Is Dutch Square safe?
Columbia, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Dutch Square as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Dutch Square
“Go with care. Dutch Square is primarily an older auto-centric commercial district with viable dining and cinema options, but elevated property crime and vehicle break-ins mean you should stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit shopping plazas during daytime and early evening hours and avoid wandering on foot after dark.”
Local law enforcement maintains regular patrols along the Bush River Road corridor to curb recurring incidents of shoplifting, vehicle break-ins, and parking lot disturbances.
About the area
Dutch Square is a legacy commercial and retail hub situated in northwest Columbia around the junction of Bush River Road, Broad River Road, and Interstate 20. Dominated by strip malls, mid-century auto corridors, and apartment communities, it serves largely as a commuter shopping and dining waypoint.
- Car-Dependent
- Suburban Strip
- Commercial Hub
- Aging Retail
Walking and biking in Dutch Square
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 32/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes or bike-share stations in the immediate vicinity, and the wide multi-lane arterials are poorly suited for cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Plentiful free surface parking adjacent to all major restaurants and retail centers.
- Immediate highway access connecting to I-20 and I-26 for easy transit across the Midlands.
- Diverse and well-regarded independent international dining spots along the commercial corridors.
Cons
- Above-average rates of property crime, retail theft, and auto larceny in parking lots.
- Higher local poverty rate and lower median household income compared to the Columbia metro average.
- Car-dominated, high-speed arterial roads with sparse pedestrian infrastructure and minimal sidewalk coverage.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately common, with panhandling frequently observed at major traffic intersections along Broad River Road and Bush River Road.
What Dutch Square is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Morning commuter traffic fills Broad River and Bush River roads, presenting a routine and calm environment for daily errands.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Plazas see steady activity from shoppers and diners, though standard awareness regarding unattended vehicle property is advised.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity concentrates around restaurants and the cinema; lighting in older strip center parking lots can be inconsistent.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Commercial areas empty out, with sporadic activity around extended-stay motels and 24-hour convenience stores where foot travel is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
The Comet (Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority) operates bus routes along Bush River Road and Broad River Road, notably Route 88 and Route 83L, connecting riders to downtown Columbia without rail services.
Parking is abundant and entirely free in large surface lots serving Dutch Square Mall and surrounding strip centers; on-street parking is non-existent.
Things to do in Dutch Square
- Catch a first-run or discount movie at the AMC Classic Columbia 14 inside Dutch Square Mall.
- Sample authentic regional Mexican dishes along the diverse Bush River Road restaurant strip.
- Access the nearby Saluda Riverwalk and Riverbanks Zoo just a short five-minute drive south.
Local favorites
- Real Mexico Restaurant · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (1850)Lauded local eatery serving extensive, authentic Mexican fare and fresh guacamole in a casual setting.
- Delhi Palace Indian Cuisine · Indian Restaurant · 4.4★ (720)Longtime traditional Indian restaurant known for its rich curries, tandoori specialties, and lunch buffet.
- AMC Classic Columbia 14 · Movie Theater · 4.2★ (1540)Multi-screen cinema offering mainstream releases, concessions, and standard auditorium seating.
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.