Is Coletown safe?
Lexington, Kentucky · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Coletown as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Coletown
“Go. Coletown is a peaceful, historic rural hamlet in southeastern Fayette County that experiences very low rates of violent and property crime. While there are few conventional tourist amenities within the hamlet itself, it is a safe and tranquil area to visit by car or road bike.”
About the area
Coletown is one of Lexington's historic post-Civil War African American hamlets, nestled among the rolling pastures and horse farms of southeastern Fayette County. The area is characterized by low-density residential homes, narrow tree-lined roads, and a distinctly rural atmosphere.
- Rural / Pastoral
- Historic Hamlet
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet / Peaceful
Walking and biking in Coletown
Walk score: 8/100 · Bike score: 28/100
No bike-share hubs or dedicated paved greenways exist here, but experienced road cyclists frequently ride the rural backroads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low compared to Lexington's urban neighborhoods.
- Tranquil, low-density rural setting with picturesque Bluegrass horse country scenery.
- Very low incidence of residential burglary and street crime.
Cons
- Completely car-dependent with zero sidewalk infrastructure or dedicated pedestrian crossings.
- Unlit, narrow rural roads create navigational and safety challenges after dark.
- No immediate public transit access or direct commercial retail inside the hamlet.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a factor in Coletown. Shelters and community support services are located miles away in urban Lexington.
What Coletown is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and clear with light commuter traffic and farm vehicles moving along country roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet with ample sunshine over pastures and negligible safety risks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and pastoral, though drivers should watch for deer and low visibility on unlit roads.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Completely dark and isolated with almost no activity, remaining safe from urban street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Lextran does not operate fixed-route bus service into this rural area; personal vehicle or rideshare is required.
There are no metered zones or parking decks; parking is private or on informal driveway turnouts.
Things to do in Coletown
- Drive or cycle scenic country roads past historic hamlets and Bluegrass horse farms.
- Spend an afternoon enjoying the lake, dog park, and trails at nearby Jacobson Park.
- Learn about Fayette County's post-Civil War African American hamlet history and rural heritage.
Local favorites
- Jean Farris Winery & Bistro · Winery · 4.4★ (520)Rustic-chic estate winery and bistro serving locally sourced fine dining and regional wines.
- Proud Mary BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.3★ (2150)Riverside roadhouse offering smoked meats, southern sides, and live outdoor music.
- Grimes Mill Winery · Winery · 4.7★ (115)Boutique rural tasting room specializing in Italian-style varietals and local fruit wines.
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.