Is Hillcrest safe?
Montgomery, Alabama · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Hillcrest as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Hillcrest
“Go with care. While Hillcrest is primarily a quiet, low-density residential neighborhood, South Montgomery experiences elevated property crime and citywide safety concerns that require vigilance. Daytime visits for local dining or visiting family are generally routine, but caution is warranted after dark.”
Recent local coverage in South Montgomery has focused on municipal efforts to combat vehicle break-ins and curb regional gun violence along neighboring commercial corridors.
About the area
Hillcrest is an established residential neighborhood in South Montgomery characterized by mid-century single-family ranch homes and quiet residential streets. It functions primarily as a commuter suburb with limited direct commercial attractions, situated just minutes from Troy Highway and Southern Boulevard.
- Quiet Suburban
- Mid-Century Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Hillcrest
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 32/100
There are no bike-share hubs or dedicated protected bike lanes in Hillcrest, so cyclists must share narrow residential lanes and arterials with motor vehicle traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Primarily owner-occupied and quiet single-family residential character
- Convenient driving access to key regional thoroughfares including Southern Boulevard and Troy Highway
- Proximity to nearby cultural venues such as Blount Cultural Park and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
Cons
- Elevated property crime rates, particularly vehicle burglaries and opportunistic thefts, compared to national benchmarks
- Pockets of deferred maintenance, vacant residential lots, and lower median household incomes in adjacent census tracts
- Absence of dedicated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, necessitating vehicle travel for daily errands
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is uncommon within the interior residential streets of Hillcrest, though occasional unhoused individuals or panhandling can be observed along major commercial intersections along Troy Highway and Southern Boulevard.
What Hillcrest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are calm and quiet as residents commute, making routine outdoor walks generally safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons maintain low traffic volumes and a peaceful neighborhood atmosphere.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly at dusk; limited street lighting calls for extra awareness when driving or walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights are isolated with minimal activity, and walking alone is not recommended due to property crime risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by The M (Montgomery Area Transit System) with limited bus service along peripheral corridors like Woodley Road; Montgomery has no commuter rail or BRT network.
Parking is abundant and free, with ample private driveway space and unrestricted residential street parking throughout the neighborhood.
Things to do in Hillcrest
- Spend an afternoon outdoors or practice at the driving range at nearby Gateway Park
- Explore American and regional artwork at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, located a short drive east
- Take a scenic driving tour through adjacent historic Cloverdale to view historic Southern architecture
Local favorites
- Martin's Restaurant · Southern Restaurant · 4.5★ (1950)Famed local institution serving legendary pan-fried chicken and classic meat-and-three platters since the 1930s.
- El Rey Burrito Lounge · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (1280)Popular nearby gathering spot offering creative burritos, house salsas, and craft cocktails.
- Cloverdale Pharmacy & Soda Fountain · Pharmacy & Diner · 4.7★ (130)Historic neighborhood pharmacy featuring an old-fashioned soda fountain and lunch counter.
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.