Allandale's tree-lined streets and Burnet Road scene make it one of Austin's safest, most welcoming neighborhoods for solo travelers.
Key Stat: Allandale ranks 3rd safest among all Austin neighborhoods with just 10.7 incidents per 1,000 residents annually and a safety score of 90.2, as of 2026.
Allandale offers solo female travelers a rare combination that is hard to find in any major Texas city: genuine neighborhood character, walkable access to excellent restaurants and bars along Burnet Road, and a tight-knit community that actively watches its streets. The neighborhood benefits from 75% neighborhood watch coverage and regular police patrols, making it an exceptionally secure base for exploring Austin. The violent crime rate of 384 per 100,000 residents sits below Austin's city average, and residents are deeply engaged in keeping their community safe.
Allandale's identity as a family-friendly yet increasingly hip enclave means you'll encounter a diverse, welcoming crowd. Burnet Road — the neighborhood's main commercial corridor — is lined with independent businesses, local restaurants, and approachable bars that attract regulars rather than rowdy crowds. The annual 4th of July parade, held every year since 1960, exemplifies the kind of community spirit that makes Allandale feel like a real neighborhood rather than just a place to stay.
Key Stat: Allandale has a Walk Score of 53 (Somewhat Walkable) and a Bike Score of 74 (Very Bikeable) — cycling is the most efficient way to navigate the neighborhood without a car as of 2026.
Walking in Allandale is pleasant during daylight hours. Tree-lined residential streets with mature oak canopies and low traffic make the neighborhood feel safe and calm. The western side of the neighborhood, toward MoPac, is consistently identified by locals as the quietest and lowest-crime area. Burnet Road itself has active pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and well-lit storefronts throughout the day, making it comfortable to walk between restaurants and cafes.
After dark, Allandale's residential streets grow noticeably quieter. For evening outings, stay on Burnet Road where foot traffic remains consistent and businesses maintain good lighting until close. The western sections near Shoal Creek trail should be avoided after dusk as these areas are isolated. Overall, Allandale is significantly safer than Austin's downtown and East Side neighborhoods for pedestrians at any hour.
Key Stat: Burnet Road in Allandale hosts over 15 independent restaurants within a half-mile stretch, making it one of Austin's most concentrated neighborhood dining corridors outside South Congress.
For solo dining, Epicerie is a top pick — this French-Louisiana café on Burnet Road serves eggs benedict, pastries, and coffee in a warm, unhurried atmosphere that genuinely welcomes single diners. Fonda San Miguel (2330 W. North Loop Blvd.) is a local institution that pioneered "interior Mexican" cuisine in the U.S. and serves regional dishes that far exceed typical Tex-Mex; their Sunday brunch is a neighborhood ritual. Choo Sando on Burnet Road offers inventive Japanese-style sandwiches, sushi lunch boxes, and elaborate take-home omakase sets — an excellent solo splurge in the $30–$60 range.
For more casual meals, Phil's Icehouse (5620 Burnet Road) serves excellent smash burgers with draft beer on a relaxed outdoor patio. Maru Japanese Restaurant offers reliable old-school sushi on Burnet Road. Khon Thai Kitchen by Seeda has an extensive authentic Thai menu. EurAsia Ramen delivers solid ramen, poke bowls, and bento boxes. Upper Crust Bakery produces everything from scratch daily — ideal for a morning pastry before exploring the neighborhood.
Key Stat: As of late 2025, the Hotel Allandale (7685 Northcross Dr.) permanently closed, making short-term rentals the primary within-neighborhood accommodation option, with nightly rates typically ranging from $80–$180.
For visitors staying specifically in Allandale, Airbnb and VRBO rentals in residential homes and apartments are the most practical option. Staying in a house or apartment often feels safer and more comfortable for solo travelers than a large impersonal hotel, and Allandale's residential character means rental properties are typically well-maintained. Expect to pay $80–$130/night for a private room or studio, and $130–$180/night for a full one-bedroom apartment.
For those open to nearby hotels, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin University Area is 2.6 miles away with budget-friendly rooms starting around $75/night. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown – University, 4.9 miles away, includes free breakfast. The Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark is also ~5 miles away and offers upscale amenities. Budget $100–$200/night for mid-range hotel options in 2026.
Key Stat: Allandale's Transit Score is 45 with CapMetro bus service on Burnet Road, but its Bike Score of 74 makes cycling — including via the Shoal Creek Trail to downtown — the most practical car-free option as of 2026.
CapMetro operates bus service along Burnet Road connecting Allandale to downtown Austin and other major neighborhoods. A day pass costs $2.50 for all local bus and MetroRapid service. The CapMetro app allows trip planning and mobile ticket purchases. Most routes run until around midnight on weekdays and slightly later on weekends.
For getting around Austin more broadly, Uber and Lyft are widely available with typical rides to downtown costing $12–$20. Allandale is exceptionally well-positioned for cycling: the Shoal Creek Trail, Austin's oldest hike-and-bike trail, connects directly from the neighborhood to downtown and Lady Bird Lake via a paved 4-mile multi-use path. Burnet Road has designated bike lanes on several blocks. Car rentals are available at major providers near The Domain approximately 2 miles north.
Key Stat: Allandale's Burnet Road corridor hosts 8+ independent bars and venues, all known for local-crowd atmospheres and authentic Austin character rather than tourist-oriented nightlife, as of 2026.
The Little Longhorn Saloon (5434 Burnet Road) is one of Austin's most beloved dive bars — an authentic Texas honky-tonk with live country music, two-step dancing, and the famous Sunday Chicken Sh*t Bingo event that draws a friendly, quirky crowd all afternoon. Yard Bar (6700 Burnet Road) is a dog-friendly outdoor bar and restaurant that is ideal for solo visitors; the relaxed patio atmosphere makes it easy to start conversations, and the dog park element ensures the crowd stays cheerful. Lala's Little Nugget (2207 Justin Ln.) keeps Christmas decorations up year-round — a uniquely welcoming dive bar that is a genuine Austin original.
For daytime venues, Cheri Coffee & Flowers is a charming walk-up coffee stand on Burnet Road popular with neighborhood regulars — a great spot to meet locals. The Long Play Lounge and Night Owl round out the Burnet Road bar scene with lower-key evening options. These venues attract primarily local regulars, creating a noticeably safer and more relaxed atmosphere for solo female visitors compared to downtown Austin's busier bar corridors.
Key Stat: Austin has the 3rd largest openly LGBTQIA+ population per capita in the United States, and Allandale is specifically recognized as one of the city's most LGBTQ+-inclusive residential neighborhoods as of 2026.
Allandale has a welcoming, genuinely inclusive community. The neighborhood is recognized as one of Austin's top gay-friendly areas, with local businesses and community events that actively embrace LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. The social mix skews toward long-term Austin residents, young families, creatives, and professionals — a noticeably different crowd from downtown's transient bar scene or East Austin's more trendy and sometimes intimidating atmosphere.
The Allandale Neighborhood Association is one of Austin's most active, organizing the annual 4th of July parade (held every year since 1960), neighborhood garage sales, park cleanups, and community socials. This deep community engagement makes Allandale unusually safe and connected — neighbors know each other and notice strangers, which works in favor of solo travelers. The overall vibe is: come as you are, stay a while.
Key Stat: Allandale's western sections toward MoPac have the lowest crime density in the neighborhood; the Burnet Road corridor sees more property crime due to commercial activity, per CrimeGrade data as of 2026.
Is Allandale, Austin safe for solo female travelers? Yes — Allandale ranks 3rd safest among all Austin neighborhoods with a violent crime rate of 384 per 100,000 residents, below the city average. The neighborhood has 75% neighborhood watch coverage, active community engagement, and well-lit commercial streets. Property crime (mostly car break-ins and theft) is elevated, so take standard precautions with belongings. Overall, it is one of the best-positioned neighborhoods in Austin for solo female visitors.
What is the best area to stay in Allandale? The western portion of Allandale, near Shoal Creek and MoPac, is the neighborhood's quietest and statistically lowest-crime area. Staying within a few blocks of Burnet Road gives you easy walking access to restaurants, bars, and coffee shops while keeping you close to well-monitored streets. Short-term rentals are the primary accommodation option as of 2026 since the Hotel Allandale closed in late 2025.
How do I get around Allandale without a car? Cycling is the most practical option — Allandale has a Bike Score of 74 and connects directly to the Shoal Creek Trail, which runs to downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake. CapMetro buses on Burnet Road connect you to the wider city for $2.50/day. Uber and Lyft are widely available for longer trips, typically costing $12–$20 to downtown Austin. A car is helpful but not strictly necessary if you're comfortable cycling or using rideshare.
