Is Hillcrest (San Antonio) safe?
San Antonio, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Hillcrest (San Antonio) as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Hillcrest (San Antonio)
“Go with care. Hillcrest is a modest, mid-century residential neighborhood in northwest San Antonio with generally quiet inner streets but noticeable property crime near its commercial edges. Visitors will find authentic local dining along nearby corridors, though basic situational awareness is recommended after dark.”
About the area
Hillcrest is an established residential neighborhood developed largely in the mid-to-late 20th century, located just southwest of Balcones Heights and convenient to the Medical Center. The area consists mainly of single-family ranch-style homes alongside strip malls and commercial corridors on major boundary roads.
- Quiet Residential
- Mid-Century Suburb
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Hillcrest (San Antonio)
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 42/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure is sparse within the neighborhood, though riders can connect to the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail Network slightly to the northwest along the Leon Creek Greenway.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Stable mid-century residential streets with relatively low daytime violent crime
- Close proximity to the South Texas Medical Center and major transport thoroughfares
- High rates of vehicle access and easy connectivity to surrounding commercial districts
Cons
- Property crime, vehicle break-ins, and theft are moderately elevated along commercial borders
- Pockets of aging rental properties and infrastructure with limited pedestrian lighting
- Lower median household income compared to outer suburban San Antonio neighborhoods
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior neighborhood streets, but occasional individuals and panhandling can be observed near major intersections along Loop 410, Bandera Road, and Fredericksburg Road.
What Hillcrest (San Antonio) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents heading to work and children heading to local schools.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet interior streets with steady traffic and commerce picking up along Bandera and Fredericksburg roads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm in residential blocks, though parking lots along major commercial strips warrant increased caution.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally quiet residential streets, but walking alone along poorly lit secondary roads or commercial corridors is not advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
VIA Metropolitan Transit serves the area with bus routes along major corridors like Bandera Rd (Route 88) and Fredericksburg Rd (Route 93 Primo BRT service), providing direct connections downtown and to the Medical Center.
Parking is very easy and predominantly free, with ample curbside residential space and large dedicated surface lots for all commercial plazas.
Things to do in Hillcrest (San Antonio)
- Explore the nearby historic Woodlawn Lake Park for walking paths and scenic lake views
- Sample authentic local Tex-Mex cuisine along the Bandera Road and Fredericksburg Road corridors
- Browse local shopping and dining options at the nearby Wonderland of the Americas
Local favorites
- Tacos El Regio · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Popular local spot serving authentic Monterrey-style street tacos, charro beans, and piratas.
- Original Donut Shop · Bakery & Tex-Mex · 4.6★ (3400)Iconic neighborhood staple known for fresh glazed donuts and classic breakfast tacos.
- De Wese's Tip Top Cafe · Traditional American · 4.4★ (2900)Long-running retro diner serving hearty chicken-fried steak, homestyle sides, and classic pies.
Neighborhoods near Hillcrest (San Antonio)
Common questions about Hillcrest (San Antonio)
Is Hillcrest (San Antonio) safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Hillcrest (San Antonio) a good place to live?
On safety, Hillcrest (San Antonio) scores 67/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Hillcrest (San Antonio)?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Hillcrest (San Antonio) are safer?
Woods of Brookhollow (84), Maverick (75), Monticello Park (San Antonio) (74) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Hillcrest (San Antonio)? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.