Is Southeast Terrell safe?
Terrell, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Southeast Terrell as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Southeast Terrell
“Go with care. Southeast Terrell is a quiet, older residential area that experiences few issues during daylight hours, but higher-than-average local property crime and limited lighting warrant basic situational awareness. Visitors staying or traveling through should lock vehicles and stick to well-traveled roads at night.”
About the area
Southeast Terrell is a semi-rural and working-class residential sector located just south of Terrell's historic downtown core and rail corridor. It features modest mid-century single-family homes, open parcels, and local community churches. The area offers a relaxed, unhurried pace while remaining close to the commercial amenities of Kaufman County.
- Quiet Residential
- Semi-Rural
- Car-Dependent
- Working-Class
Walking and biking in Southeast Terrell
Walk score: 34/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There is no bike-share system and dedicated bike lanes are absent, though low-traffic residential streets are manageable for casual cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower residential density with quiet neighborhood streets and open green spaces
- Close proximity to downtown Terrell historic sites and Ben Gill Park
- Affordable local dining options and family-owned small businesses nearby
- Low rates of violent crime against random visitors
Cons
- Elevated property crime rates, including vehicle break-ins and opportunistic theft
- Census tracts show below-average median incomes and poverty rates exceeding 18%
- Inconsistent street lighting and missing sidewalks along secondary residential corridors
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within the residential blocks of Southeast Terrell, with occasional individuals present closer to Highway 80 and Interstate 20 service corridors.
What Southeast Terrell is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with locals heading to work and modest vehicular traffic on main feeder roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm atmosphere with residential routines, school drop-offs, and very low safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet as neighborhood activity winds down, though dimly lit streets require greater vigilance.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally subdued, but isolated vehicle thefts and disturbances make late-night wandering unadvisable.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by STAR Transit, which provides on-demand micro-transit and curb-to-curb shared rides across Kaufman County. There is no passenger rail or DART service in Terrell, making private vehicles essential.
Parking is exceptionally straightforward with abundant, free on-street parking in residential areas and open surface lots at all commercial centers.
Things to do in Southeast Terrell
- Explore the historic exhibits and regional history at the Terrell Heritage Museum
- Enjoy the walking trails, disc golf, and athletic fields at nearby Ben Gill Park
- Take an architectural driving tour of historic homes along South Virginia Street
Local favorites
- Terrell Heritage Museum · History Museum · 4.6★ (110)Historic Carnegie Library building showcasing regional rail, agricultural, and World War II aviation heritage.
- Taqueria San Luis · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (230)Down-home counter-serve spot known for authentic street tacos, tortas, and hearty breakfast plates.
- Books and Crannies · Bookstore · 4.8★ (160)Charming independent bookstore located nearby in downtown Terrell featuring curated reads and gifts.
Neighborhoods near Southeast Terrell
Common questions about Southeast Terrell
Is Southeast Terrell safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Southeast Terrell a good place to live?
On safety, Southeast Terrell scores 64/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Southeast Terrell?
Walk score 34/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Southeast Terrell are safer?
Union Valley (83), Creekside Estates (78), Kings Creek Estates (76) score higher nearby.
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