Is New Market safe?
Huntsville, Alabama · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates New Market as “Go”.
Gogo's take on New Market
“Go. New Market is a very safe, peaceful rural and exurban community situated northeast of Huntsville. Visitors can enjoy local parks, farm stands, and outdoor recreation along the Flint River with virtually no safety concerns.”
About the area
New Market is a tranquil community characterized by rolling green hills, family farms, and newer single-family subdivisions. It offers a relaxed country setting within an easy commuting distance of Huntsville's aerospace and tech hubs.
- Rural / Countryside
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet & Suburban
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in New Market
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 22/100
There is no bike-share program or dedicated urban bike lane infrastructure, though experienced road cyclists frequently utilize the scenic rural backroads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Exceptionally low rates of violent and property crime compared to state and national averages.
- Strong economic profile driven by high homeownership rates and household incomes above $80,000.
- Expansive green spaces and family-friendly recreation at Sharon Johnston Park.
Cons
- Zero public transit coverage and total reliance on personal vehicles.
- Narrow, unlit rural roadways that can be hazardous during foggy conditions or late at night.
- Sparse commercial infrastructure, requiring a drive into Huntsville or Hazel Green for major amenities.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a factor in New Market, as shelter services and outreach resources are concentrated in urban Huntsville.
What New Market is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet with steady residential commuter traffic and complete personal safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-oriented, with local parks and river launches seeing light, safe recreational use.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Very low activity as businesses close early; neighborhood roads are dark but secure.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet with minimal vehicle traffic, though dark country roads demand cautious driving.
Transit, parking and getting around
Huntsville's Orbit transit system does not extend service to New Market, and there are no commuter rail or fixed-route bus services available.
Parking is completely free and abundant across all businesses, parks, and residential areas.
Things to do in New Market
- Paddle, kayak, or fish along the scenic Flint River waterways.
- Spend an afternoon fishing, swimming, or camping at Sharon Johnston Park.
- Pick seasonal peaches and apples at the nearby historic family orchards.
Local favorites
- New Market BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.8★ (1150)Beloved rustic smokehouse serving slow-cooked pulled pork, smoked ribs, and homemade pies.
- Sharon Johnston Park · County Park · 4.6★ (780)A 250-acre county recreation park featuring a fishing lake, Olympic-size pool, pavilions, and walking trails.
- Mary's Pit BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.6★ (590)Classic counter-serve joint offering hickory-smoked meats and traditional Southern sides.
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.