Honesty without a lens
Is Paces safe?
Atlanta, Georgia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Paces as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Paces
“Go. Paces is one of the wealthiest, most tranquil, and safest residential enclaves in Atlanta. While violent crime is practically nonexistent, the winding, heavily wooded roads mostly lack sidewalks, making recreational walking more suited to estate exploration than commercial errands.”
About the area
Paces is an exclusive Buckhead neighborhood characterized by expansive private estates, lush tree canopies, and historic architecture. It borders the Chattahoochee River and offers a secluded, upscale retreat from the city center. A car is virtually mandatory to access nearby dining and cultural attractions.
- Affluent Estates
- Wooded / Secluded
- Quiet & Peaceful
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Paces
Walk score: 15/100 · Bike score: 18/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes, shared micro-mobility hubs, or direct Atlanta BeltLine connections in the neighborhood. Biking is limited to road cyclists tackling steep terrain and navigating vehicular traffic on narrow shoulders.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Exceptionally low violent crime rates and active private security patrols
- Stunning architecture and mature forest canopies
- Peaceful, low-density suburban atmosphere
Cons
- Almost completely lacking sidewalks along winding residential roads
- Car-dependent with very few walkable retail or dining spots
- Poor lighting on residential roads after sunset
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Paces. There are no encampments, day shelters, or panhandling clusters in this secluded residential neighborhood.
What Paces is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very safe and quiet, with occasional runners or dog walkers navigating the hilly, tree-lined roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and peaceful with minimal vehicular traffic except for residents and service providers.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Extremely low-key and quiet, though walking requires high-visibility gear due to missing sidewalks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Pitch-black on interior roads with virtually zero pedestrian activity, yet crime risk remains exceptionally low.
Transit, parking and getting around
MARTA rail does not directly serve Paces; the nearest station is Buckhead Station on the Red Line, roughly 4 miles east. Bus route 12 runs nearby along Howell Mill and West Paces Ferry Roads, but headways are long and transit use is minimal.
Street parking is largely prohibited or impractical on winding estate roads. Visitors should utilize on-site parking lots or valet services at local venues and nearby commercial centers, which are generally free or easily accessible.
Things to do in Paces
- Tour the historic grounds and exhibits at the nearby Atlanta History Center
- Hike scenic nature trails at the adjacent Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Palisades units)
- Dine and shop at the historic Vinings Jubilee just across the river
Local favorites
- Canoe · Fine Dining Restaurant · 4.7★ (3800)Celebrated riverfront restaurant serving refined American cuisine in a manicured garden setting.
- Local Three Kitchen & Bar · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (2100)Whimsical, upscale-casual spot hidden inside a nearby office complex offering creative comfort fare.
- The Woodall · New American Restaurant · 4.5★ (850)Trendy, polished eatery nearby featuring creative small plates and craft cocktails.
Scores blend recent reported crime levels, area poverty and walk/bike access, refreshed nightly. They are a guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.