Is Imperial Valley safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Imperial Valley as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Imperial Valley
“Go with care. Imperial Valley is a working-class North Austin neighborhood with great authentic international dining nearby, but it experiences above-average property crime and periodic violent incidents typical of the North Lamar and Rundberg corridor. Visitors should stay aware of their surroundings, particularly along commercial thoroughfares after dark, and keep vehicles locked without valuables inside.”
About the area
Imperial Valley is a residential neighborhood in North Austin situated just west of I-35 and near the bustling North Lamar Boulevard corridor. It features modest mid-century single-family homes alongside apartment complexes and strip retail centers known for diverse culinary options. While primarily a quiet residential area, its proximity to busy transit corridors brings elevated urban property crime.
- Suburban-Urban Mix
- Culturally Diverse
- Car-Dependent
- Working-Class
Walking and biking in Imperial Valley
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure is sparse within the neighborhood itself, and Austin CapMetro bikeshare stations are not available this far north, though nearby Lamar and Braker have periodic bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Immediate access to exceptional authentic Mexican and Asian dining along North Lamar
- Active residential streets with established long-term residents and families
- Convenient highway access to I-35 and US-183 for quick commuting across Austin
- Moderate housing density with mostly quiet interior residential streets
Cons
- Above-average rates of auto burglary, catalytic converter theft, and property crime
- Elevated violent crime rates compared to broader Austin metropolitan averages
- Lower median household income and pockets of older, aging multi-family rental stock
- Poor pedestrian infrastructure on secondary residential streets lacking sidewalks
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately common along the major commercial intersections of North Lamar Boulevard and Rundberg Lane, including individuals panhandling at busy intersections, but encampments are generally absent from the interior residential blocks.
What Imperial Valley is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are relatively calm with residents commuting to work and school, making morning walks along residential roads generally safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Activity picks up along commercial arterials and strip centers, feeling reasonably active and safe for running errands.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Commercial plazas remain busy with dining traffic, though vigilance is advised in parking lots and unlit corridors.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets empty out and pedestrian safety diminishes noticeably; walking alone late at night is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro serves the perimeter with major bus routes along North Lamar Blvd (Route 801 Rapid and Route 1), providing direct north-south transit into Central Austin and Downtown; the nearest CapMetro Rail station is Kramer Station, roughly 3 miles northwest.
Free residential street parking is widely available throughout neighborhood streets, and commercial strip centers offer ample free surface parking lots.
Things to do in Imperial Valley
- Explore the extensive Asian and international market aisles at nearby MT Supermarket in Chinatown Center
- Enjoy recreational sports and open green space at nearby Georgian Acres Neighborhood Park
- Sample regional Mexican street food and tacos at local food trucks along North Lamar Boulevard
Local favorites
- Taqueria Arandas · Mexican Restaurant · 4.1★ (1150)Long-running neighborhood staple serving traditional Mexican tacos, platters, and fresh salsa.
- First Chinese BBQ · Chinese Restaurant · 4.4★ (1820)Beloved nearby spot renowned for roast duck, crispy pork belly, and authentic Cantonese specialties.
- Baguette House & Cafe · Vietnamese Bakery · 4.6★ (980)Popular quick-service cafe turning out fresh-baked banh mi, pastries, and iced coffee.
Neighborhoods near Imperial Valley
Common questions about Imperial Valley
Is Imperial Valley safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Imperial Valley a good place to live?
On safety, Imperial Valley scores 63/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Imperial Valley?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 52/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Imperial Valley are safer?
The Woodlands (Austin) (86), Whisper Highlands (83), Loma Vista (71) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Imperial Valley? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.