Is Guilford safe?
Greensboro, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Guilford as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Guilford
“Go. Guilford is a calm, historic collegiate enclave in western Greensboro that ranks among the safer parts of the city. While basic vigilance against car break-ins in commercial lots is recommended, visitors will find a safe, welcoming environment during both day and evening hours.”
About the area
Anchored by historic Guilford College, this leafy neighborhood combines Quaker heritage, quiet residential subdivisions, and busy suburban commercial plazas along New Garden Road. It offers a relaxed, academic atmosphere surrounded by mature trees, walking trails, and convenient neighborhood amenities.
- College Town Feel
- Historic & Tree-Lined
- Suburban
- Peaceful
Walking and biking in Guilford
Walk score: 46/100 · Bike score: 48/100
Campus paths are very bike-friendly, though dedicated bike lanes on major thoroughfares like New Garden Road are limited; the nearby Bicentennial Greenway connects a short drive to the west.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are substantially lower than Greensboro municipal averages.
- Strong community stability driven by high educational attainment and well-maintained housing.
- Pleasant green spaces including the Guilford College campus and historic wooded paths.
Cons
- Occasional property theft and vehicle break-ins around busy shopping center parking lots.
- Car dependency and heavy vehicle traffic along Friendly Avenue and New Garden Road.
- Pockets of student-heavy rental complexes with occasional noise and turnover.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in the residential and campus core, though sporadic panhandling occurs near high-traffic retail intersections along West Friendly Avenue.
What Guilford is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with joggers, dog walkers, and college staff out on the campus paths and neighborhood sidewalks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively and welcoming with standard daytime activity around retail centers and campus quads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and family-friendly as patrons visit neighborhood dining spots along New Garden Road.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and largely deserted; walking on lit campus paths is generally fine, but avoid secluded campus woods after dark.
Transit, parking and getting around
Greensboro Transit Agency (GTA) provides bus connectivity via Route 7 along Friendly Avenue, linking the neighborhood to the J. Douglas Galyon Depot downtown.
Parking is abundant and free in retail center surface lots, with designated visitor parking available across the Guilford College campus.
Things to do in Guilford
- Stroll through the historic Guilford College campus and view the iconic Underground Railroad Tree.
- Explore regional and international art exhibitions at the Guilford College Art Gallery in Dana Auditorium.
- Shop and dine at local family-owned eateries across the New Garden Road commercial corridor.
Local favorites
- Giacomo's Italian Market · Italian Deli & Market · 4.8★ (1150)A beloved authentic Italian deli offering imported specialty goods, fresh-sliced cured meats, and hearty hot and cold subs.
- Positano Italian Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (740)A cozy, long-standing neighborhood favorite serving classic pasta dishes, seafood, and thin-crust pizza in a warm setting.
- Taqueria El Azteca · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (890)A casual, vibrant spot known for authentic street tacos, fresh salsas, and traditional Mexican entrees.
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.