Is Taylor safe?
Oxford, Mississippi · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Taylor as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Taylor
“Go. Taylor is a peaceful, upscale arts enclave and historic village just south of Oxford with exceptionally low crime rates. It offers a relaxed, safe Southern countryside experience perfect for dining and gallery visits.”
About the area
Located just eight miles south of Oxford, Taylor is a quaint community renowned for its artist colony, historic depot area, and legendary catfish dining. It features picturesque rural surroundings interspersed with traditional neighborhood developments like Plein Air.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Rural Charm
- Quiet Arts Enclave
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Taylor
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 28/100
There is no local bike-share, but Old Taylor Road is a popular scenic route for Oxford road cyclists, though riders must share narrow lanes without dedicated bike infrastructure.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Virtually non-existent violent crime and exceptionally low property crime rates
- High rates of homeownership and well-maintained properties with strong community cohesion
- Peaceful, quiet environment with an active local artist and culinary community
Cons
- Extremely car-dependent with zero public transportation options
- Narrow, unlit rural roads with potential wildlife hazards after dark
- Farther distance from immediate hospital and emergency services relative to central Oxford
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a factor in Taylor, and there are no encampments or panhandling present.
What Taylor is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Crisp and tranquil with occasional runners and cyclists along Old Taylor Road; entirely safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Slow-paced and peaceful as visitors arrive for gallery viewings and distillery visits with zero safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively around the village center as diners queue up at Taylor Grocery; safe and family-friendly.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and quiet with little activity; while crime is rare, navigation requires caution on unlit roads.
Transit, parking and getting around
Oxford University Transit (OUT) does not extend service to Taylor, and there is no passenger rail; personal vehicles or pre-arranged rideshares are necessary.
Free surface lot and roadside gravel parking is abundant around Taylor Grocery, local shops, and the Plein Air development.
Things to do in Taylor
- Dine on famous Mississippi fried catfish at the historic Taylor Grocery
- Sample artisanal grain-to-glass gin at Wonderbird Spirits distillery
- Stroll through the Plein Air traditional neighborhood development and visit local art studios
Local favorites
- Taylor Grocery · Southern / Seafood Restaurant · 4.6★ (1420)Historic, porch-front dining landmark famed for crispy fried catfish, sweet tea, and live acoustic music.
- Wonderbird Spirits · Distillery & Tasting Room · 4.9★ (130)Acclaimed craft distillery making rice-based gins in a beautiful modern-rustic facility.
- The Mill at Plein Air · Event Venue & Gathering Space · 4.8★ (45)Central community venue hosting seasonal markets, author readings, and social gatherings in a reclaimed 1800s mill.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.