Is Parker Acres safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Parker Acres as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Parker Acres
“Go with care. Parker Acres is a modest, primarily residential South Austin enclave with convenient access to central city attractions, but visitors should remain vigilant regarding property crime. Avoid leaving valuables inside vehicles, particularly when parked along busier border thoroughfares.”
About the area
Parker Acres is an established residential neighborhood in South/Southeast Austin characterized by mid-century single-family homes, duplexes, and apartment complexes. Positioned just south of the vibrant East Riverside corridor and adjacent to Mabel Davis District Park, it offers a functional base close to downtown without the high downtown price tag.
- Residential
- Suburban Feel
- Modest
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Parker Acres
Walk score: 54/100 · Bike score: 62/100
While no dedicated bike-share stations sit in the neighborhood interior, painted bike lanes on Parker Lane provide a direct link northward toward the Country Club Creek Trail and Lady Bird Lake.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower violent crime rates within the residential interior compared to adjacent commercial strips.
- Proximity to major green spaces like Mabel Davis District Park and the Lady Bird Lake trail network.
- Convenient driving access to downtown Austin, South Congress, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Cons
- Elevated rates of opportunistic property crime, especially vehicle break-ins and theft.
- Inconsistent sidewalk coverage and limited street lighting on interior residential blocks.
- Higher renter turnover and proximity to busier, higher-incident corridors along East Oltorf Street.
Homelessness: Homelessness is rarely visible on the quiet interior residential blocks of Parker Acres, though occasional panhandling and small encampments occur along East Oltorf Street and nearby highway frontage roads.
What Parker Acres is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet with neighbors walking dogs and commuters heading toward highway corridors.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Low-key neighborhood rhythm, though vehicle traffic picks up along Parker Lane and East Oltorf Street.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Dining spots on the perimeter become active while interior streets remain quiet and mostly residential.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Side streets become very dark with little foot traffic; exercise caution around major transit stops and commercial plazas.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro serves the perimeter via Route 7 (Duval/Dove Springs) along Parker Lane and Route 300 along East Oltorf Street; the nearest CapMetro Rail station is Downtown Station, roughly 3.5 miles north.
Free, unmetered curbside street parking is easily accessible throughout residential streets, and local businesses offer dedicated free parking lots.
Things to do in Parker Acres
- Explore the walking paths, Olympic-sized swimming pool, and skate park at Mabel Davis District Park.
- Sample diverse international cuisine and authentic street tacos along the East Oltorf Street corridor.
- Take a short trip north to connect with the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake.
Local favorites
- 888 Pan Asian Restaurant · Pan-Asian Restaurant · 4.4★ (2850)A long-standing local staple serving a sprawling menu of Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese favorites late into the night.
- El Taquito · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (1420)Casual neighborhood eatery renowned for authentic street-style tacos, quesadillas, and fresh salsas.
- Frazier's Long & Low · Bar & Grill · 4.6★ (680)Popular retro-styled neighborhood tavern featuring smash burgers, cold drinks, pool tables, and a dog-friendly patio.
Neighborhoods near Parker Acres
Common questions about Parker Acres
Is Parker Acres safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Parker Acres a good place to live?
On safety, Parker Acres scores 71/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Parker Acres?
Walk score 54/100 and bike score 62/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Parker Acres are safer?
Parker Acres scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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