Is Harwell safe?
Lubbock, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Harwell as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Harwell
“Go with care. Harwell is a modest, primarily residential neighborhood in East Lubbock that experiences higher rates of property and violent crime than the city average. Visitors passing through during the daytime should encounter few issues, but basic caution is strongly advised after dark.”
About the area
Harwell is a quiet, working-class residential community in northeast Lubbock characterized by mid-20th-century single-family ranch homes and local parks. While largely residential and community-focused, the neighborhood faces elevated socioeconomic challenges and offers few dedicated amenities for tourists.
- Car-Dependent
- Working-Class
- Quiet Residential
- Sprawling
Walking and biking in Harwell
Walk score: 32/100 · Bike score: 44/100
There is no local bike-share system, and dedicated bike infrastructure is sparse outside the paved multi-use trails at nearby Mae Simmons Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Quiet residential atmosphere with minimal daytime through-traffic
- Close proximity to the scenic Canyon Lakes system and Mae Simmons Park
- Easy access to established family-owned Tex-Mex and Southern dining spots
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates remain significantly above the Texas and national medians
- Elevated poverty rates and lower household incomes relative to southwest Lubbock
- Sparse commercial development and limited pedestrian infrastructure
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is uncommon within interior residential blocks, though individuals experiencing homelessness and occasional panhandling are seen along major thoroughfares like Parkway Drive.
What Harwell is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are generally calm with light neighborhood traffic as residents head to work and school.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons are quiet on residential blocks, though standard situational awareness is advised.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Streets clear out quickly at dusk, and limited street lighting can make walking after sunset less comfortable.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights carry heightened risk for property crimes and sporadic disturbances, making walking alone ill-advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Citibus provides fixed bus routes connecting East Lubbock to the Downtown Transfer Plaza, though service runs on limited hourly frequencies and the metro lacks passenger rail.
Parking is abundant and entirely free, with open street parking across residential roads and large surface lots at local businesses.
Things to do in Harwell
- Visit Mae Simmons Park for disc golf and views of the Canyon Lakes
- Enjoy the playgrounds and open fields at neighborhood Harwell Park
- Explore authentic regional dining along nearby thoroughfares like Clovis Road and Avenue A
Local favorites
- Montelongo's Mexican Restaurant · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (1250)Long-running family-owned staple serving generous Tex-Mex combo plates, fajitas, and homemade salsa.
- River Smith's Chicken & Catfish · Southern Restaurant · 4.2★ (2350)Down-home eatery dishing up fried catfish, crispy chicken, hushpuppies, and classic sides.
- Bryan's Steaks · Steakhouse · 4.3★ (1420)No-frills cafeteria-style steakhouse and buffet serving made-to-order cuts and traditional sides.
Neighborhoods near Harwell
Common questions about Harwell
Is Harwell safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Harwell a good place to live?
On safety, Harwell scores 54/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Harwell?
Walk score 32/100 and bike score 44/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Harwell are safer?
Ballenger (70), Southview Village Duplexes (68), James (Lubbock) (64) score higher nearby.
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