Is South-of-Main safe?
Columbus, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates South-of-Main as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on South-of-Main
“Go with care. South-of-Main is an evolving Near East Side neighborhood that offers historic character and proximity to Downtown, but it experiences above-average property and violent crime rates. Visitors should remain alert, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid walking through unlit residential streets late at night.”
Local police and community safety task forces have maintained increased patrols along the Main Street and Livingston corridors following intermittent reports of gun violence and property theft.
About the area
South-of-Main is a historic residential enclave on the Near East Side of Columbus, bordered generally by East Main Street and Interstate 70. The neighborhood features a mix of historic turn-of-the-century homes, modern infill, community gardens, and pockets of ongoing urban revitalization.
- Urban
- Historic / Evolving
- Mixed-Income
- Transit-Accessible
Walking and biking in South-of-Main
Walk score: 63/100 · Bike score: 69/100
CoGo Bike Share docks are located nearby in Olde Towne East, and cyclists can connect to the Alum Creek Trail via eastward street connections.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Active residential infill and historic renovation projects steadily improving streetscapes.
- Central location with immediate access to Downtown Columbus, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and Olde Towne East.
- High level of broadband connectivity and public transit frequency into urban job centers.
Cons
- Violent crime and property crime rates remain significantly above national and state averages.
- Elevated poverty rate (exceeding 25%) and higher residential vacancy compared to Franklin County benchmarks.
- Frequent reports of vehicle break-ins and theft of unattended property along side streets.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately prevalent, primarily centered along the commercial corridors of East Main Street, near major bus stops, and around nearby social service hubs.
What South-of-Main is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Relatively calm and quiet as residents commute, feeling reasonably safe for walking on main corridors.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderate foot and vehicle traffic with low daytime disruption around parks and community spaces.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Street visibility declines and vigilance is advised when navigating side streets and bus stops.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Not recommended for foot travel due to heightened risks of opportunistic theft, weapon offenses, and low pedestrian density.
Transit, parking and getting around
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) serves the neighborhood heavily, featuring frequent service on Line 2 (East Main) and Line 1 (Livingston), linking directly to Downtown Columbus in under 10 minutes.
Street parking is generally plentiful, unmetered, and free on most residential side streets, though off-street parking should be used when available to reduce break-in risk.
Things to do in South-of-Main
- Visit Blackburn Community Center and Park for outdoor recreation and community events.
- Walk the residential blocks to view historic brick vernacular architecture and ongoing urban restoration.
- Check out nearby cultural and culinary hubs at the adjacent East Market and Franklin Park Conservatory.
Local favorites
- The East Market · Food Hall · 4.6★ (980)A restored historic trolley barn housing multiple independent food stalls, butcher, and craft beverage spots.
- Two Dollar Radio Headquarters · Bookstore & Cafe · 4.8★ (620)An indie bookstore, vegan cafe, and community space hosting author readings and local art.
- Yellow Brick Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Acclaimed local pizzeria serving specialty craft pies, deep dish, and vegan options.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.
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