Is University Heights (Amarillo) safe?
Amarillo, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates University Heights (Amarillo) as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on University Heights (Amarillo)
“Go. University Heights is an established, predominantly residential neighborhood adjacent to Amarillo College that is generally safe for visitors and students. While routine property crime like vehicle break-ins occurs, violent crime is considerably lower than in northern sections of Amarillo. Basic vigilance and standard vehicle security are all that are typically necessary.”
About the area
University Heights is a leafy, mid-century neighborhood centered around Amarillo College's Washington Street campus. It features a mix of modest single-family homes, student rentals, and quiet residential corridors with convenient access to midtown Amarillo. Visitors frequently pass through for college events, local arts, and nearby dining.
- College Adjacent
- Mid-Century
- Quiet Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in University Heights (Amarillo)
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is no municipal bike-share system and dedicated bike lanes are scarce, but the flat, low-traffic residential grid makes casual neighborhood cycling feasible.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to Amarillo citywide averages
- Stable mid-century residential community with high student and faculty presence
- Convenient central location near Amarillo College and cultural amenities like the Amarillo Museum of Art
Cons
- Frequent opportunistic property crimes, particularly vehicle burglaries and porch package theft
- Aging housing stock with pockets of deferred rental maintenance
- Arterial border streets (e.g., Washington Street) can experience fast traffic and poor pedestrian lighting
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is uncommon within the interior residential blocks, though occasionally unhoused individuals may be seen near transit stops or retail intersections along major boundary thoroughfares.
What University Heights (Amarillo) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with joggers, dog walkers, and students heading toward campus.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and generally secure, with regular campus foot traffic and moderate neighborhood driving.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and low-key with minimal foot traffic, feeling safe along well-lit residential streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm and mostly deserted; violent risks remain low, but unattended vehicles should always be locked.
Transit, parking and getting around
Amarillo City Transit (ACT) operates bus routes (notably Route 1 and Route 2) along nearby corridors like Washington Street connecting to downtown, though service intervals are relatively infrequent and there is no passenger rail.
Street parking is free and readily accessible across residential streets, while Amarillo College provides open visitor parking and student lots.
Things to do in University Heights (Amarillo)
- Visit the Amarillo Museum of Art (AMoA) located on the Amarillo College campus to see regional and Asian art collections.
- Stroll through the Amarillo College Washington Street Campus and its central plaza and green spaces.
- Catch a community performance or lecture at the Amarillo College Concert Hall Theater.
Local favorites
- Amarillo Museum of Art · Art Museum · 4.7★ (280)A welcoming campus museum showcasing diverse modern exhibitions, regional works, and extensive Asian art.
- Yellow City Street Food · New American Restaurant · 4.6★ (1250)Popular local eatery serving innovative, chef-driven street food and craft beers nearby.
- Roasters Coffee & Tea · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (680)Longtime local coffee shop serving espresso drinks, teas, and pastries in a relaxed setting.
Neighborhoods near University Heights (Amarillo)
Common questions about University Heights (Amarillo)
Is University Heights (Amarillo) safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is University Heights (Amarillo) a good place to live?
On safety, University Heights (Amarillo) scores 70/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is University Heights (Amarillo)?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 52/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near University Heights (Amarillo) are safer?
University Heights (Amarillo) scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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