Is Gary safe?
Shreveport, Louisiana · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Gary as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Gary
“Go with care. Gary is a quiet, modest residential enclave in West Shreveport that sees little general tourist traffic. While daytime visits are generally peaceful, elevated property crime and nearby violent crime trends in broader Shreveport warrant heightened awareness after dark.”
About the area
Gary is an established residential neighborhood in West Shreveport characterized by mid-century single-family homes, leafy residential streets, and nearby commercial corridors along Greenwood Road and Pines Road. It primarily serves local residents and lacks dedicated tourist attractions, functioning as a typical suburban community pocket.
- Residential Pocket
- Car-Dependent
- Suburban Quiet
- Mid-Century
Walking and biking in Gary
Walk score: 32/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes or municipal bike-share programs in the immediate area; cycling is generally restricted to low-speed residential side streets.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Primarily quiet residential streets with minimal through-traffic
- Close vehicular proximity to I-20 and regional retail centers on Pines Road
- Moderate cost of living with established homeowner presence on key residential blocks
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime and vehicle theft compared to national averages
- Poverty rates in surrounding West Shreveport census tracts exceed 25%
- Lack of dedicated pedestrian infrastructure such as comprehensive sidewalk networks and lighting
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is uncommon within interior residential blocks of Gary, though occasional unhoused individuals and panhandlers may be observed near busy intersections along Greenwood Road and I-20 access points.
What Gary is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Calm and peaceful as residents commute, making it fine for quiet walks or neighborhood jogging.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Remains quiet with low vehicular traffic, though summer heat and limited sidewalks make walking less practical.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Generally low-key, but caution is advised along dimly lit side streets and near commercial intersections.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Activity slows down significantly; walking around late at night is not recommended due to sporadic opportunistic crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Shreveport's SporTran bus system serves nearby major thoroughfares including Greenwood Road (Route 3) and Pines Road, offering connections to the Downtown Intermodal Facility. There is no passenger rail or BRT service in Shreveport.
Free residential street and driveway parking is plentiful throughout the neighborhood, and commercial strips feature large complimentary surface parking lots.
Things to do in Gary
- Explore the nearby Louisiana State Exhibit Museum featuring historic dioramas and regional art
- Visit Independence Stadium and the surrounding Hirsch Memorial Coliseum fairgrounds
- Spend an afternoon outdoors at nearby Bilberry Park enjoying community sports facilities
Local favorites
- Orlandeaux's Cafe · Creole Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)Historic nearby culinary institution famed for authentic Shreveport-style stuffed shrimp and gumbo.
- Southern Maid Donuts · Bakery · 4.6★ (820)Iconic local fixture serving hot glazed donuts and traditional breakfast pastries.
- Crawfish Palace · Seafood Restaurant · 4.3★ (310)Casual seasonal spot popular for seasoned boiled crawfish, shrimp, and cajun sides.
Neighborhoods near Gary
Common questions about Gary
Is Gary safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Gary a good place to live?
On safety, Gary scores 56/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Gary?
Walk score 32/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Gary are safer?
Dorian Terrace (71), Lakeside Acres (71) score higher nearby.
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