Is Southlawn South safe?
Amarillo, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Southlawn South as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Southlawn South
“Go with care. Southlawn South is a predominantly quiet, working-class residential neighborhood, but it experiences slightly above-average property crime and occasional auto break-ins. Visitors will find decent daytime safety when visiting local strip-mall restaurants or parks, but standard suburban precautions apply after dark.”
About the area
Southlawn South is an established, mid-century residential neighborhood in south Amarillo characterized by modest single-family ranch homes and neighborhood schools. The area is largely quiet and community-oriented, with commercial activity concentrated along main arterial roads like Washington Street and SW 45th Avenue. It caters primarily to everyday residents rather than tourists, offering authentic local diners and neighborhood green spaces.
- Quiet Residential
- Working-Class
- Car-Dependent
- Mid-Century Suburb
Walking and biking in Southlawn South
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 45/100
There is no city bike-share system, and dedicated bike lanes are absent in the neighborhood, though quiet interior grid streets provide relatively manageable cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Primarily owner-occupied, stable residential blocks with minimal transient foot traffic
- Close proximity to primary commercial corridors along SW 45th Ave and I-27
- Relatively low violent crime compared to downtown and north Amarillo corridors
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime including vehicle break-ins and petty theft
- Lower median household income and aging mid-century infrastructure
- Poor pedestrian infrastructure with sporadic sidewalks and minimal street lighting at night
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior neighborhood streets, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen near bus stops along Washington Street and near the I-27 corridor.
What Southlawn South is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with school traffic, school buses, and residents commuting to work with minimal safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with children playing outdoors and steady traffic along the perimeter avenues.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet as neighborhood activity winds down, though dimly lit residential streets warrant general situational awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic; non-violent property theft and vehicle tampering occasionally occur on darker residential streets.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Amarillo City Transit (ACT) via Route 5 along Washington Street and 45th Avenue, though service is infrequent and the city has no passenger rail or BRT systems.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the area, consisting of easy residential curbside parking and spacious, open surface lots at all shopping plazas.
Things to do in Southlawn South
- Relax or walk dogs at Southlawn Park along SW 42nd and Bowie
- Sample regional Tex-Mex and Panhandle comfort food along South Washington Street
- Explore community sports fields and playgrounds at nearby Gene Howe and Southlawn elementary grounds
Local favorites
- El Giro Mexican Restaurant · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (460)A cozy, long-standing neighborhood spot serving hearty traditional Mexican plates and breakfast burritos.
- Grandma's Burritos · Breakfast & Brunch Diner · 4.6★ (320)Popular local counter offering authentic homemade breakfast burritos and quick comfort eats.
- Southlawn Park · City Park · 4.3★ (110)Neighborhood green space featuring open grass fields, picnic areas, and basic playground equipment.
Neighborhoods near Southlawn South
Common questions about Southlawn South
Is Southlawn South safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Southlawn South a good place to live?
On safety, Southlawn South scores 64/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Southlawn South?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 45/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Southlawn South are safer?
Boulder Bay (83), Gables (82), Casa Del Sol (75) score higher nearby.
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