Is Highland Woods safe?
Clearwater, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Highland Woods as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Highland Woods
“Go. Highland Woods is a quiet, unassuming residential neighborhood in central Clearwater that is generally safe for daytime visits and quiet residential stays. Crime rates here are in line with or slightly better than broader urban Pinellas County, though normal precautions against vehicle break-ins apply along busier nearby corridors.”
About the area
Highland Woods is an established, predominantly suburban enclave in Clearwater characterized by mid-century single-family ranch homes, shaded streets, and proximity to major community recreation facilities. While mostly residential with few commercial tourist draws within its immediate bounds, it offers tranquil neighborhood streets close to central Clearwater amenities.
- Quiet Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in Highland Woods
Walk score: 46/100 · Bike score: 58/100
Clearwater does not maintain a docked bike-share system in this residential area, but cyclists have straightforward access to the Duke Energy Trail and local bike-friendly secondary roads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low violent crime rates relative to more tourist-heavy coastal or downtown corridors
- Close proximity to extensive municipal parks and the Highland Recreation Complex
- Stable residential occupancy with well-maintained single-family yards and low vacancy
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes and unlocked vehicle larcenies
- Car-dependent with limited commercial or dining options within immediate walking distance
- Narrow interior residential roads with intermittent sidewalk coverage
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is very low within the residential blocks of Highland Woods, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen near bus stops along major perimeter arterials like Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard.
What Highland Woods is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with local residents walking dogs and morning joggers enjoying quiet residential roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and low-traffic throughout the interior streets, feeling entirely safe for casual walks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential winding-down period with very minimal foot traffic and good visibility along well-lit stretches.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally safe and quiet, though standard suburban awareness is advised due to sparse pedestrian presence and darker side streets.
Transit, parking and getting around
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) provides bus transit along adjacent arterials like Highland Ave and Gulf-to-Bay Blvd via Routes 60, 61, and 76. There is no passenger rail system in Clearwater.
Free, easy street parking is common across residential streets, with ample free surface parking lots at neighborhood parks, schools, and nearby shopping plazas.
Things to do in Highland Woods
- Enjoy the pool, fitness amenities, and sports courts at the adjacent Highland Recreation Complex
- Stroll around the scenic walking paths and dog park at nearby Crest Lake Park
- Catch local community events and youth sports at the Clearwater Sportsplex nearby
Local favorites
- Highland Family Restaurant · Diner · 4.5★ (1250)A cozy, long-standing neighborhood staple serving classic American breakfast and comfort fare.
- Salty's Sandwich Bar · Sandwich Shop · 4.7★ (320)Popular local lunch counter known for generous sub sandwiches and fresh deli options.
- Nature's Food Patch Market & Cafe · Grocery Store & Cafe · 4.6★ (1850)An established organic grocer and deli cafe located just north of the neighborhood.
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.