Is Sherwood Oaks safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Sherwood Oaks as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Sherwood Oaks
“Go. Sherwood Oaks is a quiet, established South Austin neighborhood that is generally very safe for visitors. While standard precautions against vehicle break-ins are warranted—especially closer to East Oltorf Street—the interior residential streets are calm and community-oriented.”
About the area
Sherwood Oaks is a mid-century residential enclave in South Austin characterized by single-story ranch homes and mature shade trees. Located just east of St. Edward's University and south of Lady Bird Lake, it provides a relaxed neighborhood setting with fast access to central Austin's main corridors. Visitors often stay in local vacation rentals or visit nearby eateries along the perimeter arterials.
- Quiet Residential
- Tree-Lined
- Mid-Century Charm
- South Austin Vibe
Walking and biking in Sherwood Oaks
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 68/100
CapMetro Bikeshare docks are available near St. Edward's University and South Congress, with neighborhood streets offering a straightforward cycling link toward the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low violent crime rates across the interior residential blocks.
- High rates of owner-occupied, well-maintained single-family homes fostering neighborhood stability.
- Central South Austin location with quick driving access to downtown and South Congress.
Cons
- Elevated risk of opportunistic property crime and vehicle burglaries along bordering arterials.
- Patchy sidewalk coverage and dim street lighting on several interior streets.
- Spillover commercial activity and traffic along East Oltorf Street and Parker Lane.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent along the interior residential roads of Sherwood Oaks, though panhandling and individuals experiencing homelessness are commonly seen along the commercial corridors of East Oltorf Street and nearby I-35 frontages.
What Sherwood Oaks is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Pleasant and very safe, with residents walking dogs and exercising beneath mature tree canopies.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and peaceful with light residential traffic and a relaxed, family-friendly feel.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet as daylight fades; low ambient street lighting requires basic awareness when walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally tranquil inside the neighborhood, though caution is recommended near commercial corners along Oltorf Street.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro serves the perimeter with high-frequency bus lines including Route 300 along East Oltorf Street and Route 7 on Parker Lane for direct access to downtown Austin; there is no light rail in the vicinity.
Residential street parking is free, plentiful, and generally unpermitted throughout the neighborhood, and commercial businesses along perimeter streets offer free dedicated surface lots.
Things to do in Sherwood Oaks
- Visit neighboring Mabel Davis District Park for its walking paths, public pool, and concrete skatepark.
- Take an architectural walk through the leafy streets to view classic 1950s and 1960s Austin ranch-style homes.
- Explore the historic hilltop campus of nearby St. Edward's University for sweeping views of the Austin skyline.
Local favorites
- 888 Pan Asian Restaurant · Pan-Asian Restaurant · 4.4★ (3250)Enduring, bustling local fixture on nearby Oltorf serving a massive menu of Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese specialties.
- Curra's Grill · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (2180)South Austin staple famous for its signature avocado margaritas and authentic interior Mexican dishes.
- Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden · Beer Garden & Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (3890)Lively outdoor gathering space close by featuring specialty coffee, craft beer, food trucks, and permaculture gardens.
Neighborhoods near Sherwood Oaks
Common questions about Sherwood Oaks
Is Sherwood Oaks safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Sherwood Oaks a good place to live?
On safety, Sherwood Oaks scores 76/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Sherwood Oaks?
Walk score 52/100 and bike score 68/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Sherwood Oaks are safer?
Travis Heights (81), Galindo (81), Dawson (80) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Sherwood Oaks? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.