Is Montopolis safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Montopolis as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Montopolis
“Go with care. While Montopolis is home to great parklands and authentic local dining, it experiences higher property and violent crime rates than much of Austin. Daytime visits to major parks and established businesses are generally fine, but visitors should avoid walking through poorly lit residential or industrial side streets after dark.”
About the area
Montopolis is a historically working-class Southeast Austin community bordered by the Colorado River and major arterial highways. It is currently undergoing rapid redevelopment, creating a distinct blend of long-standing family homes, industrial pockets, and new modern infill residences.
- Transitioning
- Historic Working-Class
- Park-Adjacent
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Montopolis
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 52/100
The neighborhood connects directly to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail through Roy G. Guerrero Park, though CapMetro Bikeshare stations are virtually nonexistent in this section of town.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Direct access to expansive public green space and riverfront at Roy G. Guerrero Park
- Substantial ongoing infrastructure investment and modern residential redevelopment
- Rich local food heritage featuring long-standing Mexican and Central American eateries
Cons
- Property crime and vehicle break-in rates remain elevated above Austin municipal averages
- Pockets of lower household income and higher poverty than the surrounding metro area
- Inconsistent sidewalk connectivity and limited street lighting across interior corridors
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately noticeable, primarily concentrated in wooded greenbelt parcels along the Colorado River and near highway underpasses along US-183 and Highway 71.
What Montopolis is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Calm and peaceful as residents commute, with high perceived safety around community facilities and park trails.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderately active with regular commercial traffic; general safety is reasonable along main thoroughfares.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity narrows around key dining spots and main roads, though unlit side streets quickly feel deserted.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Safety noticeably declines due to elevated property crime risks and minimal pedestrian activity.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro serves the area with bus routes including Route 20 (Manor Road/Riverside) and Route 300, providing direct access to Downtown Austin and the airport; there is no light rail access in the neighborhood.
Street parking is largely free and plentiful on residential roads, and local businesses offer dedicated free surface lots.
Things to do in Montopolis
- Explore the shaded trails and access Secret Beach within Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park
- Play a round of 18 holes at the historic public Riverside Golf Course
- Visit the modern Montopolis Recreation and Community Center for community sports and cultural exhibits
Local favorites
- El Sunza Restaurant · Salvadoran Restaurant · 4.4★ (490)Laid-back neighborhood eatery beloved for authentic Salvadoran pupusas, tamales, and platters.
- Taqueria Los Jaliscienses · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (550)Unassuming strip-mall staple serving hearty breakfast tacos, fajitas, and traditional Mexican dishes.
- Taqueria Jessica · Taco Truck · 4.6★ (180)Popular local taco trailer known for tender al pastor, handmade tortillas, and spicy salsas.
Neighborhoods near Montopolis
Common questions about Montopolis
Is Montopolis safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Montopolis a good place to live?
On safety, Montopolis scores 61/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Montopolis?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 52/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Montopolis are safer?
The Crossing (74), Govalle (72), Lakeshore (Austin) (71) score higher nearby.
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