Is North Cat Mountain safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates North Cat Mountain as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on North Cat Mountain
“Go. North Cat Mountain is an exceptionally safe, peaceful, and affluent hillside neighborhood in Northwest Austin. Visitors can explore the scenic views and surrounding parks with virtually no violent crime concerns.”
About the area
Perched in the rolling hills overlooking West Austin and Bull Creek, North Cat Mountain is a tranquil, upscale residential enclave characterized by custom mid-century and modern hillside homes. It offers breathtaking Hill Country views while remaining a convenient 15-minute drive from Downtown Austin and The Domain.
- Affluent Suburban
- Scenic Views
- Hill Country Living
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet & Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in North Cat Mountain
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There are no city bike-share stations or dedicated bike lanes in the neighborhood; steep topography makes it a popular route for experienced road cyclists rather than casual commuters.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero, significantly lower than Austin and national averages.
- High median household incomes exceeding $160,000 and high rates of owner-occupied, well-maintained properties.
- Quiet, scenic residential setting with panoramic vistas of the Texas Hill Country.
Cons
- Strictly car-dependent with almost no commercial amenities within the residential core.
- Steep topography and limited sidewalk infrastructure can make pedestrian travel difficult.
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as vehicle break-ins on unlocked cars.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within North Cat Mountain's residential areas, with occasional individuals or panhandling limited to major intersections along the MoPac expressway corridor to the east.
What North Cat Mountain is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with neighborhood dog walkers and road cyclists navigating steep hill climbs in total safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and residential with minimal through traffic and virtually zero street-level safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Serene and scenic as sunset views set in, feeling exceptionally calm and secure throughout all residential streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and quiet due to minimal streetlighting and winding roads, remaining safe with negligible foot traffic.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit access is limited within the neighborhood; CapMetro Route 19 and Route 982 operate along Far West Boulevard at the eastern border, while the nearest CapMetro Rail station (Crestview) is a 10-to-15-minute drive away.
Street parking is free, easy, and plentiful throughout the residential hillside streets, and nearby shopping plazas along Far West Boulevard offer free surface parking lots.
Things to do in North Cat Mountain
- Drive along scenic hillcrest streets like Valburn Drive and Far West Boulevard for panoramic city and Hill Country views.
- Hike, wade, and explore nature trails at the adjacent Bull Creek District Park and Greenbelt.
- Relax, play tennis, or enjoy the open green space at nearby Sheffield Northwest District Park.
Local favorites
- Saffron Indian Cuisine · Indian Restaurant · 4.5★ (850)A popular local spot just outside the neighborhood serving refined North and South Indian specialties and Nepalese dishes.
- Biderman's Deli · Deli · 4.3★ (460)A traditional Jewish deli on Far West Boulevard serving house-made bagels, pastrami sandwiches, and matzo ball soup.
- Epoch Coffee Far West · Coffee Shop · 4.4★ (410)A relaxed neighborhood café offering espresso drinks, cold brew, and light pastries with ample study space.
Neighborhoods near North Cat Mountain
Common questions about North Cat Mountain
Is North Cat Mountain safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is North Cat Mountain a good place to live?
On safety, North Cat Mountain scores 92/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is North Cat Mountain?
Walk score 18/100 and bike score 24/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near North Cat Mountain are safer?
North Cat Mountain scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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