Is East Amarillo safe?
Amarillo, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates East Amarillo as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on East Amarillo
“Go with care. While East Amarillo features iconic Route 66 history and authentic dining options, violent and property crime rates are elevated compared to the rest of the city. Daytime visits to specific roadside attractions and restaurants are generally manageable, but nighttime exploration and unfamiliar residential side streets should be approached with caution.”
About the area
East Amarillo is a sprawling, working-class district defined by historic Route 66 (Amarillo Boulevard), older mid-century bungalows, and industrial rail corridors. It offers a nostalgic slice of classic roadside Americana, alongside pockets of disinvestment and commercial strip malls. Visitors frequently pass through for authentic Tex-Mex, classic barbecue, and historic highway landmarks.
- Working-Class
- Route 66 Heritage
- Car-Dependent
- Industrial Mix
Walking and biking in East Amarillo
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 44/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure is virtually non-existent, and there is no public bike-share system, requiring cyclists to share high-speed arterial roads with vehicular traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Home to celebrated, authentic local dining institutions and historic Route 66 spots
- Affordable retail, auto services, and cultural food markets
- Quick vehicular access to I-40 and Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport
- Lower traffic congestion compared to high-density retail districts on the west side
Cons
- Property crime and violent crime rates sit noticeably above Amarillo citywide averages
- Elevated poverty rate exceeding 22% alongside pockets of vacant lots and distressed housing
- Poor pedestrian infrastructure with sporadic sidewalks and poorly lit arterial streets
- Visible street-level illicit activity and loitering along commercial corridors after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is noticeable along portions of Amarillo Boulevard East and near major highway underpasses, where individuals frequently congregate near service providers and commercial intersections.
What East Amarillo is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active with commercial commuters, school traffic, and diner crowds; generally safe along major roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy commercial activity around shopping centers and auto shops, though foot traffic remains light.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet in residential areas, but caution is warranted around poorly lit commercial strips and gas stations.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Elevated safety risks due to sparse street lighting, loitering, and higher incidence of property and nuisance crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Amarillo City Transit (ACT) provides fixed-route bus service across the district on routes such as Route 2 and Route 3, though frequencies are generally 30 to 60 minutes with no evening rail or rapid transit options.
Parking is exceptionally easy and free, with expansive surface lots at almost all businesses and open street parking along residential avenues.
Things to do in East Amarillo
- Drive and photograph historic neon signs and Route 66 landmarks along Amarillo Boulevard East
- Visit Bones Hooks Park to enjoy neighborhood sports facilities and community history
- Explore the regional Hispanic and international grocery markets along East 10th Avenue
Local favorites
- El Manantial Restaurant · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)A popular East Amarillo staple known for generous portions of authentic Mexican fare and breakfast plates.
- Coyote Bluff Cafe · Burger Joint · 4.6★ (3200)A legendary, rustic dive serving massive jalapeño-stuffed burgers and hand-cut fries near the district edge.
- Shelby's Diner · American Diner · 4.4★ (420)A classic retro-style diner serving hearty comfort breakfast classics and midday specials.
Neighborhoods near East Amarillo
Common questions about East Amarillo
Is East Amarillo safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is East Amarillo a good place to live?
On safety, East Amarillo scores 54/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is East Amarillo?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 44/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near East Amarillo are safer?
Skyline Terrace (66), Odom-Cotten (62), Belmont Park Annex (62) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about East Amarillo? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.