Is Sharpstown safe?
Houston, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Sharpstown as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Sharpstown
“Go with care. Sharpstown offers rich cultural diversity and fantastic dining, particularly around the adjacent Asiatown corridors, but it has persistently elevated property and violent crime rates. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid walking alone after dark.”
About the area
Developed in the mid-1950s as one of Houston's first master-planned suburbs, Sharpstown is now a densely populated, deeply multicultural community in Southwest Houston. It is widely known for its proximity to Houston's vibrant Chinatown/Asiatown district, varied strip-mall eateries, and mid-century ranch homes.
- Multicultural Hub
- Culinary Destination
- Car-Dependent
- Mid-Century Suburb
Walking and biking in Sharpstown
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 53/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure is minimal, with no major Bayou Greenways directly traversing the interior of the neighborhood and no Houston BCycle stations present.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Vibrant international culinary scene spanning Asian, Central American, and Middle Eastern cuisines
- Active dedicated management district providing private security patrols and community improvement initiatives
- Close proximity to Houston Christian University and the bustling Asiatown commercial corridor
- Convenient highway connectivity via I-69/US-59 and the Westpark Tollway
Cons
- Violent crime and property crime rates are significantly higher than national and city averages
- High poverty rate exceeding 25% alongside an aging multi-family housing stock
- Frequent auto burglaries and vehicle thefts in commercial parking lots and apartment complexes
- Pockets of prostitution and illicit activity along certain thoroughfares such as parts of Bissonnet Street
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present, mostly concentrated around major highway underpasses along US-59/I-69 and near bus stops along Bissonnet Street and Bellaire Boulevard.
What Sharpstown is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Commercial strips bustle with commuter traffic and local shoppers, feeling relatively safe for day-to-day errands.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- High foot and vehicle traffic around major retail centers; basic situational awareness is advisable in large strip mall parking lots.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Popular dining spots remain active and generally safe, though foot travel on side streets and near apartment complexes becomes less secure.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Safety concerns rise substantially due to elevated risk of robbery and illicit activity; avoid walking and park in well-lit, secure areas.
Transit, parking and getting around
Operated by METRO Houston, the area is served by frequent bus lines including Route 2 (Bellaire), Route 4 (Beechnut), and Route 65 (Bissonnet), though there is no direct METRORail light rail service.
Parking is overwhelmingly free and readily available in large surface parking lots fronting shopping centers and strip malls; street parking is standard in residential sections.
Things to do in Sharpstown
- Explore the shops, bakeries, and food courts at PlazAmericas Mall
- Play a round of golf at the historic Sharpstown Park Golf Course
- Tour the campus and architectural landmarks at Houston Christian University
Local favorites
- FuFu Cafe · Chinese Restaurant · 4.2★ (1650)A neighborhood late-night staple beloved for steamed soup dumplings, fried rice, and savory Sichuan dishes.
- Tan Tan Restaurant · Vietnamese / Chinese · 4.1★ (1820)Long-running institution famous for its sizzling pan-fried rice cakes (bánh bột chiên) and hearty noodle soups.
- Six Ping Bakery · Bakery · 4.4★ (480)Popular Asian bakery offering fresh egg tarts, pork sung buns, and customized sponge cakes.
Neighborhoods near Sharpstown
Common questions about Sharpstown
Is Sharpstown safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Sharpstown a good place to live?
On safety, Sharpstown scores 48/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Sharpstown?
Walk score 62/100 and bike score 53/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Sharpstown are safer?
Park Pointe (Houston) (88), Artisan West (72), Mahatma Gandhi District (58) score higher nearby.
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