Is Terrell Hills safe?
Terrell Hills, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Terrell Hills as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Terrell Hills
“Go. Terrell Hills is one of the safest and most affluent residential enclaves in the San Antonio metropolitan area. With its own dedicated police department and exceptionally low violent and property crime rates, visitors can explore the neighborhood's scenic, tree-lined streets with complete peace of mind.”
About the area
Terrell Hills is an upscale, historic municipality completely surrounded by San Antonio, Alamo Heights, and Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Characterized by expansive Spanish Colonial, Mid-Century Modern, and ranch-style estates, the neighborhood offers a tranquil, verdant retreat just minutes from major cultural centers.
- Affluent Enclave
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Quiet Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Terrell Hills
Walk score: 36/100 · Bike score: 46/100
While the area lacks dedicated painted bike lanes, low vehicle speeds and wide lanes make cycling pleasant on neighborhood streets, with easy connection eastward to the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails along Salado Creek.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Extremely low rates of both violent and property crime backed by a dedicated local police department.
- Affluent economic foundation with median household incomes exceeding $175,000 and poverty rates below 3%.
- Pristinely maintained properties, mature tree canopies, and virtually no blighted or vacant housing stock.
Cons
- Strict single-family residential zoning leaves almost no commercial dining or retail options inside the municipal borders.
- High car dependency for daily errands and accessing nearby amenities.
- Occasional opportunistic overnight vehicle break-ins typical of affluent suburban pockets.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually nonexistent within the borders of Terrell Hills due to residential zoning and active municipal monitoring. Any visible unhoused presence is largely confined to commercial bus stops along outer Austin Highway.
What Terrell Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers moving through scenic residential streets with zero safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Serene and exceptionally safe with minimal traffic, well-manicured yards, and frequent local police patrols.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and comfortable for evening strolls under the neighborhood's dense canopy of live oaks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and silent with virtually no foot traffic, remaining exceptionally secure due to dedicated municipal police presence.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by VIA Metropolitan Transit with peripheral service on Route 9 (Broadway) and Route 14 (Austin Highway); there is no direct bus routing through the interior residential streets and San Antonio does not operate a light rail system.
Street parking is generally free and accessible along wide residential avenues, though visitors must heed specific municipal signage prohibiting overnight on-street parking without permits.
Things to do in Terrell Hills
- Take a scenic architectural walk or drive to admire the historic Spanish Revival, Tudor, and Mid-Century estates along tree-shaded avenues.
- Visit the adjacent McNay Art Museum just past the northern border to explore modern art collections and manicured grounds.
- Explore the nearby historic grounds of Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle and museum bordering the southern edge.
Local favorites
- Cappy's Restaurant · Fine Dining · 4.6★ (2150)Long-running upscale American eatery located just steps outside the border serving steaks, seafood, and weekend brunch.
- Sorrento Pizza & Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (1180)Beloved neighborhood staple offering traditional Italian pastas, classic pizzas, and a cozy atmosphere.
- Bird Bakery · Bakery & Cafe · 4.4★ (890)Charming boutique bakery serving artisan cupcakes, fresh pastries, and light lunch fare along Broadway.
Neighborhoods near Terrell Hills
Common questions about Terrell Hills
Is Terrell Hills safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Terrell Hills a good place to live?
On safety, Terrell Hills scores 93/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Terrell Hills?
Walk score 36/100 and bike score 46/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Terrell Hills are safer?
Terrell Hills scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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