Is La Costa safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates La Costa as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on La Costa
“Go with care. While La Costa is generally manageable during daylight hours for shopping or dining, the area experiences above-average rates of property crime and occasional violent incidents typical of Austin's highway commercial corridors. Visitors should stay aware of their surroundings, avoid walking alone late at night, and keep vehicles locked with valuables hidden.”
About the area
La Costa is a mixed residential and commercial pocket in Northeast Austin positioned near the intersection of US-290 and US-183. The neighborhood features mid-density apartment and condo communities alongside busy retail strips and chain establishments. It offers affordable access to central Austin but lacks the polish and quiet of traditional residential suburbs.
- Car-Dependent
- Commercial Corridor
- Budget-Friendly
- Transit-Adjacent
Walking and biking in La Costa
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Bike lanes along major thoroughfares like Cameron Road are intermittent and stressful due to fast-moving vehicular traffic, with limited direct access to Austin's dedicated trail networks.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient highway access to downtown Austin, the Domain, and Austin Community College Highland campus
- Close proximity to diverse and established local dining spots along Cameron Road and Airport Boulevard
- Significantly more affordable housing and short-term accommodations compared to central Austin neighborhoods
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime, particularly vehicle theft, burglaries, and catalytic converter theft
- High poverty rate and lower median household income relative to the Austin metropolitan average
- Heavy traffic noise and pedestrian safety hazards from nearby major highways and arterial roads
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is noticeable along highway underpasses at US-290, US-183, and major bus stops, where temporary encampments and panhandling occasionally occur.
What La Costa is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and generally safe with commuters heading out and local businesses opening along Cameron Road.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy commercial traffic and steady foot traffic around strip malls with moderate safety precautions needed.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity slows down in residential sections while retail lots remain active; remain alert in parking areas.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Noticeably quiet with elevated safety risks; walking alone around highway service roads and unlit corridors is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro serves the neighborhood with regular bus routes including Route 7 (Duval/Dove Springs) and Route 300 (Govalle). The nearest rail option is the CapMetro Rail Highland Station, located roughly 1.5 miles west.
Parking is readily available and generally free across apartment complexes and retail plazas, though metered street parking does not apply here; always lock doors and conceal belongings.
Things to do in La Costa
- Explore authentic regional dining and bakeries along the nearby Cameron Road and North Lamar corridors
- Visit the nearby ACC Highland campus for community events, green open space, and public art
- Shop and dine at Capital Plaza, one of Austin's classic mid-century retail centers
Local favorites
- Amaya's Taco Village · Tex-Mex Restaurant · 4.3★ (1650)Longtime, family-owned Tex-Mex destination famous for homemade crispy flour tortillas and classic combination plates.
- Quality Seafood Market · Seafood Restaurant & Market · 4.5★ (2700)Venerable Austin staple serving fresh oysters, grilled fish, po'boys, and retail fresh catches since 1938.
- Taqueria Arandinas · Mexican Restaurant · 4.2★ (850)Casual neighborhood spot serving hearty Mexican breakfast plates, street tacos, and traditional soups.
Neighborhoods near La Costa
Common questions about La Costa
Is La Costa safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is La Costa a good place to live?
On safety, La Costa scores 63/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is La Costa?
Walk score 58/100 and bike score 52/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near La Costa are safer?
Ridge Top (81), Highgrove (76), Holiday Square (75) score higher nearby.
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