Is Marshall Ford safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Marshall Ford as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Marshall Ford
“Go. Marshall Ford is an exceptionally safe, scenic lakeside neighborhood nestled near Lake Travis and Mansfield Dam. While the winding Hill Country roadways require careful driving, personal and property crime rates are remarkably low compared to city averages. It is an ideal destination for dining, boating, and enjoying Hill Country sunsets.”
About the area
Marshall Ford is a quiet, recreation-oriented community in northwest Travis County perched along the shores of Lake Travis. It is characterized by marina facilities, hillside homes, and lakeside dining spots overlooking the water. Visitors come primarily for water sports, park recreation around Mansfield Dam, and sunset views.
- Lakeside
- Scenic / Hilly
- Car-Dependent
- Relaxed / Outdoor
Walking and biking in Marshall Ford
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 18/100
There is no bike-share infrastructure or dedicated bike lane network, and cycling on nearby RM 620 or winding lake roads can be hazardous due to high traffic speeds and narrow shoulders.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are roughly 70% lower than the Austin citywide average
- High median household income exceeding $110,000 with very low poverty rates
- Scenic access to Lake Travis marinas, public parks, and boat ramps
- Quiet, low-density residential environment with a strong sense of community
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with high-speed traffic and limited sidewalks on RM 620
- Limited street lighting along rural, winding residential lanes at night
- Potential for minor watercraft-related property theft at public docks or parked trailers
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually nonexistent in Marshall Ford, with no encampments or panhandling present in the community.
What Marshall Ford is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with early-rising boaters and cyclists navigating scenic morning views with very minimal risk.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and family-friendly with steady lake traffic, park visitors, and busy outdoor restaurant patios.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Vibrant around sunset dining spots and completely calm in residential areas with negligible safety concerns.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and quiet; while crime is rare, unlit roads make nighttime walking inadvisable due to vehicle traffic.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is virtually nonexistent here; CapMetro does not operate regular bus routes or rail service to this part of Lake Travis, making a personal vehicle or rideshare essential.
Most businesses, marinas, and parks have dedicated surface lots that are free or require a nominal day-use fee (such as at Travis County parks); street parking along main thoroughfares is restricted and unsafe.
Things to do in Marshall Ford
- Launch a boat or rent watercraft at Marshall Ford Marina on Lake Travis
- Picnic, swim, and scuba dive at Mansfield Dam Park
- Watch the sunset with a craft beer at Oasis Texas Brewing Company
Local favorites
- Oasis Texas Brewing Company · Brewery & Restaurant · 4.5★ (1650)Rustic craft brewery and taproom offering elevated pub food and sweeping views of Lake Travis.
- Shack 512 · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1420)Casual waterfront venue serving Southern-inspired comfort food with panoramic lake vistas.
- Marshall Ford Marina · Marina · 4.6★ (185)Full-service marina offering wet slips, boat maintenance, and easy lake access.
Neighborhoods near Marshall Ford
Common questions about Marshall Ford
Is Marshall Ford safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Marshall Ford a good place to live?
On safety, Marshall Ford scores 86/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Marshall Ford?
Walk score 12/100 and bike score 18/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Marshall Ford are safer?
Longhorn Village (95), Steiner Ranch (94), Bella Mar (94) score higher nearby.
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