Is Dunbar-Manhattan Heights safe?
Lubbock, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Dunbar-Manhattan Heights as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Dunbar-Manhattan Heights
“Go with care. Dunbar-Manhattan Heights is a historically significant residential community in East Lubbock with deep local roots, but visitors should remain vigilant. Elevated rates of property and violent crime relative to West Lubbock and significant economic distress warrant keeping visits to daylight hours and sticking to known community landmarks.”
About the area
Dunbar-Manhattan Heights is an established East Lubbock neighborhood rich in African-American heritage, situated just east of Interstate 27. It features modest mid-century single-family homes, neighborhood parks, and civic institutions alongside pockets of urban blight and economic disinvestment.
- Historic
- Quiet Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Economically Challenged
Walking and biking in Dunbar-Manhattan Heights
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no city bike-share program in the neighborhood, but nearby Mae Simmons Park connects to paved multi-use paths along the Canyon Lakes greenway.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Rich local history and active community institutions such as Dunbar College Prep and local churches
- Close proximity to Mae Simmons Park and the Canyon Lakes system for outdoor recreation
- Convenient driving access to Downtown Lubbock and Interstate 27
- Affordable local dining options offering authentic Texas barbecue and comfort food
Cons
- Poverty rates exceed 30%, with median household income well below the Lubbock city average
- Elevated violent and property crime rates compared to citywide and national benchmarks
- Visible infrastructure neglect, including deteriorating roads, missing sidewalks, and scattered vacant parcels
- Limited retail options and fresh grocery access within immediate neighborhood bounds
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within the residential blocks but moderately noticeable along major commercial thoroughfares like East 19th Street and near highway underpasses leading into Downtown Lubbock.
What Dunbar-Manhattan Heights is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are generally calm with school drop-offs and light neighborhood traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons remain relatively quiet, though pedestrian infrastructure is sparse away from major corridors.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly at dusk; heightened situational awareness is recommended around quiet streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights carry elevated safety risks due to isolated violent and property incidents; walking alone is not advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Citibus provides fixed-route bus service through the area via Route 10 and Route 12 connecting to the Downtown Transfer Plaza, though service frequencies are modest.
Free street parking is abundant throughout the residential blocks, and local businesses offer dedicated free surface lots with no paid meters.
Things to do in Dunbar-Manhattan Heights
- Visit Manhattan Heights Park for community sports, playground facilities, and open green space
- Explore the nearby Mae Simmons Community Center and fishing along the scenic Canyon Lakes system
- Tour the historic Dunbar High School / Dunbar College Preparatory Academy grounds, a pillar of Lubbock's Black history
Local favorites
- Tom & Bingo's Hickory Pit Bar-B-Q · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (320)Historic, long-running joint known for chopped beef sandwiches and slow-smoked meats.
- Castilla Bakery · Panaderia · 4.6★ (210)Traditional Mexican bakery offering fresh pan dulce, cookies, and savory breakfast items.
- Rivera's Restaurant · Tex-Mex Restaurant · 4.3★ (180)No-frills local diner serving generous portions of classic Tex-Mex and breakfast plates.
Neighborhoods near Dunbar-Manhattan Heights
Common questions about Dunbar-Manhattan Heights
Is Dunbar-Manhattan Heights safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Dunbar-Manhattan Heights a good place to live?
On safety, Dunbar-Manhattan Heights scores 53/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Dunbar-Manhattan Heights?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 48/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Dunbar-Manhattan Heights are safer?
Windmill (78), James (Lubbock) (64), Burris (54) score higher nearby.
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