Is St. Johns safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates St. Johns as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on St. Johns
“Go with care. St. Johns is a historically working-class neighborhood undergoing civic revitalization, but it still experiences above-average rates of property crime and pockets of violent incidents compared to Austin overall. Visitors will generally be fine during the day when patronizing local spots, but heightened situational awareness is recommended around major arterial corridors and after dark.”
About the area
St. Johns is a compact North Austin neighborhood nestled near the intersection of I-35 and US-183. Long established as a diverse, residential community, it features modest mid-century single-family homes, local eateries, and community parks amid ongoing public redevelopment projects.
- Working-Class
- Transitioning
- Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in St. Johns
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 67/100
On-street bike infrastructure is limited to basic painted lanes on select streets, with secondary connections linking toward the Red Line Trail near Highland.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Active community development initiatives and new city investments in parks and housing
- High level of civic cohesion with established local community centers and schools
- Convenient central-north location with quick highway access to central Austin
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates remain notably above Austin citywide averages
- Higher poverty rate and lower median household incomes relative to Travis County benchmarks
- Commercial corridors along I-35 and US-183 experience elevated illicit activity and vehicle theft
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is noticeable primarily along the I-35 and US-183 access roads, highway underpasses, and adjacent vacant parcels, though interior residential blocks see relatively few encampments.
What St. Johns is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and generally calm with residents commuting, school traffic, and quiet residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy along commercial strips and neighborhood parks with steady daytime activity and routine safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly on interior streets, while highway frontage roads and convenience stores warrant extra vigilance.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic drops significantly and the risk of property crime, drug-related activity, and occasional violence rises, making walking unadvisable.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro serves the area with frequent bus routes including Route 7 (Duval/Dove Springs) and Route 300 (Govalle). The nearest CapMetro Rail station is Highland Station, located roughly 1.5 miles southwest.
Street parking is largely free and readily available on residential roads, with dedicated surface lots at neighborhood strip malls and civic centers.
Things to do in St. Johns
- Visit St. Johns Park and Community Center for recreational sports and community events
- Explore authentic North Austin taco stands and casual neighborhood eateries along St. Johns Avenue
- Walk or exercise on the trails at nearby Buttermilk Branch Greenbelt
Local favorites
- Taqueria los Jaliscienses · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)A casual, unpretentious spot serving hearty breakfast tacos and authentic Mexican fare.
- House of Three Gents · Barbershop · 4.9★ (140)A highly rated local barbershop known for precision cuts and friendly neighborhood service.
- Mi Tradicion · Bakery & Taqueria · 4.6★ (2300)A popular nearby panaderia offering traditional Mexican pastries, tortas, and tacos.
Neighborhoods near St. Johns
Common questions about St. Johns
Is St. Johns safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is St. Johns a good place to live?
On safety, St. Johns scores 58/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is St. Johns?
Walk score 62/100 and bike score 67/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near St. Johns are safer?
Holiday Square (75), Coronado Hills (70), Highland (70) score higher nearby.
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