Is University Hills (Austin) safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates University Hills (Austin) as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on University Hills (Austin)
“Go with care. University Hills is primarily an established, quiet mid-century residential neighborhood that is safe for visitors during the day. While the interior residential blocks are stable and low in violent incidents, basic precautions should be taken against vehicle break-ins and when navigating surrounding highway corridors.”
About the area
Located in northeast Austin, University Hills is characterized by 1960s and 1970s ranch-style homes, mature trees, and community green spaces. It serves mainly as a quiet residential enclave bordered by major thoroughfares like US-290 and US-183.
- Mid-Century Residential
- Quiet & Suburban
- Car-Dependent
- Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in University Hills (Austin)
Walk score: 34/100 · Bike score: 46/100
Biking is feasible on quiet residential streets and connected greenbelt paths, though city MetroBike docks are not present in this outer sector.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Residential interior experiences low levels of violent crime compared to adjacent highway commercial strips
- Solid base of long-term homeowners and stable residential occupancy
- Generous green space and community amenities centered at Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park
Cons
- Elevated rates of opportunistic property crime, particularly auto break-ins and catalytic converter theft
- Immediate proximity to higher-incident commercial strips and motel clusters along US-290 and US-183
- Limited street lighting and pedestrian infrastructure on interior residential streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is uncommon within the interior residential streets, though panhandling and occasional small encampments are present along major highway underpasses at US-183 and US-290.
What University Hills (Austin) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents walking dogs and joggers using Dottie Jordan Park.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet in the residential pockets, with commercial activity focused along the perimeter roads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Generally safe for evening strolls, though limited streetlights require extra caution after sunset.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are largely deserted with minimal safety concerns inside the neighborhood, though caution is recommended near highway margins.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro serves the area via local bus routes including Route 20 (Manor Rd) and Route 300 (Govalle); the nearest CapMetro Rail station is MLK Jr. Station, located approximately 3.5 miles southwest.
Street parking is free, plentiful, and unmetered across all residential streets, with free surface lot parking at neighborhood strip centers.
Things to do in University Hills (Austin)
- Relax, play tennis, or swim during summer at Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park
- Explore nature trails and green space around Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt
- Sample authentic local food trucks and casual taquerias along Manor Road and Ed Bluestein Boulevard
Local favorites
- Mi Trailita y Mas · Mexican Food Truck · 4.7★ (380)A popular neighborhood food truck known for authentic street tacos, tortas, and hearty breakfast plates.
- Ken's Subs & Steaks · Sandwich Shop · 4.4★ (310)A long-running, straightforward local counter serving classic cheesesteaks, hot subs, and American staples.
- Pho Van · Vietnamese Restaurant · 4.3★ (560)A reliable nearby eatery offering generous bowls of traditional Vietnamese noodle soup and rice dishes.
Neighborhoods near University Hills (Austin)
Common questions about University Hills (Austin)
Is University Hills (Austin) safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is University Hills (Austin) a good place to live?
On safety, University Hills (Austin) scores 71/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is University Hills (Austin)?
Walk score 34/100 and bike score 46/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near University Hills (Austin) are safer?
Windsor Park (Austin) (74) score higher nearby.
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