Is Windswept Acres safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Windswept Acres as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Windswept Acres
“Go with care. Windswept Acres is a quiet, working-class residential pocket in South Austin with modest crime levels typical of older suburban neighborhoods. While safe for casual day-to-day visits, standard vigilance against opportunistic property crime and vehicle theft is recommended, especially after dark.”
About the area
Windswept Acres is an established, predominantly residential neighborhood located in Southeast Austin just east of the vibrant St. Elmo district. It features modest mid-century single-family homes, mature trees, and a relatively calm suburban pace compared to busier commercial corridors nearby.
- Quiet Residential
- Suburban Feel
- Car-Dependent
- Working-Class
Walking and biking in Windswept Acres
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 53/100
No dedicated Austin MetroBike stations are present inside the neighborhood, but nearby Williamson Creek trails and neighborhood roads offer basic connectivity to wider South Austin bike routes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Primarily quiet single-family residential streets with low violent crime rates relative to urban Austin
- Close proximity to the emerging dining, brewery, and entertainment hubs in the St. Elmo District
- High household vehicle availability ensuring convenient mobility across South Austin
Cons
- Elevated incidence of opportunistic property crime, including vehicle break-ins and theft
- Inconsistent sidewalk infrastructure and lighting on interior residential roads
- Modest average household incomes and pockets of aging, renter-heavy multi-family housing
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is generally minimal within the interior neighborhood streets, but occasional individuals and temporary encampments can be observed along major nearby thoroughfares like South Congress Avenue, Pleasant Valley Road, and Ben White Boulevard.
What Windswept Acres is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and calm as residents commute and walk dogs along residential side streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally quiet with light local traffic and standard neighborhood activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential atmosphere, though dim street lighting on some blocks warrants situational awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic; exercise normal South Austin caution against opportunistic vehicle break-ins.
Transit, parking and getting around
Served by Capital Metro (CapMetro) bus routes operating along major boundary roads like Pleasant Valley and St. Elmo (including Route 228 and Route 311), though there is no direct rail station within walking distance.
Ample free street parking is standard throughout residential streets, with free surface lots available at surrounding shopping plazas and businesses.
Things to do in Windswept Acres
- Explore the walking paths and open green space along the nearby Williamson Creek Greenbelt
- Visit the nearby St. Elmo Public Market area and artisan district for food, coffee, and local shopping
- Enjoy recreational sports and community playground amenities at Franklin Park just to the east
Local favorites
- St. Elmo Brewing Company · Brewery · 4.8★ (1250)Popular South Austin craft brewery featuring a spacious beer garden, rotating taps, and an on-site food truck.
- The Spokesman - South Congress · Coffee Shop & Bar · 4.7★ (460)Laid-back neighborhood spot serving espresso drinks, craft beer, and sandwiches in an industrial-chic setting.
- Spicy Boys Fried Chicken - St. Elmo · Chicken Restaurant · 4.8★ (680)Acclaimed food truck serving spicy Thai- and pan-Asian-influenced fried chicken sandwiches and curry snacks.
Neighborhoods near Windswept Acres
Common questions about Windswept Acres
Is Windswept Acres safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Windswept Acres a good place to live?
On safety, Windswept Acres scores 71/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Windswept Acres?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 53/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Windswept Acres are safer?
Southwest Park (80), Elmwood Estates (80), Garrison Park (75) score higher nearby.
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