Is Lansdowne-Merrick safe?
Lexington, Kentucky · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Lansdowne-Merrick as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Lansdowne-Merrick
“Go. Lansdowne-Merrick is an established, peaceful, and affluent south Lexington enclave with exceptionally low crime rates and a welcoming suburban feel. Visitors can comfortably enjoy local dining, parks, and retail centers with minimal safety concerns at any time of day.”
About the area
Lansdowne-Merrick is a scenic residential neighborhood in south-central Lexington characterized by mature tree-lined streets, well-kept mid-century ranch homes, and upscale townhomes. Anchored by the Lansdowne Shoppes and Merrick Place, the area offers a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere just a short drive from downtown and the University of Kentucky.
- Quiet Residential
- Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Suburban
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Lansdowne-Merrick
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 48/100
While dedicated bike infrastructure is sparse on major thoroughfares like Tates Creek Road, low-speed neighborhood streets are popular for neighborhood cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both Lexington and national averages
- High homeownership rate and strong household economic stability supporting well-kept properties
- Quiet, family-friendly residential streets with minimal through-traffic
Cons
- Primarily car-dependent layout with discontinuous sidewalks in some residential sections
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle prowls and petty theft along retail parking lots
- Limited late-night commercial activity and lighting on interior residential roads
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually non-existent in Lansdowne-Merrick, with no encampments or panhandling hubs located within the neighborhood.
What Lansdowne-Merrick is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe, filled with residents walking dogs, jogging, and heading out for local coffee.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and active with moderate vehicle traffic and relaxed shopping around Lansdowne Shoppes.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Warm and inviting, with restaurant patios active and safe conditions for evening strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and dark along residential cul-de-sacs, remaining safe with very low late-night street foot traffic.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Lextran via Route 3 along Tates Creek Road, offering direct service to the Transit Center in downtown Lexington, though interior residential streets lack fixed-route service.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free, featuring large, free surface parking lots at shopping centers and easy, unrestricted curbside parking along residential streets.
Things to do in Lansdowne-Merrick
- Enjoy classic Southern dining on the shaded garden patio at the historic Merrick Inn
- Walk, jog, or play tennis and pickleball at Lansdowne-Merrick Park
- Browse local boutiques and grab artisan baked goods at the Lansdowne Shoppes
Local favorites
- Merrick Inn Restaurant · Southern Fine Dining · 4.7★ (1420)Beloved Lexington staple set in a converted manor house offering elevated Southern comfort food and a renowned patio.
- DV8 Kitchen - Lansdowne · Bakery & Cafe · 4.7★ (880)Popular breakfast and lunch spot famous for scratch-made cinnamon rolls, sandwiches, and a mission-driven second-chance employment model.
- The Cellar Bar & Grille · Sports Bar & Grill · 4.3★ (1180)Casual underground neighborhood gathering spot offering wings, burgers, local draft beers, and game viewing.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.