Is Highland Terrace safe?
Fort Worth, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Highland Terrace as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Highland Terrace
“Go with care. Highland Terrace is primarily a quiet, working-class residential pocket in Southeast Fort Worth, but it borders busier corridors with elevated rates of property crime and occasional violent incidents. Visitors heading into the residential blocks during the day will find a standard neighborhood feel, though basic situational awareness and securing parked vehicles are advised after dark.”
About the area
Highland Terrace is an established residential neighborhood in Southeast Fort Worth, characterized by modest mid-century ranch homes, mature trees, and proximity to Cobb Park. It is largely non-commercial, with daily retail and dining concentrated along the nearby corridors of US-287 and Mansfield Highway.
- Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Mid-Century Suburb
- Quiet
Walking and biking in Highland Terrace
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There are no dedicated on-street protected bike lanes in Highland Terrace, but the paved trails at nearby Cobb Park connect northward toward the Trinity Trails network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Residential interior streets are generally calm with minimal foot-traffic congestion
- Close proximity to the open green space and trails of Cobb Park
- Easy vehicular access to US-287 for quick transit across the Fort Worth metro area
- Affordable neighborhood context with high levels of established long-term residents
Cons
- Property crime and vehicle theft rates are higher than Fort Worth citywide averages
- Lower median household income and elevated poverty rates relative to Tarrant County benchmarks
- Lack of immediate commercial walkable amenities within the interior residential grid
- Inconsistent street lighting and sidewalk infrastructure on secondary residential streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential streets, though unhoused individuals and occasional panhandling are seen near intersections along Mansfield Highway and major highway underpasses.
What Highland Terrace is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and typical of a suburban residential area, with residents commuting and school buses running.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Relatively calm on residential streets, though traffic picks up along border corridors like Mansfield Hwy.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet in the interior residential blocks, but caution is warranted when stopping along perimeter commercial strips.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are dark and sparsely trafficked; walking alone is not recommended due to property crime risks and reduced visibility.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by Trinity Metro, with bus routes such as Route 4 running along major perimeter avenues like South Riverside and Mansfield Highway. There is no direct rail station within walking distance; the nearest commuter rail access is Fort Worth Central Station downtown, about 4 miles away.
Residential street parking is free, abundant, and straightforward in front of single-family homes, with private driveways standard throughout the area.
Things to do in Highland Terrace
- Explore the walking paths and green spaces along the Sycamore Creek corridor in adjacent Cobb Park
- Play a round of disc golf on the public courses at nearby Cobb Park
- Sample authentic regional Mexican and street-style taquerias along the Mansfield Highway corridor
Local favorites
- Taqueria Temo · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (310)A popular neighborhood counter-service spot known for generous portions of authentic tacos and tortas.
- Smokey's Ribs · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.3★ (420)A local institution nearby serving classic Texas-style smoked brisket, ribs, and down-home sides.
- Taqueria y Birrieria Jalisco · Taqueria · 4.5★ (185)A modest eatery recognized locally for its savory birria tacos and traditional Mexican breakfast dishes.
Neighborhoods near Highland Terrace
Common questions about Highland Terrace
Is Highland Terrace safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Highland Terrace a good place to live?
On safety, Highland Terrace scores 58/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Highland Terrace?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Highland Terrace are safer?
Edgecliff Village (75), South Meadows Crossing (71), Moselle (70) score higher nearby.
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