Is South Terrell safe?
Terrell, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates South Terrell as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on South Terrell
“Go with care. South Terrell is a quiet, older working-class community that experiences higher rates of property crime and occasional disturbance calls relative to surrounding Kaufman County suburbs. Visitors heading to local parks or neighborhood eateries should primarily visit during daylight hours and practice standard vehicle security.”
About the area
South Terrell comprises the historic and modest residential neighborhoods south of the central rail line and downtown Terrell. It features single-family homes, local churches, and neighborhood parks set against a classic small-town Texas backdrop.
- Small-Town
- Working-Class
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in South Terrell
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes, municipal bike-share services, or regional trail connectors; cycling is primarily recreational within neighborhood streets and park grounds.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient access to Ben Gill Park and local recreational facilities
- Tight-knit, quiet community with low through-traffic on residential streets
- Affordable local dining options offering authentic Tex-Mex and Southern cuisine
Cons
- Elevated rates of petty theft and property crime compared to newer outer suburbs
- Pockets of lower household income, vacant parcels, and aging housing stock
- Subpar pedestrian infrastructure with inconsistent sidewalks and limited street lighting
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is relatively limited within residential South Terrell, though individuals experiencing homelessness are occasionally observed near major commercial corridors and highway interchanges along TX-34.
What South Terrell is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are calm and quiet, with routine school traffic and residents departing for daily commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons remain low-key, with modest activity around local parks, schools, and corner stores.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings are generally peaceful, though dimly lit side streets warrant staying alert when walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights see minimal activity, but vehicle break-ins and property crimes are statistically most common during these hours.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited; Terrell is served on an on-demand, curb-to-curb basis by STAR Transit, with no scheduled fixed-route buses or passenger rail stations.
Parking is abundant and entirely free, with easy on-street parking throughout residential blocks and open surface lots at commercial spots and parks.
Things to do in South Terrell
- Spend an afternoon enjoying the trails, playgrounds, and picnic shelters at Ben Gill Park
- Visit the nearby No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum to explore Terrell's unique WWII aviation history
- Sample authentic local Tex-Mex cuisine at neighborhood eateries along South Rockwall Avenue
Local favorites
- Taqueria El Arca · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (320)A casual local spot popular for traditional street tacos, tortas, and flavorful homemade salsas.
- Cole Mountain Restaurant and Catering · Barbecue & Southern Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)A longstanding Terrell establishment serving hearty portions of smoked meats and classic Southern sides.
- Ben Gill Park · City Park · 4.6★ (790)A multi-acre municipal park featuring sports fields, a community pool, walking paths, and pavilions.
Neighborhoods near South Terrell
Common questions about South Terrell
Is South Terrell safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is South Terrell a good place to live?
On safety, South Terrell scores 62/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is South Terrell?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near South Terrell are safer?
Union Valley (83), Creekside Estates (78), Kings Creek Estates (76) score higher nearby.
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