Is Preston Smith safe?
Lubbock, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Preston Smith as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Preston Smith
“Go. Preston Smith is an established, quiet residential neighborhood in Southwest Lubbock known for its family-friendly atmosphere and low crime. It is exceptionally safe for visitors, though primarily suburban with little in the way of major tourist destinations.”
About the area
Preston Smith is a suburban neighborhood centered around Preston Smith Elementary and Smith Park in Southwest Lubbock. It features single-family brick homes, quiet subdivision streets, and convenient access to retail and dining corridors along 82nd Street and Slide Road.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Preston Smith
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 46/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, and while interior neighborhood streets are calm enough for casual riding, major thoroughfares lack dedicated bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to citywide and national averages
- High rate of owner-occupied single-family homes and neighborhood stability
- Well-maintained neighborhood recreation at Smith Park with playgrounds and open green space
- Proximity to convenient shopping and dining along major southwest corridors
Cons
- Highly car-dependent design requiring a vehicle for nearly all errands
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins
- Limited nightlife or unique cultural attractions within walking distance
Homelessness: Homelessness is rare within the residential interior, with only sporadic panhandling observed near major commercial intersections along Slide Road and 82nd Street.
What Preston Smith is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very safe and calm, with residents jogging, walking dogs, and commuting to work and school.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and active around parks and commercial strips with minimal safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel with families and diners patronizing local restaurants along the perimeter.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and quiet streets; generally safe, though standard precautions against car break-ins apply.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by Citibus, but service in Southwest Lubbock is sparse and primarily limited to route buses along major arterials like 82nd Street, making personal vehicles the primary mode of travel.
Parking is abundant and free, with ample space in commercial surface parking lots and unrestricted street parking throughout residential areas.
Things to do in Preston Smith
- Walk or jog the paths around the pond and green space at Smith Park
- Explore local retail and boutique shopping along the 82nd Street corridor
- Enjoy casual family dining at neighborhood restaurants along Slide Road
Local favorites
- Caprock Cafe · American Restaurant & Sports Bar · 4.5★ (2350)Popular local spot known for Texas-sized burgers, queso, and sports viewing.
- Dion's Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.6★ (1180)Beloved regional chain serving gourmet pizzas, subs, and signature ranch dressing.
- The Funky Door Bistro & Wine Bar · Wine Bar & Bistro · 4.4★ (1520)Upscale dining featuring fondue, steaks, and an extensive global wine list.
Neighborhoods near Preston Smith
Common questions about Preston Smith
Is Preston Smith safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Preston Smith a good place to live?
On safety, Preston Smith scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Preston Smith?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 46/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Preston Smith are safer?
Day Estates (90), Lakeridge (89), Regal Park (88) score higher nearby.
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