Is Thomas Square safe?
Savannah, Georgia · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Thomas Square as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Thomas Square
“Go with care. Thomas Square (encompassing the popular Starland District) is a creative and trendy hub filled with standout dining, vintage shops, and local art. While bustling and generally safe during daytime and early evening hours along main avenues, visitors should exercise basic street smarts and avoid poorly lit side streets late at night due to urban property crime.”
Savannah police have maintained targeted patrols in the Starland and Bull Street corridors to address recurring vehicle break-ins and property crimes.
About the area
Thomas Square is a historic streetcar suburb located directly south of Savannah's Victorian District, known for its eclectic blend of Victorian and Craftsman homes alongside modern arts initiatives. Centered on the Starland District along Bull and Desoto streets, the neighborhood has evolved into a key cultural hub for SCAD students, artists, and food enthusiasts.
- Artsy / Bohemian
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Hipster Hub
- Walkable Dining Hub
Walking and biking in Thomas Square
Walk score: 84/100 · Bike score: 82/100
The district is exceptionally flat and bike-friendly, featuring dedicated north-south bike lanes on Lincoln Street connecting up toward Forsyth Park, though sturdy locks are essential to prevent theft.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Active pedestrian presence and high community engagement along the Bull Street and Starland corridors.
- Strong ongoing revitalization and historic home restorations supporting steady economic reinvestment.
- High density of popular independent restaurants, cafes, and creative businesses within walking distance.
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime, especially opportunistic vehicle break-ins and bicycle thefts.
- Pockets of lower-income residential blocks and vacant lots bordering adjacent industrial corridors.
- Noticeable drop in foot traffic and lighting on residential side streets after late hours.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate, with occasional individuals panhandling along arterial crossings like Victory Drive and MLK Jr. Boulevard, but established encampments are not common within the central neighborhood.
What Thomas Square is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant with locals, joggers, and students grabbing coffee and walking dogs along tree-lined streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Energetic and safe along commercial corridors with steady daytime shoppers and restaurant patrons.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively around dining hubs like Bull Street and Starland Yard, offering a relaxed and social atmosphere.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet on side streets with minimal foot traffic, where visitors should stay vigilant and stick to well-lit main thoroughfares.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Chatham Area Transit (CAT), with primary routes including Route 14 (Abercorn) and Route 11 (Lincoln) connecting quickly to Downtown Savannah; there is no urban rail service.
Street parking is largely free and non-metered throughout the neighborhood, though spots directly adjacent to Bull Street and Starland Yard fill up quickly during peak evening and weekend hours.
Things to do in Thomas Square
- Explore the vintage clothing boutiques, vinyl record stores, and art galleries inside the Starland District.
- Hang out at Starland Yard for rotating food truck fare, local craft beer, and community events.
- Take an architectural walking tour admiring the eclectic mix of Queen Anne, Folk Victorian, and Craftsman homes.
Local favorites
- Foxy Loxy Cafe · Coffee Shop & Tex-Mex Bakery · 4.7★ (3350)Beloved neighborhood fixture serving specialty coffee, housemade pastries, tacos, and hosting courtyard events.
- Starland Yard · Food Court & Beer Garden · 4.7★ (2150)Vibrant outdoor venue constructed from shipping containers featuring rotating food trucks and a full bar.
- Bull Street Taco · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (1920)Casual, hip joint offering creative street tacos, craft margaritas, and a bustling sidewalk patio.
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.