Is Rosewood (Austin) safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Rosewood (Austin) as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Rosewood (Austin)
“Go with care. Rosewood is a vibrant, rapidly evolving East Austin neighborhood with a rich history, excellent food, and community parks. While day visits are generally pleasant and safe, visitors should maintain basic urban awareness at night due to elevated property crime and occasional late-night street incidents near major corridors.”
About the area
Rosewood is a historic East Austin neighborhood located just east of downtown, characterized by a mix of mid-century bungalows, modern infill homes, and cultural landmarks. It features popular community spots, parks, and local eateries, bridging traditional Eastside heritage with modern Austin culture.
- Historic / Culturally Rich
- Gentrifying
- Artsy & Eclectic
- Close to Downtown
Walking and biking in Rosewood (Austin)
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 82/100
Rosewood is very bike-friendly, featuring dedicated bike lanes along Rosewood Avenue and 12th Street with direct links to the Boggy Creek Trail and the Southern Walnut Creek Trail network; CapMetro Bikeshare docks are available near major intersections.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Rapidly revitalizing area with active neighborhood parks and community centers
- Rising median household incomes and substantial investment in housing stock
- Strong neighborhood community identity and historic cultural landmarks
- Close proximity to downtown Austin and East 11th/12th dining districts
Cons
- Property crime, especially vehicle break-ins and package theft, remains elevated
- Pockets of lower lighting and uneven sidewalks on interior residential streets
- Lingering public intoxication and disturbance reports near certain commercial intersections
- Higher property crime rates compared to outer Austin suburban neighborhoods
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate, with occasional individuals or small encampments seen near highway overpasses, major transit stops, and intersections along Airport Boulevard.
What Rosewood (Austin) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers near Rosewood Park, and light neighborhood commuter traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy and welcoming, with steady foot traffic around parks, local cafes, and corner stores.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively around neighborhood eateries, though side streets quickly become dark and quiet.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally quiet on residential streets, but exercise increased caution along commercial corridors like 12th St and Airport Blvd where foot traffic thins.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro serves the neighborhood with frequent bus routes including Route 2 (Rosewood) and Route 18 (MLK), connecting directly to downtown Austin in 10-15 minutes. The CapMetro Rail Plaza Saltillo Station is located roughly one mile southwest.
Free street parking is widely available throughout residential streets, though certain blocks near popular eateries and parks have time limits or resident-permit restrictions.
Things to do in Rosewood (Austin)
- Explore the historic exhibits and serene grounds at the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex and adjacent Rosewood Park.
- Visit the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center for African American history and art exhibits.
- Walk or picnic around Boggy Creek Greenbelt which passes through the eastern edge of the neighborhood.
Local favorites
- Sam's BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.2★ (920)A legendary, no-frills East Austin institution serving classic smoked meats and sides for decades.
- Roland's Soul Food · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.5★ (310)Longtime local favorite dish out hearty portions of classic Southern comfort food and fried catfish.
- Quickie Pickie · Cafe & Grocery · 4.4★ (510)Hybrid corner store, cafe, and taproom offering local beers, artisan coffee, and casual counter fare.
Neighborhoods near Rosewood (Austin)
Common questions about Rosewood (Austin)
Is Rosewood (Austin) safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Rosewood (Austin) a good place to live?
On safety, Rosewood (Austin) scores 72/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Rosewood (Austin)?
Walk score 68/100 and bike score 82/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Rosewood (Austin) are safer?
Morsland Place (82), Blackshear-Prospect Hill (76), East Sixth (75) score higher nearby.
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