Is Tanglewood Forest safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Tanglewood Forest as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Tanglewood Forest
“Go. Tanglewood Forest is a quiet, well-established South Austin suburban neighborhood that is safe for visitors and residents alike. While it lacks major tourist destinations, it offers peaceful residential streets, community parks, and easy access to South Menchaca entertainment corridors with minimal safety concerns beyond basic vehicle security.”
About the area
Tanglewood Forest is an established residential neighborhood in South Austin characterized by mature live oaks, 1980s single-family homes, and a quiet suburban atmosphere. It sits just west of the bustling Menchaca Road entertainment strip, offering a peaceful residential base close to south Austin's music venues and casual eateries.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Tanglewood Forest
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Interior residential streets are calm and easy to cycle, but there are no MetroBike stations and limited direct connections to protected regional multi-use trail networks.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Austin citywide averages.
- High homeownership rates exceeding 70% and a stable middle-to-upper-middle income base.
- Active neighborhood park with community pool, tennis courts, and walking trails.
- Quiet, shaded residential streets with low through-traffic.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like unlocked vehicle break-ins.
- Car-dependent layout requiring driving for nearly all retail and dining.
- Congestion and faster traffic on perimeter arterial roads like Slaughter Lane.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the interior neighborhood streets, though occasional individuals or panhandlers may be seen near high-traffic commercial intersections along Slaughter Lane.
What Tanglewood Forest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and school-bound families enjoying very safe streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and calm throughout the residential blocks with low traffic and high perceived safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pleasant and quiet as residents return home, remaining very safe for walks around the neighborhood park.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Dark and sleepy with minimal pedestrian activity; streets remain safe, though standard suburban vehicle-locking precautions apply.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by CapMetro, with bus route 311 running along Menchaca Road and route 318 serving Slaughter Lane; there is no light rail or BRT service in this part of South Austin.
Street parking is widely available, free, and unrestricted on residential streets, while commercial plazas on perimeter corridors provide ample free surface parking.
Things to do in Tanglewood Forest
- Stroll, picnic, or play tennis at Tanglewood Forest Neighborhood Park.
- Catch live music and outdoor yard games at nearby South Menchaca open-air venues.
- Explore the shaded residential loops for a relaxed jog or neighborhood walk.
Local favorites
- Tanglewood Forest Park · City Park · 4.6★ (320)A welcoming neighborhood park featuring a public pool, playground, tennis courts, and shaded picnic areas.
- Lustre Pearl South · Bar & Grill · 4.5★ (1450)Sprawling outdoor venue just east of the neighborhood offering drinks, food trucks, and lawn games.
- Moontower Saloon · Bar & Music Venue · 4.6★ (2800)Relaxed oak-shaded South Menchaca hangout with live music, volleyball courts, and food trailers.
Neighborhoods near Tanglewood Forest
Common questions about Tanglewood Forest
Is Tanglewood Forest safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Tanglewood Forest a good place to live?
On safety, Tanglewood Forest scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Tanglewood Forest?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 52/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Tanglewood Forest are safer?
Shady Hollow (92) score higher nearby.
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