Is Downing-highland's safe?
Amarillo, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Downing-highland's as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Downing-highland's
“Go with care. Downing-Highland's is a modest, mid-century residential area in northeast Amarillo that is generally manageable during the day but sees higher rates of property crime and localized disturbances than the southern sectors of the city. Visitors should keep vehicle doors locked, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, and exercise heightened awareness near major arterial corridors after dark.”
About the area
Downing-Highland's is an established working-class neighborhood characterized by mid-century ranch-style homes, local community parks, and quiet residential side streets. Situated north of central Amarillo, it offers easy access to regional thoroughfares while maintaining a traditional Panhandle suburban layout.
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
- Mid-Century
- Working-Class
Walking and biking in Downing-highland's
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes within the neighborhood or bike-share stations; cyclists generally share wide residential roads with light neighborhood vehicle traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower traffic density and quiet residential streets away from main commercial roads
- Generous access to municipal parkland and recreational green spaces like Highlands Park
- Strong sense of longtime residency with an established base of homeowners
- Convenient driving access to US-287, Loop 335, and downtown Amarillo
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime, including larceny and auto theft, compared to south Amarillo
- Pockets of aging infrastructure, occasional vacant lots, and unpaved alleyways
- Limited street lighting along residential interior corridors at night
- Household median income and socioeconomic indicators trail citywide averages
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential streets, though occasional individuals or panhandling can be observed along commercial perimeters near Amarillo Boulevard.
What Downing-highland's is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and calm, with residents commuting to work and school buses navigating residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally quiet with routine residential activity, making it safe for casual walks around local parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet as daylight fades, though street lighting is sparse and pedestrian visibility is reduced.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Activity drops off sharply; situational awareness is advised against potential opportunistic vehicle theft or vandalism.
Transit, parking and getting around
Amarillo City Transit (ACT) provides fixed-route bus service along major perimeter streets with Route 1 and Route 2 connecting to the downtown transit center, but service is infrequent with no Sunday operations.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the neighborhood, primarily via residential driveways and open curbside parking without meters or permit restrictions.
Things to do in Downing-highland's
- Play a round of disc golf or relax at Highlands Park
- Explore local authentic Panhandle Tex-Mex eateries along nearby thoroughfares
- Take a short drive downtown to visit the Amarillo Museum of Art and Route 66 Historic District
Local favorites
- Highlands Park · City Park · 4.4★ (320)A spacious community park offering mature shade trees, sports fields, walking paths, and a disc golf course.
- Tacos Garcia Mexican Restaurant · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (1150)A nearby Amarillo staple serving hearty combination platters, sizzling fajitas, and homemade salsa.
- Shelly's Early Bird Cafe · Diner · 4.5★ (410)A cozy, no-frills breakfast and lunch diner known for classic country skillets and friendly service.
Neighborhoods near Downing-highland's
Common questions about Downing-highland's
Is Downing-highland's safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Downing-highland's a good place to live?
On safety, Downing-highland's scores 58/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Downing-highland's?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Downing-highland's are safer?
Jons-Danner-Gilvin Estate (79), University Heights (Amarillo) (70), Belmont Park Annex (62) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Downing-highland's? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.