Is Furman University safe?
Greenville, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Furman University as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Furman University
“Go. The Furman University area is exceptionally safe, peaceful, and well-maintained with 24/7 dedicated campus police coverage and virtually no violent crime. Visitors can comfortably explore the campus grounds, scenic lake, and adjacent trail corridors with high peace of mind.”
About the area
Located in the rolling foothills of northern Greenville County, Furman University is an idyllic collegiate neighborhood centered around a private liberal arts campus and picturesque lake. The surrounding district features upscale suburban housing, manicured landscaping, and seamless connection to the regional greenway system.
- Collegiate / Picturesque
- Lakeside / Nature
- Quiet Suburban
- Active Outdoors
Walking and biking in Furman University
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 74/100
The neighborhood features premier bicycle access via the paved Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, which cuts directly through campus and connects to Travelers Rest and Greenville.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Extremely low violent and property crime rates backed by dedicated 24/7 Furman University Police Department patrols.
- Immediate access to the 22-mile paved Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail directly traversing the campus.
- Affluent surrounding community with high homeownership rates, pristine grounds maintenance, and strong infrastructure.
Cons
- Car-dependent for major commercial retail, grocery shopping, and off-campus dining options.
- Peripheral woodland paths and outer parking lots can feel isolated after dark due to modest lighting.
- Limited scheduled public transit connectivity to central Greenville.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually nonexistent on the university grounds and adjacent suburban roads due to continuous private campus security enforcement.
What Furman University is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Crisp and active with joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers looping the lake in a very secure environment.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and lively with students and visitors enjoying the manicured outdoor grounds and trail system safely.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and peaceful across campus, though exterior lighting along forested trails dims quickly at twilight.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very calm and sparsely populated, with consistent campus police patrols maintaining a safe atmosphere.
Transit, parking and getting around
Greenlink bus Route 503 (Travelers Rest / Furman) provides limited fixed-route service along US-276, though most visitors and residents rely on private vehicles or rideshares.
Surface parking is plentiful and generally free in designated visitor spaces throughout the campus, though special event restrictions occasionally apply near athletic complexes.
Things to do in Furman University
- Walk or jog the scenic 1.5-mile loop around Furman Lake and visit the landmark Bell Tower.
- Cycle along the Swamp Rabbit Trail directly from campus north to Travelers Rest or south to downtown Greenville.
- Tour the serene Janie Earle Furman Rose Garden and the authentic Place of Peace Buddhist Temple.
Local favorites
- Furman University Golf Club · Golf Course & Club · 4.5★ (260)A championship 18-hole public golf course featuring well-kept greens, a driving range, and a pro shop.
- Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse · Cafe / Breakfast · 4.8★ (2450)Popular nearby spot along the trail serving sweet and savory crepes alongside artisanal specialty coffees.
- Topsoil Kitchen & Market · Farm-to-Table Restaurant · 4.7★ (610)Acclaimed farm-to-table eatery just north of campus offering hyper-local seasonal dishes and bakery items.
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.