Is Meadow Ridge safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Meadow Ridge as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Meadow Ridge
“Go with care. Meadow Ridge is a low-key, primarily residential subdivision in Southeast Austin that is generally quiet during the day but experiences higher rates of property crime than northern or western Austin neighborhoods. Visitors will find standard suburban streets, though basic situational awareness and vehicle security are advised after dark.”
About the area
Meadow Ridge is a quiet, established residential neighborhood located in the 78744 ZIP code of Southeast Austin. Dominated by single-family homes and modest tree-lined streets, it sits just off major corridors like East William Cannon Drive and Pleasant Valley Road. While primarily a bedroom community with little internal tourism, it offers convenient proximity to Onion Creek Metropolitan Park and McKinney Falls State Park.
- Suburban Residential
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Meadow Ridge
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 38/100
Dedicated bike lanes exist on segments of Pleasant Valley Road and William Cannon Drive, connecting cyclists to the Onion Creek Greenbelt trails, but high vehicular speeds on arterials require experienced riding.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower violent crime profile on interior residential streets compared to surrounding commercial thoroughfares
- High proportion of single-family owner-occupied homes fostering a neighborly suburban environment
- Affordable lodging and short-term rental options relative to central Austin
- Quick driving access to major outdoor green spaces like Onion Creek Metropolitan Park
Cons
- Elevated rates of vehicle break-ins, catalytic converter thefts, and opportunistic property crime across the 78744 area
- Sparse sidewalk infrastructure and street lighting on several interior and connecting blocks
- Pockets of higher poverty and lower household median income in adjacent commercial corridors along William Cannon Drive
- Essentially no commercial amenities within the neighborhood boundaries, necessitating driving for all services
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is uncommon within the interior residential streets of Meadow Ridge, though panhandling and occasional temporary encampments are present at the intersections along East William Cannon Drive and the I-35 corridor.
What Meadow Ridge is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with local residents walking dogs and heading out for standard morning commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with light local traffic and generally safe conditions for walking.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet as commuters return home, though reduced lighting in certain sections makes carrying a flashlight advisable.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and mostly deserted; violent crime is rare, but vehicle burglaries and opportunistic thefts are most prevalent during these hours.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by CapMetro, with nearby bus routes including Route 311 along William Cannon Drive and Route 228 on Pleasant Valley Road; there is no light rail or BRT service within walking distance.
Parking is straightforward and free, with ample space on private driveways and unrestricted curbside parking along residential streets.
Things to do in Meadow Ridge
- Hike and birdwatch among the rugged trails at nearby Onion Creek Metropolitan Park
- Explore the scenic limestone falls and historic ruins at McKinney Falls State Park just east of the neighborhood
- Enjoy casual shopping, dining, and movies at the Southpark Meadows commercial center a short drive west
Local favorites
- El Tacorrido - William Cannon · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (1100)Popular local drive-thru and walk-up counter serving authentic tacos, tortas, and signature coffees.
- The Little Darlin' · Gastropub · 4.6★ (2400)Laid-back neighborhood watering hole featuring a large patio, comfort food, and yard games.
- Hideaway Kitchen & Bar · Southern Restaurant · 4.4★ (1500)Warm neighborhood eatery serving scratch-made Southern comfort classics, cocktails, and weekend brunch.
Neighborhoods near Meadow Ridge
Common questions about Meadow Ridge
Is Meadow Ridge safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Meadow Ridge a good place to live?
On safety, Meadow Ridge scores 71/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Meadow Ridge?
Walk score 28/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Meadow Ridge are safer?
Elmwood Estates (80), South Bend (79), Bennett (76) score higher nearby.
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