Is Kendrick (Waco) safe?
Waco, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Kendrick (Waco) as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Kendrick (Waco)
“Go with care. Kendrick is an established working-class residential neighborhood in South Waco that poses little danger during the day for standard visits or dining along major corridors. However, elevated property crime rates and occasional late-night disturbances mean visitors should stay aware of surroundings and keep vehicles secured.”
About the area
Kendrick is a modest, mid-century residential neighborhood situated in South Waco just south of the historic Waco Traffic Circle. It consists primarily of single-family ranch-style homes, local schools, and perimeter commercial strips along Valley Mills Drive and La Salle Avenue.
- Working-Class
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet Residential
- Strip-Commercial Edge
Walking and biking in Kendrick (Waco)
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 45/100
There is no dedicated municipal bike-share system in Kendrick, and on-street cycling infrastructure is minimal, though the Brazos River trails are accessible a couple of miles north via car.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient access to major dining and retail hubs around the Waco Circle and Valley Mills Drive
- Close proximity to I-35 and central Waco attractions like Baylor University
- Tight-knit residential core with lower vehicle traffic on interior streets
Cons
- Above-average rates of property crime and petty theft compared to national averages
- Lower median household income and pockets of aging, deteriorated housing stock
- Dim street lighting and lacking sidewalk infrastructure in interior residential pockets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is generally low on interior residential streets but moderately noticeable along major commercial corridors such as La Salle Avenue and around the I-35 underpasses.
What Kendrick (Waco) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Calm and quiet as residents commute to work and school zones become active.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally safe with steady traffic along the perimeter commercial corridors and occasional neighborhood foot traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel, though caution is recommended around poorly lit convenience stores and strip plazas.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic is minimal and walking around interior residential streets or commercial alleys is discouraged due to property crime risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
Waco Transit System operates fixed bus routes serving the area, notably Route 9 and Route 4 along major arteries like S. Valley Mills Drive and La Salle Avenue; there is no light rail or BRT service in Waco.
Street parking is widely available and free throughout the residential streets, and commercial destinations offer ample, free surface lot parking.
Things to do in Kendrick (Waco)
- Grab classic Texas diner fare and burgers near the historic Waco Traffic Circle
- Enjoy the playground, open green space, and sports courts at Kendrick Park
- Explore local vintage shopping and retail outlets along South Valley Mills Drive
Local favorites
- Magnolia Table · Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant · 4.6★ (11400)Famous dining destination at the Traffic Circle serving farm-fresh breakfast classics and bakery items.
- Health Camp · American Restaurant · 4.2★ (1350)Historic roadside burger and malt shop operating on the Traffic Circle since 1948.
- Captain Billy Whizzbangs · Hamburger Restaurant · 4.5★ (850)Casual local staple serving classic sizzle burgers, onion rings, and comfort sides.
Neighborhoods near Kendrick (Waco)
Common questions about Kendrick (Waco)
Is Kendrick (Waco) safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Kendrick (Waco) a good place to live?
On safety, Kendrick (Waco) scores 57/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Kendrick (Waco)?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 45/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Kendrick (Waco) are safer?
Waterford Village (83), Beverly Hills (TX) (68), Beverly (Waco) (67) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Kendrick (Waco)? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.