Honesty without a lens
Is Underwood Hills safe?
Atlanta, Georgia · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Underwood Hills as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Underwood Hills
“Go. Underwood Hills is a tranquil, increasingly popular Upper Westside neighborhood that is safe and welcoming for casual strolls and dining. While the interior residential streets are very secure, be cautious along industrial and commercial perimeters like Howell Mill and Defoor Avenue after dark.”
Ongoing Upper Westside infrastructure initiatives and corridor improvements along Howell Mill Road continue to improve pedestrian safety and traffic calming in the surrounding area.
About the area
Underwood Hills combines mid-century residential charm with Upper Westside industrial-chic redevelopment. Visitors will find tree-lined streets, a neighborhood park, and lively craft breweries or eateries situated along the industrial edges.
- Quiet Residential
- Industrial-Chic
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in Underwood Hills
Walk score: 54/100 · Bike score: 46/100
The neighborhood is hilly and lacks dedicated bike lanes on interior streets, but it sits close to future Northwest BeltLine connector corridors and nearby PATH trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Quiet and safe residential streets with an active neighborhood association
- Convenient access to popular Upper Westside breweries, restaurants, and entertainment
- Underwood Hills Park offers pleasant green space and neighborhood recreation
Cons
- Inconsistent or missing sidewalks along industrial perimeter roads
- Automobile property crime and vehicle break-ins along commercial parking areas
- Heavily car-dependent layout with steep, winding hills in residential pockets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within the interior residential streets, though occasional individuals or encampments may be noticed along railway easements and major intersections bordering Howell Mill Road.
What Underwood Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and very safe, with residents walking dogs and joggers using the residential hills.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and pleasant around parks and commercial spots, though perimeter road traffic picks up.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Safe around dining and brewery clusters, with good foot traffic moving between venues.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet on interior streets, but isolated industrial blocks warrant typical situational awareness.
Transit, parking and getting around
MARTA rail is not within walking distance, with Arts Center Station being about 3 miles away; however, MARTA bus route 12 runs nearby along Howell Mill Road.
Street parking is generally easy and free in the residential areas, while businesses along the perimeter offer dedicated lots with free or low-cost parking.
Things to do in Underwood Hills
- Stroll through Underwood Hills Park to enjoy the playground, tennis courts, and wooded trails
- Explore the craft beer and cider scene along Chattahoochee and Defoor corridors
- Catch an indie show or performance at nearby Westside cultural venues
Local favorites
- Fire Maker Brewing Company · BreweryA lively local craft brewery offering inventive beers and a spacious open-air taproom.
- The Woodall · New American RestaurantAn upscale yet approachable dining spot serving seasonal fare and creative cocktails in a converted warehouse.
- Round Trip Brewing Company · BreweryA friendly neighborhood spot specializing in traditional German-style lagers and modern ales.
Scores blend recent reported crime levels, area poverty and walk/bike access, refreshed nightly. They are a guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.