Is Old West Austin safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Old West Austin as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Old West Austin
“Go. Old West Austin is one of the safest, most affluent, and picturesque historic districts in the city. Visitors can explore quiet canopy-lined residential streets and local eateries with virtually no safety concerns, exercising only standard precautions against car break-ins near commercial corridors.”
About the area
Old West Austin encompasses prestigious historic enclaves including Clarksville, Old Enfield, and Bryker Woods, featuring rolling hills, grand architecture, and century-old oak trees. Located just west of downtown Austin and the UT campus, it blends tranquil residential living with charming boutique dining and historic landmarks.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Affluent & Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Charming Boutiques
Walking and biking in Old West Austin
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 74/100
CapMetro Bikeshare stations are available along fringe corridors, and the neighborhood directly connects to the Shoal Creek Trail and Lance Armstrong Bikeway.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest across the entire Austin metropolitan area.
- Very high median household income exceeding $150,000 with exceptionally high homeownership and property maintenance standards.
- Quiet, highly walkable residential streets with low through-traffic and high neighborhood vigilance.
- Immediate proximity to downtown attractions and green spaces without urban core safety liabilities.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as vehicle break-ins along Lamar Boulevard and perimeter corridors.
- Dimly lit residential side streets at night due to dense tree canopies and limited municipal streetlights.
- Narrow historic roadways with tight on-street parking that can restrict visibility at intersections.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential blocks, though individuals experiencing homelessness may occasionally be seen along the eastern perimeter near North Lamar Boulevard and Shoal Creek.
What Old West Austin is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with neighbors jogging, walking dogs, and grabbing coffee along West Lynn Street.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and active with light local foot traffic, school drop-offs, and visitors dining at neighborhood bistros.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and welcoming, as dinner crowds gather around Clarksville restaurants while residential streets remain tranquil.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and secure, though side streets are dark; visitors should be mindful of low lighting and keep parked cars locked.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro serves the area via local bus routes 18 and 663 along Enfield Road and West Lynn Street, connecting directly to downtown Austin (approximately 1.5 miles away) and UT Austin.
Free street parking is widely available throughout residential streets, though some Clarksville blocks have residential permit requirements or narrow roadways.
Things to do in Old West Austin
- Stroll through historic Clarksville and admire the 19th-century architecture and community landmarks like the Heurich House.
- Visit the Treaty Oak park on Baylor Street to see the legendary 500-year-old Texas council tree.
- Walk or picnic along the scenic Shoal Creek Greenbelt running along the neighborhood's eastern edge.
Local favorites
- Nau's Enfield Drug · Pharmacy & Soda Fountain · 4.5★ (380)Historic neighborhood pharmacy and lunch counter beloved for classic burgers and vintage fountain milkshakes.
- Jeffrey's · Fine Dining Restaurant · 4.6★ (720)Iconic upscale neighborhood institution offering dry-aged steaks, fine wines, and classic elegance.
- Caffe Medici (West Lynn) · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (510)Cozy neighborhood espresso bar featuring specialty pour-overs and a shaded patio popular with locals.
Neighborhoods near Old West Austin
Common questions about Old West Austin
Is Old West Austin safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Old West Austin a good place to live?
On safety, Old West Austin scores 90/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Old West Austin?
Walk score 68/100 and bike score 74/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Old West Austin are safer?
Tarrytown (93) score higher nearby.
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