Is Terrell Wells safe?
San Antonio, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Terrell Wells as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Terrell Wells
“Go with care. Terrell Wells is a largely residential, working-class South Side neighborhood that is generally uneventful during daylight hours. Visitors should stay alert along major commercial thoroughfares like Pleasanton Road and SW Military Drive, where property crime and opportunistic thefts are more frequent.”
About the area
Terrell Wells is an established South Side San Antonio community characterized by modest mid-century single-family homes, local auto shops, and authentic Mexican eateries. It offers everyday neighborhood amenities and strong local cultural roots but lacks major tourist attractions.
- Working-Class
- Car-Dependent
- Suburban / Residential
- South Side Culture
Walking and biking in Terrell Wells
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 44/100
On-street bike infrastructure is minimal in the neighborhood, though riders can travel a short distance north to reach the paved multi-use trails of the San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Predominantly quiet, settled residential streets away from major arteries
- High rates of long-term home occupancy fostering established neighborly ties
- Abundant authentic, budget-friendly South Side dining options
Cons
- Higher rates of property crime and auto theft compared to northern San Antonio suburbs
- Median household income trails the metro average, with localized economic distress
- Inconsistent pedestrian infrastructure including patchy sidewalks and dim lighting on side streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within the interior residential blocks but occasionally noticeable around bus stops, vacant parcels, and strip malls near major intersections like SW Military Drive.
What Terrell Wells is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active with residents commuting and school traffic, feeling generally calm and safe for morning walks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Steady traffic along Pleasanton Road with busy local businesses and routine neighborhood activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Commercial strips remain moderately active while residential side streets quiet down; situational awareness is advised.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic drops significantly, and poorly lit pockets or empty parking lots present heightened property and personal safety risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
Transit is operated by VIA Metropolitan Transit, with bus routes such as Route 44 (Pleasanton) and Route 102 connecting the area to downtown and South Park Mall; there is no light rail system in San Antonio.
Parking is simple and free, with ample surface lot parking at businesses and unrestricted street parking on residential roads.
Things to do in Terrell Wells
- Sample traditional breakfast tacos and pan dulce at family-owned neighborhood bakeries
- Browse local retail and grab everyday essentials along the nearby SW Military Drive corridor
- Take a short drive north to visit the UNESCO World Heritage San Antonio Missions at Mission San José
Local favorites
- Taqueria Chapala Jalisco · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (1150)A casual South Side fixture serving hearty plates of fajitas, enchiladas, and fresh breakfast tacos.
- B&B Smokehouse · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.6★ (3200)A long-running, beloved local joint located just nearby known for slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and po'boys.
- Terrell Wells Middle School Park Area · Community Landmark · 4.0★ (45)The central community school grounds that serve as an anchor point for local sports and neighborhood gatherings.
Neighborhoods near Terrell Wells
Common questions about Terrell Wells
Is Terrell Wells safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Terrell Wells a good place to live?
On safety, Terrell Wells scores 60/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Terrell Wells?
Walk score 52/100 and bike score 44/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Terrell Wells are safer?
Mission Del Lago (76), Piper Village (72), Palo Alto Park (63) score higher nearby.
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