Is Smith safe?
Houston, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Smith as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Smith
“Go with care. While primarily a quiet, residential pocket in southwest Houston, visitors should maintain standard urban awareness, especially after dark. Property crimes such as vehicle break-ins are common along commercial corridors, but violent incidents rarely target casual daytime visitors.”
About the area
Smith is a modest, primarily residential neighborhood situated in southwest Houston near major thoroughfares and adjacent suburbs. It features single-family homes, local strip malls, and community parks offering standard neighborhood amenities.
- Suburban
- Car-Dependent
- Residential
- Quiet
Walking and biking in Smith
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 46/100
There are no Houston BCycle stations in the immediate vicinity, and dedicated bike lanes are scarce, though low-traffic residential side streets accommodate casual neighborhood cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower violent crime rates compared to Houston's denser urban core
- Affordable neighborhood dining and mom-and-pop retail options
- Close proximity to major commuter routes like Beltway 8 and US-90A
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime and opportunistic vehicle break-ins
- Pockets of lower household income and deferred property maintenance
- Limited pedestrian infrastructure with disconnected sidewalks
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is relatively low in the residential interior, though occasional individuals experiencing homelessness or panhandling can be observed around major intersections and commercial parking lots.
What Smith is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with morning commuters and school drop-offs, making it very safe to navigate.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with regular neighborhood activity and low daytime safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly; street lighting can be uneven, so staying on main streets is recommended.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are largely deserted; foot travel is discouraged due to reduced visibility and property crime risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
METRO provides local bus service along key thoroughfares such as Routes 14 and 49; however, the nearest METRORail Red Line station (Fannin South) is several miles northeast, making a car or rideshare the most practical way to get around.
Parking is abundant and free, with ample open lot spaces at strip centers and straightforward curbside street parking on residential blocks.
Things to do in Smith
- Explore local community green space and walking paths at Townwood Park
- Sample authentic regional and Tex-Mex dishes along nearby South Main corridors
- Visit adjacent community sports fields and recreational facilities
Local favorites
- Taqueria El Sol De Jalisco · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (320)Popular local spot serving hearty breakfast tacos, fajitas, and fresh salsas.
- Timmy Chan's · Chinese & Soul Food · 4.1★ (850)Longtime Houston staple famous for fried chicken wings and generous fried rice platters.
- Donut Wheel · Bakery · 4.5★ (190)Neighborhood bakery known for fresh glazed donuts, savory kolaches, and morning coffee.
Neighborhoods near Smith
Common questions about Smith
Is Smith safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Smith a good place to live?
On safety, Smith scores 64/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Smith?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 46/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Smith are safer?
Smith scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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