Is Driving Park safe?
Columbus, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Driving Park as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Driving Park
“Go with care. Driving Park has notable community assets and historic charm, but elevated rates of property crime and occasional violent incidents along commercial corridors mean visitors should remain alert and plan visits primarily during daylight hours.”
Local police and community groups continue focused violence-interruption initiatives following periodic reports of gun-related incidents along the Livingston Avenue corridor.
About the area
Driving Park is a historic, predominantly residential neighborhood on Columbus's Near East Side, known for its deep racing heritage and strong neighborhood pride. The area features a mix of early 20th-century bungalows, modern community facilities, and quiet residential side streets alongside busier, disinvested commercial arteries.
- Historic Grid
- Residential
- Community-Focused
- Transitioning
Walking and biking in Driving Park
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 62/100
Residential streets are generally flat and easy to ride, with direct eastern access to the continuous Alum Creek Greenway Trail connecting north and south Columbus.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Anchor public amenities including a modern community center with an outdoor aquatic facility and a prominent public library branch.
- Proximity and direct access to the scenic Alum Creek Trail along the neighborhood's eastern edge.
- Active neighborhood associations working on revitalization, infill housing, and community gardens.
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates remain significantly above national and state averages.
- Higher poverty rate and lower median household income compared to the Columbus city average.
- Pockets of vacant lots and distressed housing stock, particularly near major corridors.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within the interior residential blocks, though occasional unhoused individuals and panhandling can be observed near major bus stops along Livingston Avenue.
What Driving Park is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet as residents commute, with steady foot traffic near the school and community center.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active around the parks and library, generally safe for walking though awareness around major intersections is advised.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down to residential quietness; visitors should stick to well-lit main paths and secure vehicles.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are largely empty and safety risks increase notably; walking alone late at night is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) serves the neighborhood directly with frequent bus routes, notably Route 1 along E Livingston Ave and Route 7, providing straight shots into Downtown Columbus.
Free residential street parking is abundant and easy to find throughout the neighborhood, and the community center and library have dedicated free surface parking lots.
Things to do in Driving Park
- Visit the modern Driving Park Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library for community exhibits and quiet reading.
- Enjoy the outdoor pool, sports courts, and fitness facilities at the Driving Park Community Center.
- Walk or cycle along the Alum Creek Trail accessible from the eastern border of the neighborhood.
Local favorites
- Columbus Metropolitan Library - Driving Park Branch · Public Library · 4.7★ (260)A bright, contemporary library facility offering extensive community resources, public computers, and meeting spaces.
- Driving Park Recreation Center · Community Center & Pool · 4.5★ (380)A major neighborhood hub featuring an outdoor aquatic facility, indoor gymnasium, and fitness programs.
- B&K Smoke House · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.6★ (710)A nearby favorite serving smoked ribs, turkey ribs, pulled pork, and traditional homestyle sides.
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.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Driving Park? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.