Is Ocaw (Bellmead) safe?
Bellmead, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Ocaw (Bellmead) as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Ocaw (Bellmead)
“Go with care. While daytime visits to local eateries and retail establishments along the highway corridor are generally straightforward, property crime and occasional violent incidents in Bellmead are above state and national averages. Exercise basic situational awareness, lock your vehicle, and avoid poorly lit residential backstreets late at night.”
About the area
Ocaw is an established residential and light-commercial section of Bellmead, just northeast of Waco along the US-84 corridor. It features modest mid-century single-family homes, neighborhood churches, and auto-oriented commercial strips. Visitors typically pass through for affordable local dining and retail along the main thoroughfares.
- Suburban / Working-Class
- Car-Dependent
- Commercial Strip
- Quiet Residential
Walking and biking in Ocaw (Bellmead)
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 36/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes, protected paths, or shared bike programs in this area; cycling is generally limited to low-traffic residential side streets.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient highway access to I-35 and central Waco attractions
- Affordable local dining options including popular Tex-Mex and barbecue spots
- Close proximity to Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Waco campus
Cons
- Property crime and vehicle theft rates are higher than the Texas state average
- Elevated local poverty rate near 22% with older, unevenly maintained housing stock
- Sparse pedestrian infrastructure, with missing sidewalks and unlit streets off the main road
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate, mostly limited to occasional individuals panhandling near highway intersections, bus stops, and gas stations along US-84.
What Ocaw (Bellmead) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are calm and quiet, with routine commuter traffic moving along US-84 and standard neighborhood activity.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons are busy around strip malls and fast-casual dining spots, feeling generally safe for routine errands.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings quiet down quickly off the main road; parking lots along commercial strips warrant standard situational awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights feel isolated with minimal foot traffic, and unlit residential streets are best avoided on foot.
Transit, parking and getting around
Waco Transit System (WTS) provides limited fixed-route bus service along the Bellmead Drive corridor connecting into downtown Waco. There is no passenger rail or BRT service in the area.
Free surface parking is widely available in expansive commercial lots and on residential streets with no parking meters or garages.
Things to do in Ocaw (Bellmead)
- Enjoy classic Texas breakfast tacos and authentic Mexican platters along Bellmead Drive
- Visit Brame Park for outdoor recreation, community pavilion access, and youth sports fields
- Take a short drive to the Texas State Technical College Waco campus for aviation and technical exhibits
Local favorites
- Taqueria El Mexicano #9 · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (850)A casual local staple known for generous portions of authentic Tex-Mex, sizzling fajitas, and homemade salsa.
- Sam's Southern Eatery · Southern Restaurant · 4.2★ (620)Popular roadside diner serving jumbo fried shrimp, catfish platters, and classic Southern sides.
- Collin Street Bakery · Bakery & Cafe · 4.4★ (1150)Historic Texas bakery offering famous fruitcakes, freshly baked cookies, sandwiches, and coffee just off I-35.
Neighborhoods near Ocaw (Bellmead)
Common questions about Ocaw (Bellmead)
Is Ocaw (Bellmead) safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Ocaw (Bellmead) a good place to live?
On safety, Ocaw (Bellmead) scores 60/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Ocaw (Bellmead)?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 36/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Ocaw (Bellmead) are safer?
Cole's Crossing (88), Baylor (80), Cole's Crossing (Bellmead) (66) score higher nearby.
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