Is Gastonia safe?
Kaufman, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Gastonia as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Gastonia
“Go. Gastonia is a quiet, unincorporated rural community in Kaufman County where violent crime rates are very low and day-to-day life is peaceful. Visitors can expect typical countryside safety, though commercial services are sparse and having a personal vehicle is necessary.”
About the area
Gastonia is a small, semi-rural community located along US Highway 175 between Crandall and Kaufman. The area is defined by open pastureland, ranch-style acreage homes, and scattered farmsteads, providing a calm exurban Texas atmosphere.
- Rural / Countryside
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
- Exurban
Walking and biking in Gastonia
Walk score: 8/100 · Bike score: 18/100
There are no bike-share stations or dedicated multi-use trails in the immediate community; cycling is limited to open rural road shoulders.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Very low incidence of violent crime compared to urban Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex averages.
- High homeownership rate contributing to a stable, well-maintained rural environment.
- Peaceful, low-density setting with minimal neighborhood noise or congestion.
Cons
- Longer emergency response times dependent on Kaufman County Sheriff patrols and area emergency service districts.
- Fast-moving vehicle traffic and lack of sidewalks along major thoroughfares like US-175.
- Virtually no walkability or immediate municipal infrastructure.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Gastonia, with no documented encampments or street panhandling in the area.
What Gastonia is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are calm and picturesque with light commuter traffic and high visibility across open fields.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons remain very safe and quiet, though walking along high-speed highway shoulders is not recommended.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings are dark and peaceful with minimal background noise and little to no foot traffic.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights are isolated and dark; crime is rare, but unlit country roads demand careful driving.
Transit, parking and getting around
Gastonia has no fixed-route municipal transit or passenger rail service; regional STAR Transit offers limited on-demand curb-to-curb van service requiring advance reservation.
Parking is completely unrestricted and free, available across private driveways, rural acreage properties, and open business gravel lots.
Things to do in Gastonia
- Take a scenic country drive along Kaufman County backroads to view rural Texas landscapes and cattle pastures.
- Explore the historic Kaufman County Courthouse square located just minutes southeast in Kaufman.
- Spend a morning fishing or exploring nearby Cedar Creek Reservoir or Lake Ray Hubbard within a short driving radius.
Local favorites
- Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.8★ (320)Popular regional barbecue destination nearby serving craft brisket, ribs, and traditional Texas sides.
- Shorty's Country Store · Convenience Store · 4.4★ (110)Roadside staple along the highway offering fuel, refreshments, and essential staples.
- Our Country Diner · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (280)Casual countryside eatery in neighboring Kaufman known for homestyle breakfasts and chicken-fried steak.
Neighborhoods near Gastonia
Common questions about Gastonia
Is Gastonia safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Gastonia a good place to live?
On safety, Gastonia scores 78/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Gastonia?
Walk score 8/100 and bike score 18/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Gastonia are safer?
Oak Ridge (TX) (86), Post Oak Bend (84), Oak Grove (TX) (84) score higher nearby.
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