Is Southeast Austin safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Southeast Austin as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Southeast Austin
“Go with care. Southeast Austin features great local dining, vibrant breweries, and scenic parkland, but visitors should remain vigilant. Crime rates—particularly vehicle break-ins and localized violent incidents—are noticeably higher than Austin's citywide averages.”
About the area
Southeast Austin is a diverse, fast-transitioning sector spanning from the bustling East Riverside corridor south toward McKinney Falls State Park. It features a mix of longstanding working-class neighborhoods, student housing, industrial pockets, and burgeoning craft beverage hubs.
- Developing
- Diverse / Working-Class
- Outdoor-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Southeast Austin
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 54/100
Roy G. Guerrero Park connects directly to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, though arterial roads like E Oltorf and Riverside have fragmented on-street bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Quick access to expansive outdoor recreation at McKinney Falls State Park and Roy G. Guerrero Metro Park
- Thriving, authentic Tex-Mex, taco truck, and international dining scene
- Home to popular modern gathering spaces like craft breweries and live music venues
Cons
- Significantly elevated rates of property crime, specifically auto burglaries and catalytic converter thefts
- Higher violent crime rates compared to broader Austin and Travis County averages
- Uneven street lighting and pedestrian infrastructure in older residential pockets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and occasional encampments are concentrated along major highway underpasses (I-35, SH-71), adjacent wooded greenbelts, and bus stops near East Riverside Drive.
What Southeast Austin is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are filled with daily commuters and tradespeople, giving commercial strips and parks a peaceful, safe feel.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Plazas, food truck courts, and parklands are active, requiring standard daytime awareness and vehicle security.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Popular taprooms and dining hubs are bustling, but residential side streets grow dark quickly due to intermittent street lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Safety drops noticeably along major corridors like Riverside and Montopolis; walking alone late at night is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro serves the area extensively with bus transit, notably Route 20 connecting to Downtown and the airport, and Route 300 along major arterials; there is no direct commuter rail access.
Parking is abundant and largely free in dedicated surface lots and along most residential streets; always remove all valuables to prevent smash-and-grab thefts.
Things to do in Southeast Austin
- Hike trails, swim in Onion Creek, and view limestone falls at McKinney Falls State Park
- Enjoy craft beer, food trucks, and open-air lawn space at Meanwhile Brewing Co.
- Walk or disc golf through Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park
Local favorites
- Meanwhile Brewing Co. · Brewery & Event Venue · 4.8★ (1850)Sprawling, tree-shaded craft brewery featuring an event stage, soccer pitch, and curated food trucks.
- Taqueria Morales · Mexican Food Truck · 4.7★ (460)No-frills, highly rated taco trailer serving authentic al pastor, carnitas, and freshly pressed tortillas.
- Fraziers Long & Low · Bar & Grill · 4.6★ (630)Lively retro-style neighborhood dive bar serving smash burgers, cold beer, and pool table games.
Neighborhoods near Southeast Austin
Common questions about Southeast Austin
Is Southeast Austin safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Southeast Austin a good place to live?
On safety, Southeast Austin scores 62/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Southeast Austin?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 54/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Southeast Austin are safer?
Woodland Oaks (84), Colton (72), Martinshore (71) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Southeast Austin? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.