiches, fresh hand-cut fries, and frozen custard.
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.