Is North Highlands safe?
Bessemer, Alabama · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates North Highlands as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on North Highlands
“Go with care. North Highlands is a quiet, working-class residential neighborhood in Bessemer, but the broader city faces persistently elevated rates of violent and property crime. Casual daytime visits for local food or neighborhood errands are generally fine, but visitors should avoid wandering on foot after dark and maintain situational awareness.”
Bessemer has continued targeted law enforcement operations alongside community violence prevention initiatives to address localized gun violence and property crime across the western Jefferson County area.
About the area
North Highlands is an established, predominantly residential community situated just north of downtown Bessemer, Alabama. The area consists mainly of modest mid-century single-family homes, local churches, and neighborhood corner spots. It offers a low-key, suburban-industrial backdrop typical of the historic Birmingham-Bessemer mining and manufacturing corridor.
- Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Historic Industrial
- Quiet
Walking and biking in North Highlands
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 32/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure is virtually non-existent in North Highlands, and there are no direct connections to Birmingham's Red Rock Trail System or bikeshare stations in the immediate vicinity.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Primarily quiet residential streets with minimal through-traffic
- Close proximity to downtown Bessemer dining and historic landmarks
- Affordable neighborhood setting with accessible street parking throughout
- Convenient driving access to Interstate 20/59 and Highway 150
Cons
- Elevated violent and property crime rates relative to national and state averages
- Higher poverty and housing vacancy rates compared to broader Jefferson County
- Aging infrastructure with sparse sidewalks and limited commercial services
- Lack of nightlife, cultural attractions, or pedestrian amenities within the immediate bounds
Homelessness: Visible homelessness within North Highlands is minimal, as encampments and services are centered closer to downtown Bessemer and central Birmingham transit corridors.
What North Highlands is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet as residents commute to work and school, with low traffic and general neighborhood stillness.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Relatively calm, though limited pedestrian activity means visitors walking alone will stand out.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity drops quickly around dusk, and caution is advised when parking or moving around local corridors.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet but higher risk; wandering on foot is not recommended due to limited lighting and elevated property crime risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA / MAX Transit), primarily through Route 45 connecting Bessemer to downtown Birmingham. Service is infrequent, and most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Free residential street parking and private driveways are widely available across the neighborhood, with no parking meters or commercial garages necessary.
Things to do in North Highlands
- Sample classic soul food and barbecue at nearby long-standing Bessemer eateries
- Explore the historic architecture and rail heritage at the nearby Bessemer Hall of History
- Take a short drive to the Bessemer Recreation Center for sports and community fitness
Local favorites
- The Bright Star · Southern / Seafood Restaurant · 4.5★ (2350)Alabama's oldest continuously operating restaurant, famous for Greek-style snapper and classic Southern hospitality just minutes away.
- Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (3100)Iconic pit-cooked barbecue joint serving ribs, pork plates, and lemon pie over open hickory pits since 1957.
- Snappy Subs · Sandwich Shop · 4.6★ (480)Longtime local Bessemer counter-service spot serving hearty hot subs, burgers, and crinkle-cut fries.
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.