Is Hillcrest safe?
Richmond, Kentucky · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Hillcrest as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Hillcrest
“Go. Hillcrest is a quiet, settled residential neighborhood situated near Eastern Kentucky University and downtown Richmond with low levels of violent crime. Visitors will encounter a calm, suburban-style atmosphere with basic situational awareness needed only for typical vehicle-related property crime.”
About the area
Hillcrest is an established, predominantly single-family neighborhood in Richmond, Kentucky, featuring tree-lined streets, ranch-style homes, and manicured yards. Its proximity to both the EKU campus and downtown retail corridors makes it a convenient and peaceful base within Madison County.
- Quiet Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Hillcrest
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There is no local bike-share system, but the neighborhood has quiet streets that link toward campus bike routes and the Lake Reba multi-use trail system.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Consistently low rates of violent crime compared to larger Kentucky urban centers
- High rates of owner-occupied single-family homes contributing to neighborhood stability
- Close proximity to Eastern Kentucky University and local city amenities
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle theft or trespassing common to college-adjacent areas
- Limited street lighting along some interior residential streets at night
- Car dependency requires private vehicle access for most services and errands
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Hillcrest, with social support services and transitional shelters located in core downtown Richmond and along commercial arterial routes.
What Hillcrest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents walking dogs and heading out for morning commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Low-traffic and quiet throughout the day, feeling open and secure.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential with minimal foot traffic as families settle in.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with sparse lighting, safe overall but best navigated by vehicle.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by Richmond Transit Service (RTS) running local fixed-route and deviated buses along major corridors, though service frequencies are limited and there is no passenger rail system in the region.
Parking in Hillcrest is effortless, with ample free curbside street parking and private residential driveways available throughout the neighborhood.
Things to do in Hillcrest
- Stroll through the scenic campus paths and Ravine at nearby Eastern Kentucky University
- Visit Lake Reba Recreation Complex nearby for walking trails, fishing, and golf
- Explore the historic architecture and local shops along Richmond's Main Street
Local favorites
- Purdy's Coffee Co. · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (680)A beloved local coffeehouse known for handcrafted espresso drinks and fresh baked goods.
- Apollo Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (1120)Longtime local favorite serving specialty pies, local craft beer, and pasta in a relaxed setting.
- Brady's Sushi and Hibachi · Japanese Restaurant · 4.6★ (540)Popular neighborhood spot offering fresh sushi rolls and classic hibachi dishes.
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.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Hillcrest? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.