Is West Highlands safe?
Atlanta, Georgia · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates West Highlands as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on West Highlands
“Go with care. West Highlands is a peaceful, master-planned residential enclave with modern homes and community green spaces, though it borders higher-crime sections of Northwest Atlanta. Visitors should stay mindful of standard property crime precautions like locking vehicles and avoiding isolated areas after dark.”
City infrastructure projects continue to expand trail connectivity around nearby Westside Reservoir Park, increasing foot traffic and park police patrols in the surrounding corridor.
About the area
West Highlands is a contemporary master-planned neighborhood in Northwest Atlanta, developed on the site of the former Perry Homes community. It features craftsman-style single-family homes, parks, and tree-lined sidewalks nestled just northwest of Westside Park and the Proctor Creek Greenway.
- Suburban Enclave
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in West Highlands
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 38/100
Neighborhood streets feed directly into the Proctor Creek Greenway, an off-street paved trail connecting toward Westside Park and the future Atlanta BeltLine corridor; shared micromobility scooters and bikes are occasionally available along peripheral corridors.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Well-maintained modern housing stock with strong homeownership rates and active HOA oversight
- Direct neighborhood access to Proctor Creek Greenway and close proximity to Westside Park
- Noticeably lower violent crime within the interior master-planned subdivision compared to the wider Northwest Atlanta Zone 1 area
Cons
- Spillover property crime including opportunistic vehicle break-ins along neighborhood street parking
- Borders historically disinvested Northwest Atlanta tracts with higher poverty rates and elevated crime indices
- Isolated residential layout requiring a car to access groceries, retail, and dining
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior streets of the residential development. Occasional unhoused individuals or small encampments may be observed along major nearby thoroughfares such as Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway or peripheral wooded rail corridors.
What West Highlands is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant with residents walking dogs and jogging along neighborhood sidewalks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet with light neighborhood vehicle traffic and family activity around the park.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Subdued suburban atmosphere with residents returning home; stick to lit streets within the core development.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark with minimal foot traffic; visitors should avoid walking alone outside the primary subdivision boundaries.
Transit, parking and getting around
MARTA operates local bus Route 12 along Perry Boulevard and Johnson Road, connecting to Midtown and Bankhead stations. The nearest heavy rail station is Bankhead Station on the Green Line, roughly 2.5 miles south, making transit impractical for quick trips.
Street parking is generally free and abundant throughout the residential subdivision, though visitors should lock doors and remove valuables to prevent theft. Most residences feature private driveways and attached garages.
Things to do in West Highlands
- Stroll or jog through West Highlands Park and surrounding neighborhood greenways
- Connect to the Proctor Creek Greenway for a scenic multi-use paved trail walk
- Explore adjacent Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry for panoramic Atlanta skyline views
Local favorites
- Upbeet · Fast-Casual Restaurant · 4.6★ (1420)Bright counter-serve hub nearby on Howell Mill serving organic grain bowls, salads, and smoothies.
- Chattahoochee Food Works · Food Hall · 4.5★ (2150)Expansive industrial food hall a short drive away featuring diverse global food stalls and a central bar.
- Monday Night Brewing · Brewery · 4.7★ (1180)Popular Westside craft brewery offering indoor and patio seating with staple local drafts.
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.