Is Original Town of Amarillo safe?
Amarillo, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Original Town of Amarillo as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Original Town of Amarillo
“Go with care. The Original Town of Amarillo offers historic architecture, civic venues, and popular downtown dining, but safety conditions vary sharply by block and time of day. Visitors should stay aware of their surroundings, keep vehicles locked, and stick to well-lit main corridors after dark.”
About the area
The Original Town of Amarillo encompasses the city's historic urban core and the adjacent early residential and commercial grid. It features key civic destinations like Hodgetown ballpark and the Amarillo Civic Center alongside older, transitioning industrial and residential blocks. While ongoing downtown revitalization brings steady foot traffic by day, property crime and vagrancy remain notable challenges.
- Historic Core
- Civic & Entertainment
- Mixed Commercial
- Transitioning Grid
Walking and biking in Original Town of Amarillo
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 54/100
There is no municipal bike-share system; while the street grid is flat and navigable, dedicated bike lanes are limited, and connections to outer multi-use trails require riding on shared roadways.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Centrally located with active daytime pedestrian corridors around Hodgetown and Polk Street
- Close proximity to Amarillo Police Department headquarters and municipal services
- Ample and generally low-cost parking options compared to larger Texas metros
- Concentration of restored historic architecture and cultural entertainment venues
Cons
- Property crime and vehicle burglary rates are significantly higher than Amarillo's outer suburban neighborhoods
- Elevated poverty rate exceeding 25% in surrounding historic census tracts with older, blighted rental housing
- Visible homelessness and loitering concentrated around service centers and vacant lots
- Foot traffic drops sharply late at night outside of the primary Polk Street bar district
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is present in the core, particularly near transit stops, the downtown library, and local social support facilities such as the Guyon Saunders Resource Center and nearby shelters.
What Original Town of Amarillo is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with municipal employees, courthouse visitors, and local commuters starting their day.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and generally safe to walk, especially around Polk Street, government offices, and local lunch spots.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively around dining and event venues, though caution is advised when parking or walking along peripheral blocks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and sparsely populated outside of active bars, with elevated safety risks from loitering and property crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Amarillo City Transit (ACT) operates local bus routes converging at the Downtown Transfer Center on 3rd Avenue, providing direct radial bus connectivity across the city; there is no rail or BRT system.
On-street metered and free timed parking is readily available along main streets, complemented by several public surface lots and municipal parking garages that charge modest event rates.
Things to do in Original Town of Amarillo
- Catch an Amarillo Sod Poodles minor league baseball game at Hodgetown stadium
- Attend a concert, symphony, or performing arts event at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts
- Explore local history exhibits and regional art galleries along the Polk Street commercial corridor
Local favorites
- Six Car Pub & Brewery · Brewpub & Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Popular downtown craft brewery featuring a rooftop patio, brick-oven pizzas, and house-brewed ales.
- Crush Wine Bar Grill & Rooftop · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (820)Upscale casual dining spot offering an extensive wine list, steaks, and open-air rooftop seating.
- OHMS Cafe & Bar · Fine Dining Restaurant · 4.6★ (460)Longstanding downtown establishment serving farm-to-table regional cuisine and craft cocktails.
Neighborhoods near Original Town of Amarillo
Common questions about Original Town of Amarillo
Is Original Town of Amarillo safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Original Town of Amarillo a good place to live?
On safety, Original Town of Amarillo scores 58/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Original Town of Amarillo?
Walk score 68/100 and bike score 54/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Original Town of Amarillo are safer?
Bivins (76), West Lawn (76), Lawrence (72) score higher nearby.
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