Is Old Sixth Ward safe?
Houston, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Old Sixth Ward as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Old Sixth Ward
“Go with care. Old Sixth Ward is a charming, historic residential enclave just west of Downtown Houston with low violent crime rates. However, its proximity to busy transit corridors and the Washington Avenue nightlife strip elevates property crime, particularly vehicle break-ins.”
About the area
Old Sixth Ward is Houston's oldest intact neighborhood, featuring the largest concentration of Victorian homes and cottages in the city. Nestled between Washington Avenue and the Buffalo Bayou greenway, it blends quiet historic residential streets with immediate access to dynamic dining, parks, and downtown attractions.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Quiet Residential
- Victorian Architecture
- Near Nightlife
Walking and biking in Old Sixth Ward
Walk score: 76/100 · Bike score: 74/100
Houston BCycle stations and dedicated bike lanes along Sabine and surrounding streets provide immediate connection to the extensive Buffalo Bayou Park trail network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to broader central Houston
- Affluent resident base with high median household incomes well above six figures and strong owner-occupancy
- Direct pedestrian and cycling access to Buffalo Bayou Park trails
Cons
- Elevated risk of property crimes, especially vehicle break-ins along Washington Avenue and perimeter streets
- Nightlife spillover, noise, and erratic drivers from nearby Washington Avenue bars on weekends
- Proximity to interstate underpasses where unhoused individuals and foot traffic can occasionally cluster
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal on interior historic streets, though individuals and occasional encampments may be noticed near Interstate 10 overpasses and under bridges along Memorial Drive and Houston Avenue.
What Old Sixth Ward is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant, with residents walking dogs and runners heading toward Buffalo Bayou.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and residential with light local traffic, making for a safe and scenic stroll.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively along the Washington Avenue perimeter as restaurant crowds arrive, but residential side streets stay relatively quiet.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally quiet inside the ward, though vigilance is advised due to bar crowds, street parking activity, and occasional opportunistic theft.
Transit, parking and getting around
METRO Houston serves the area primarily via bus routes 85 (Antoine/Washington) and 40 (Telephone/Heights), with Downtown light rail connections (METRORail Red, Green, and Purple lines) accessible about 1 to 1.5 miles east.
Residential street parking is often restricted by permit zones, so visitors must read posted signs carefully. Commercial spots along Washington Ave rely on private lots, valet, or limited metered street parking.
Things to do in Old Sixth Ward
- Take a self-guided walking tour to admire the preserved Victorian and Queen Anne architecture
- Access the Buffalo Bayou Park trails just south on Memorial Drive for skyline views and recreation
- Dine and explore local craft cocktails along the neighborhood edge on Washington Avenue
Local favorites
- B&B Butchers & Restaurant · Steakhouse · 4.5★ (3100)Upscale dual-concept butcher shop and steakhouse offering classic cuts and a rooftop patio with skyline views.
- Julep · Cocktail Bar · 4.6★ (1100)James Beard Award-winning cocktail bar serving refined Southern-inspired drinks in an elegant historic space.
- Catalina Coffee · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (1400)Neighborhood staple serving specialty espresso drinks and house-roasted Amaya beans.
Neighborhoods near Old Sixth Ward
Common questions about Old Sixth Ward
Is Old Sixth Ward safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Old Sixth Ward a good place to live?
On safety, Old Sixth Ward scores 74/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Old Sixth Ward?
Walk score 76/100 and bike score 74/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Old Sixth Ward are safer?
Memorial Heights (81), First Ward (Houston) (76), Westmoreland (Houston) (76) score higher nearby.
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