Is HOM safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates HOM as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on HOM
“Go with care. HOM and the surrounding Govalle pocket in East Austin offer vibrant taprooms, art spaces, and popular eateries, but property crime like vehicle break-ins remains elevated compared to western Austin neighborhoods. Visitors who stay mindful of their surroundings after dark and avoid leaving items visible in parked cars should have a pleasant experience.”
About the area
HOM is an evolving micro-pocket situated in East Austin near Govalle and East 7th Street, characterized by a mix of historic single-family homes, modern condo developments, and repurposed industrial spaces. It draws locals and visitors alike for its burgeoning craft brewery scene, creative studios, and eclectic dining spots. While rapid development has brought substantial investment, the area retains an urban edge with uneven street infrastructure.
- Industrial-Chic
- Craft Beer Hub
- Arts & Creative
- Rapidly Transitioning
Walking and biking in HOM
Walk score: 64/100 · Bike score: 79/100
The area is exceptionally bike-friendly with dedicated neighborhood bikeways and easy connection to the Southern Walnut Creek Trail and Boggy Creek Trail systems.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Rapid influx of investment and rising median household incomes exceeding Austin averages in recent developments
- Active daytime foot traffic around local eateries, taprooms, and creative hubs
- Close proximity to downtown Austin and major East Side cultural corridors
Cons
- Elevated rates of vehicle break-ins and property thefts typical of gentrifying urban corridors
- Inconsistent sidewalk continuity and variable street lighting on secondary residential streets
- Occasional reports of nuisance crime and trespassing along adjacent rail and industrial zones
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within interior residential blocks but occasionally present near major commercial intersections along East 7th Street and Airport Boulevard.
What HOM is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and low-key with dog walkers, cyclists, and coffee runs along neighborhood connectors.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderately busy with visitors and remote workers frequenting casual cafes and creative studios.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively and bustling near main hospitality spots, with well-patronized patios and dining rooms.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Noticeably quiet outside of specific bar clusters; poorly lit side streets require extra vigilance.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro serves the corridor primarily via Route 4 (Montopolis) and Route 300 (Govalle/Springdale) along 7th Street; the nearest CapMetro Rail stop is the Plaza Saltillo Station roughly 1.5 miles to the west.
Most venues offer dedicated on-site surface parking lots, and free street parking is generally available on side streets, though visitors should strictly ensure all valuables are removed from vehicles.
Things to do in HOM
- Sample craft beer and wood-fired pizza inside a converted mid-century machine shop at Central Machine Works.
- Cycle along the nearby Boggy Creek Greenbelt trail connecting down toward Lady Bird Lake.
- Browse contemporary art studios and open exhibitions at the nearby Canopy arts complex.
Local favorites
- Central Machine Works · Brewpub & Beer Garden · 4.6★ (1820)Sprawling brewery and beer hall set in a restored 1940s machine shop featuring craft beer, comfort food, and live events.
- Kinda Tropical · Cafe & Bar · 4.4★ (760)Laid-back neighborhood hangout offering coffee, creative cocktails, all-day bites, and an expansive patio.
- Justine's Brasserie · French Restaurant · 4.5★ (1540)Atmospheric late-night French bistro serving classic steak frites, wine, and vinyl tunes in an intimate setting.
Neighborhoods near HOM
Common questions about HOM
Is HOM safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is HOM a good place to live?
On safety, HOM scores 71/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is HOM?
Walk score 64/100 and bike score 79/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near HOM are safer?
Morsland Place (82), Blackshear-Prospect Hill (76), Rosewood (Austin) (72) score higher nearby.
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