Is East Hickman safe?
Lexington, Kentucky · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates East Hickman as “Go”.
Gogo's take on East Hickman
“Go. East Hickman is an extremely quiet, rural-residential and agricultural enclave in southeastern Fayette County that poses minimal safety concerns for visitors. Violent crime is rare, making the area very peaceful, though visitors will need a personal vehicle to navigate its spread-out roads.”
About the area
East Hickman is a scenic, semi-rural district characterized by rolling bluegrass farmland, equestrian properties, and low-density residential developments along East Hickman Creek. It offers pastoral tranquility just a short drive from south Lexington's shopping corridors.
- Rural & Scenic
- Car-Dependent
- Horse Country
- Quiet & Peaceful
Walking and biking in East Hickman
Walk score: 8/100 · Bike score: 18/100
There is no dedicated bike infrastructure or bike-share system, though experienced road cyclists frequently ride the paved country roads with caution.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Very low rates of violent and property crime compared to Lexington averages
- High homeownership rate and well-kept rural residential estates
- Scenic, peaceful countryside ideal for scenic drives and outdoor recreation
Cons
- Winding, unlit rural roads can be hazardous for nighttime driving
- Nearly non-existent public transit and extreme car dependency
- Very limited commercial amenities or emergency services directly inside the boundaries
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in this rural area, with shelter services and outreach concentrated in downtown Lexington.
What East Hickman is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Crisp and serene with horse farm activity and very light local commuter traffic along two-lane roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet, open, and completely safe for driving or cycling along rural lanes.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and peaceful, though fading daylight reduces road visibility quickly.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Pitch-black with virtually zero pedestrian presence; safe from personal crime but requires cautious driving due to wildlife and dark roads.
Transit, parking and getting around
LexTran provides fixed-route bus service within urban Lexington, but routes do not extend into the rural East Hickman area, making personal vehicles essential.
Ample free private parking is available at all residences, venues, and parks; street parking is non-existent due to narrow rural road shoulders.
Things to do in East Hickman
- Take a scenic drive along East Hickman Road and Old Richmond Road through historic horse country
- Visit nearby Hisle Farm Park for archery, trails, and open green space
- Explore the historic rural churches and creek crossings in the outer Bluegrass region
Local favorites
- Proud Mary BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.3★ (1820)Popular riverside BBQ destination offering Southern comfort classics and live music along the Kentucky River nearby.
- Jean Farris Winery & Bistro · Winery & Bistro · 4.5★ (510)Upscale winery and vineyard bistro serving locally sourced cuisine and estate-grown Kentucky wines.
- Hall's on the River · Southern Restaurant · 4.2★ (2340)Historic riverside spot famed for Kentucky beer cheese, fried catfish, and river views just south of the district.
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.