Honesty without a lens
Is West Highlands safe?
Atlanta, Georgia · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates West Highlands as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on West Highlands
“Go with care. West Highlands is a peaceful, master-planned residential community featuring tidy green spaces and direct access to Westside Park, but it offers almost no commercial amenities within walking distance. While the interior subdivision feels safe during daylight, visitors should stay mindful of property crime and avoid walking through isolated perimeter corridors at night.”
Ongoing expansion and connection projects along the Proctor Creek Greenway and BeltLine connector trails continue to drive recreational investment and foot traffic around the neighborhood.
About the area
Located in Northwest Atlanta on the site of the former Perry Homes, West Highlands is a master-planned neighborhood featuring newer Craftsman-style single-family homes and townhouses. It is primarily residential and family-oriented, serving as a gateway to major outdoor recreation like Westside Park and the Proctor Creek Greenway.
- Quiet Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Park-Adjacent
- Suburban Feel
Walking and biking in West Highlands
Walk score: 34/100 · Bike score: 48/100
Cyclists benefit from direct access to the Proctor Creek Greenway trail connecting toward future BeltLine routes, though dedicated bike lanes on surrounding surface roads and municipal bike-share hubs remain scarce.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Well-maintained sidewalks, pocket parks, and quiet residential streets
- Immediate proximity to Westside Park and the Proctor Creek Greenway trail system
- Low-traffic, community-oriented atmosphere within the main development
Cons
- Virtually no retail, coffee shops, or dining options within the residential core
- Vulnerable to opportunistic vehicle break-ins and property crimes
- Surrounding arterial roads like Hollywood Road and Perry Boulevard can feel desolate and lack pedestrian amenities
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is rare within the master-planned residential core of West Highlands, though occasional individuals or encampments may be noticed along nearby commercial segments of Hollywood Road or wooded rail buffers.
What West Highlands is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Pleasant and calm, with residents walking dogs and joggers heading out toward the Proctor Creek Greenway.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet with light local vehicle traffic, feeling safe for a leisurely walk through the community.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Streets become very quiet; while interior residential streets remain peaceful, lighting is sparse along outer boundary roads.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Largely deserted and poorly lit along outer boundaries; walking on foot is not recommended due to isolation and property crime risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
The nearest MARTA rail stop is Bankhead Station on the Green Line, roughly 2.5 miles south. The area is primarily served by MARTA Bus Route 58 along Hollywood Road and Route 1 along nearby corridors.
Free curbside street parking is easily found throughout the residential subdivision streets, and Westside Park offers designated paved parking lots for trail visitors.
Things to do in West Highlands
- Walk, run, or cycle along the paved Proctor Creek Greenway trail
- Explore the expansive overlook trails and green spaces at nearby Westside Park
- Enjoy a picnic or community gathering at West Highlands Park
Local favorites
- Bellwood Coffee · Coffee ShopA trendy nearby roastery offering specialty espresso drinks, pastries, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
- Bold Monk Brewing Co. · Brewery & RestaurantA spacious Belgian-inspired brewery a short drive away featuring craft beers, elevated pub food, and a quiet library nook.
- Westside Motor Lounge · Bar & Event VenueA dynamic indoor-outdoor gathering space on nearby Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway with food trucks, cocktails, and games.
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.