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. Furman University and its immediate surrounding grounds represent one of the safest and most scenic areas in the Upstate region. Visitors can comfortably explore the campus trails, lake, and golf course with minimal safety concerns.”
About the area
Furman University is a prestigious private liberal arts university set on a picturesque 750-acre campus just north of Greenville. Renowned for its Georgian-style architecture, manicured gardens, and iconic Bell Tower lake, it serves as a serene recreational hub for both students and area residents.
- Collegiate / Scenic
- Safe & Quiet
- Greenway Access
- Pedestrian-Friendly Campus
Walking and biking in Furman University
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 74/100
The campus sits directly on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, providing an uninterrupted, world-class multi-use path connecting south to downtown Greenville and north to Travelers Rest.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Virtually non-existent violent crime rates backed by 24/7 dedicated Furman Police patrols
- Direct and seamless access to the paved Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail
- Meticulously maintained park-like environment with extensive lighting and emergency call stations
Cons
- Limited commercial retail and dining options directly on campus without driving or biking off-site
- Occasional property crimes typical of college campuses such as unattended bicycle theft
- Heavy pedestrian and cyclist congestion along the lake and trail during peak weekend hours
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent on the Furman University campus and its immediate grounds, as private security and local authorities maintain clear public access standards.
What Furman University is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and campus commuters circulating around the lake.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Vibrant collegiate atmosphere with students, faculty, and trail cyclists moving between academic quads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and tranquil with softly lit walking paths and low campus road traffic.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm and safe, though isolated pathway stretches are best navigated with standard situational awareness.
Transit, parking and getting around
GreenPath (Greenlink) offers limited public bus service connecting Greenville to Travelers Rest via Route 501, which stops along US-25 near campus.
Visitor parking is abundant and free in designated campus surface lots, though a visitor permit from Campus Police is recommended for extended stays during business hours.
Things to do in Furman University
- Stroll or jog around Furman Lake and visit the iconic Bell Tower and replica Thoreau Cabin
- Play a round of 18 holes at the championship Furman University Golf Course
- Explore the Asian Garden featuring a bamboo forest and a traditional Japanese temple
Local favorites
- The Furman Farm · Farm / Educational Center · 4.8★ (45)A sustainable quarter-acre campus farm growing organic produce with educational exhibits.
- Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery · Cafe & Market · 4.7★ (1650)Beloved local hub along the trail offering artisan baked goods, fresh local produce, and coffee.
- Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse · Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant · 4.8★ (2100)Popular stop just north in Travelers Rest serving specialty sweet and savory crepes and espresso.
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.