Is Highland Gardens safe?
Lubbock, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Highland Gardens as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Highland Gardens
“Go with care. Highland Gardens is a working-class residential neighborhood in central-south Lubbock that is generally quiet during daytime hours. Visitors should practice standard urban vigilance regarding vehicle security and avoid walking through unlit residential streets late at night.”
About the area
Highland Gardens is an established mid-century residential neighborhood situated between major thoroughfares in Lubbock. Composed predominantly of modest single-family ranch homes, local churches, and neighborhood retail along its perimeter, it offers an authentic, quiet snapshot of everyday Lubbock life.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Working-Class
- Car-Dependent
- Mid-Century
Walking and biking in Highland Gardens
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 48/100
Dedicated bike lanes are scarce inside the neighborhood, but the flat terrain and low-traffic interior streets allow for casual cycling; there are no docked bike-share stations in the area.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower violent crime rates compared to areas directly north of downtown Lubbock
- Established residential layout with stable long-term homeowners
- Convenient driving access to central Lubbock retail corridors and Texas Tech University
Cons
- Elevated rates of opportunistic property crime and vehicle break-ins
- Below-average median household income with some aging housing stock
- Limited pedestrian infrastructure and poor nighttime street lighting
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is uncommon within the interior residential streets, though occasional unhoused individuals or panhandling can be observed near commercial plazas along Avenue Q and 50th Street.
What Highland Gardens is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet as residents commute to work, with low foot traffic and minimal safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with routine neighborhood activity and safe conditions for driving or running errands.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential winding-down; streets remain generally calm though diminished lighting requires extra awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low activity, but sporadic property crimes and vehicle prowling make walking alone late at night inadvisable.
Transit, parking and getting around
Citibus serves Lubbock with bus routes operating along the major peripheral corridors (such as Route 5 or Route 9 connecting along 50th Street and Avenue Q), though service is infrequent outside standard business hours.
Parking is exceptionally easy and free, with ample residential curbside parking and spacious private lots at all neighborhood commercial plazas.
Things to do in Highland Gardens
- Explore local mid-century residential architecture along the quiet residential streets
- Sample traditional West Texas comfort food and Mexican dining along nearby 50th Street
- Visit nearby neighborhood parks such as Ribble Park for open green space and walking
Local favorites
- River Smith's Chicken & Catfish · Seafood & Southern Restaurant · 4.3★ (2150)Longtime local establishment serving fried catfish, chicken, and classic Southern sides.
- Taqueria Jalisco · Mexican Restaurant · 4.2★ (820)Casual neighborhood spot offering authentic tacos, enchiladas, and breakfast plates.
- Sugarbakers Cafe & Bakery · Bakery & Cafe · 4.6★ (1100)Popular local cafe nearby known for artisan pastries, quiches, and gourmet sandwiches.
Neighborhoods near Highland Gardens
Common questions about Highland Gardens
Is Highland Gardens safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Highland Gardens a good place to live?
On safety, Highland Gardens scores 66/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Highland Gardens?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 48/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Highland Gardens are safer?
Lakeridge (89), Cooper Ridge (86), Cumberland (Lubbock) (86) score higher nearby.
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