Is Ella Lee Forest safe?
Houston, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Ella Lee Forest as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Ella Lee Forest
“Go. Ella Lee Forest is a quiet, highly safe residential enclave in Northwest Houston characterized by mid-century single-family homes and mature trees. Visitors and residents face very low rates of violent crime, though standard suburban property crime awareness is advised along nearby perimeter roads.”
About the area
Ella Lee Forest is a tucked-away mid-century neighborhood nestled just west of Ella Boulevard and north of Oak Forest. It is almost purely residential, offering a peaceful, suburban feel with easy access to major Houston bayou trails and dining hubs in the Greater Heights and Oak Forest.
- Quiet & Residential
- Tree-Lined
- Mid-Century Suburb
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Ella Lee Forest
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 55/100
The neighborhood lacks dedicated interior bike lanes, but it offers quick access to the paved, multi-use White Oak Bayou Greenway Trail at TC Jester Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rate compared to the wider Houston metropolitan average
- High rate of owner-occupied single-family homes with strong civic club involvement and neighborhood pride
- Above-average household income levels and stable, well-maintained housing stock
- Direct proximity to TC Jester Park and White Oak Bayou Greenway trail system
Cons
- Periodic incidents of opportunistic property crime, such as vehicular theft and catalytic converter theft
- Almost no commercial amenities within direct walking distance inside the neighborhood interior
- Heavy reliance on a personal vehicle due to limited public transit coverage
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the interior residential streets, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen near major arterial intersections along Ella Boulevard or highway underpasses.
What Ella Lee Forest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene, with neighborhood residents walking dogs, jogging, and commuting.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and safe with light local traffic and occasional delivery vehicles.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential with families and runners out enjoying the neighborhood streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and quiet with little activity; safely walkable inside residential streets, though caution is standard for solo pedestrians.
Transit, parking and getting around
METRO provides local bus service along Ella Boulevard and nearby 43rd/34th Streets (Route 44 and Route 36), but there is no direct rail connection; driving or rideshare is standard.
Parking is abundant and free, with wide residential streets and ample private driveways for single-family residences.
Things to do in Ella Lee Forest
- Take a walk, run, or cycle along the scenic White Oak Bayou Greenway Trail bordering nearby TC Jester Park.
- Play a round of disc golf or visit the dog park at TC Jester Park.
- Explore the nearby Oak Forest dining and craft brewery scene along 34th and 43rd Streets.
Local favorites
- Rainbow Lodge · Fine Dining Restaurant · 4.6★ (2350)Historic log cabin restaurant set along the bayou serving wild game, seafood, and upscale comfort fare.
- Walking Stick Brewing Company · Brewery · 4.7★ (720)Relaxed neighborhood craft brewery with an expansive, leafy beer garden and family-friendly patio.
- Plonk! Beer & Wine Bistro · Wine Bar & Bistro · 4.5★ (510)Intimate local bistro offering a curated global wine selection and elevated casual dinner fare.
Neighborhoods near Ella Lee Forest
Common questions about Ella Lee Forest
Is Ella Lee Forest safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Ella Lee Forest a good place to live?
On safety, Ella Lee Forest scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Ella Lee Forest?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 55/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Ella Lee Forest are safer?
Candlelight Place (86) score higher nearby.
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