11 Areas to Avoid in Austin, TX [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

As a former tourist turned local, I fell in love with Austin’s charismatic charm, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. However, like any city, there are areas to avoid in Austin that every newcomer should be aware of. Despite the city’s reputation as a safe haven in the heart of Texas, caution is still advised when navigating certain neighborhoods, particularly late at night.

From my first visit to the city, I noticed that while most of Austin is an exciting, bustling hotspot of live music, tasty cuisine, and dynamic nightlife, some pockets of the town may not be as welcoming. Work to anticipate these areas can ensure a memorable, unforgettable Austin experience that many have come to treasure, myself included.

Join me as we navigate through my experiences in this eclectic city. It’s my hope that with some insider knowledge and core street smarts, you can dodge any potential hiccups in your Austin adventure and focus solely on the ample doses of fun to be had here. Don’t worry—I’ve got your back.

1. Montopolis

Although Austin offers a variety of desirable neighborhoods, Montopolis can be classified among Austin’s least safe neighborhoods. It’s a storied district, rich in history, but faces certain challenges. Higher crime rates might make you reconsider visiting, particularly after dark. However, Montopolis does boast an intriguing view into Austin’s history, including historic buildings.

Check the community events as well, which tend to be family-friendly and inviting. Keep this information in mind when planning a visit or establishing residency. While it’s effortless to be drawn in by its charm, it’s also crucial to remain cautious and vigilant during your visit.

2. Martin Luther King (MLK)

Following Montopolis, the Martin Luther King (MLK) district, which is among the high-crime neighborhoods in Austin, stands out on the city’s map for areas you might want to tread carefully in. Named after the iconic civil rights leader, this area boasts historical significance and cultural wealth. Despite its dynamic community events and notable landmarks, MLK experiences higher-than-average crime rates. It’s advisable to avoid wandering around after dark, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood.

Nonetheless, it holds a certain charm with its strong community spirit and its commitment to remembering its past. Visit during the day to explore its history and diverse culture, but it’s always wise to stay vigilant and mindful of your surroundings. When planning your trip or considering a move, take a look at all Austin has to offer before deciding on MLK.

3. Riverside

Next on our list of Austin danger zones is Riverside, another Austin neighborhood of distinctive character. While offering affordable housing and close proximity to downtown, Riverside historically grapples with higher crime rates. Despite this, it’s known for its vibrant nightlife and a burgeoning food scene that seems to evolve by the week.

Punctuated with impressive murals, Riverside is rich in cultural diversity. During the day, you’ll likely find locals busying themselves amid the area’s numerous amenities. If you plan to visit Riverside, it’s recommended to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially at night. It’s always critical to consider aspects like safety when evaluating potential neighborhoods of interest in Austin.

4. Rosewood

Next on our list of high-crime neighborhoods in Austin, we come to Rosewood, located in Austin, TX 78702, USA. This area emanates an interesting fusion of city life and a homely feel. However, despite its aesthetic appeal, Rosewood unfortunately has a reputation for its high crime rates compared to other parts of Austin. That being said, the locale boasts a variety of tantalizing eateries, unique shopping destinations, and lively community events that reflect Austin’s chilled-out vibe.

It’s recommended to explore this area during the daytime, as the energy is as distinctive and varied as the rest of the city. However, as night falls, it’s important to remain vigilant about potential safety issues. So, if you’re contemplating a visit to Rosewood, make sure to balance these characteristics against your own comfort level. Safety, after all, is a priority when exploring new locales.

5. Bouldin

We next set our sights on Bouldin, a quaint neighborhood with charming residences, local cafes, and an energized art scene. Bouldin often appears idyllic during the daylight hours, but its calm streets can seem somewhat ghostly after sunset, making it one of the Austin neighborhoods with high crime rates. The neighborhood’s proximity to busier areas can result in some overspill of minor crime. It may not pose a major threat, but it’s just enough to give visitors cause for caution after dark.

Nevertheless, the neighborhood is a daytime delight and offers an abundance of attractions, such as the vibrant South 1st Street, an amalgamation of quirky shops and dynamic eateries. Welcoming to both pedestrians and cyclists alike, Bouldin certainly merits a visit. Therefore, while planning your Austin exploration, don’t overlook Bouldin in your daytime itinerary. Most importantly, always prioritize your safety when touring unfamiliar surroundings.

6. Georgian Acres

The next on our list is Georgian Acres, a high-crime neighborhood in Austin that presents an authentic, lived-in feel. This area, however, is noted to have a higher incidence of crime than other parts of the city, giving it the reputation of a region to exercise caution in. Nevertheless, during the day, you can enjoy local parks like Georgian Acres Neighborhood Park or dive into local eateries. With an inclusively diverse population, the area is rich in culture and food variations. Yet, it’s prudent to be wary after dark as safety is paramount. So, while drawing up your Austin wander list, include Georgian Acres for a daytime visit, but always put personal safety first.

7. Pecan Springs Springdale

Onward, we direct you to Pecan Springs Springdale, an East Austin neighborhood that perfectly blends urban and suburban atmosphere, albeit being listed among high-crime neighborhoods in Austin. In spite of its appealing green havens like the Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt, it does have a statistically higher crime rate compared to the city’s average.

While it boasts a vivacious community spirit, its mixed reputation pleads for caution, particularly after sundown. Don’t let this completely dissuade you! Enjoy the rich culture of the region in daylight, by visiting local art spaces or leisurely park walks. In planning your Austin adventure, consider this neighborhood as a daytime gem worthy of discovery, but always remember to prioritize safety.

8. Heritage Hills

Switching gears, we move on to Heritage Hills, a charming North Austin neighborhood that carries an old-world charm. Known as one of the high-crime neighborhoods in Austin, the area brims with impressive architecture and the Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park close by, it’s also burdened with heightened crime rates tarnishing its otherwise picturesque vibe. During the day, residents can be seen out and about, adding to the community’s vibrant feel.

However, it is recommended to express care, particularly after sunset. So, if you find yourself in Austin, plan a visit to Heritage Hills in daylight, making the most of its unique aesthetics and lush green surroundings. When planning your Austin explorations, take note that it’s a lovely spot to visit during the day, but safety should always be at the forefront.

9. Windsor Park

As we guide you through the less visited areas of Austin, we encounter Windsor Park, a quiet Eastern district livened with urban undertones. Its central pull, the Bartholomew District Park, buzzes with activity during daylight hours. However, similar to Pecan Springs Springdale and Heritage Hills, it has earned a reputation as one of the high-crime neighborhoods in Austin, and therefore it’s wise to be cautious, especially as evening approaches.

So, while exploring Austin, take the opportunity to stroll around Windsor Park during the day to experience its recreational bounty and vibrant community spirit. Yet as night approaches, safety should be your main concern. As you write your Austin sightseeing checklist, think of Windsor Park as a compelling daytime spot, but always put your safety first.

10. University Hills

Next, we introduce you to University Hills, a thriving East Austin community known for its appealing landscape and bustling local life. Despite its alluring scenery featuring Dottie Jordan Park and Pool, recognizably it is one of the High-crime neighborhoods in Austin. Daylight hours bring out a neighborhood charm that’s worth a peek, but caution is suggested once the sun descends.

When you’re charting your Austin journey, consider a daytime trip to University Hills to appreciate its cultural richness and scenic parks. As twilight approaches, prioritizing safety is paramount, much like in the aforementioned neighborhoods. As you pace through your Austin escapade, see University Hills as a delightful day visit with a mindful stance toward your well-being.

11. East 12th-13th

Continuing our journey, we now bring you to East 12th-13th Street, a lively and eclectic neighborhood that paints a quintessential Austin picture by day. This area bears witness to its fair share of color, culture, and historical richness. However, despite its daytime appeal, it’s known as one of the High-risk streets in Austin Texas, similar to the previous neighborhoods discussed.

Whether you’re seeking out its prominent murals or local eateries, a daytime visit is suggested. As darkness falls, the importance of prioritizing personal safety cannot be stressed enough. So, while navigating the vibrant city of Austin, consider East 12th-13th Street as another daytime exploration with an appreciation towards ensuring your safety.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, be mindful when you plan your visit or stay in Austin. Some areas can provide a less than satisfactory experience due to various reasons such as crime rates or lack of entertainment and amenities. The areas to avoid in Austin include several neighborhoods in East and North Austin. Despite these areas, it’s important to remember that Austin, like any city, has its rough edges but is also jam-packed with vibrant culture, diverse food scenes, enchanting outdoor spaces, and friendly people.

Life moves pretty fast, and when you visit Austin, you should ensure you’re making the most of your time. Although it’s good to be aware of the areas to avoid, don’t let that overshadow the amazing experiences that await you in Austin. The city’s essence is characterized by its passion for music, mouth-watering barbecue, and Texan charm, which you definitely shouldn’t miss!