Cities / Atlanta / Virginia-Highland vs Old Fourth Ward
Virginia-Highland vs Old Fourth Ward: which is safer?
Virginia-Highland is the safer of the two — 90/100 against 74/100. Go. Virginia-Highland is one of Atlanta's safest, most affluent, and most charming historic neighborhoods. While opportunistic car break-ins do occur near popular commercial nodes, violent crime is exceptionally rare and visitors can explore comfortably both day and night.
Virginia-Highland
Atlanta, Georgia
90
out of 100 · Go
Virginia-Highland is an iconic 1920s streetcar suburb renowned for its leafy residential avenues lined with restored bungalows and clustered commercial villages. It offers a relaxed yet bustling neighborhood feel with boutique shops, acclaimed bistros, and easy access to the Atlanta BeltLine.
- Walk score
- 82
- Bike score
- 72
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to broader Atlanta municipal averages
- High median household income exceeding $140,000 and low poverty rates under 5%
- Well-maintained historic housing stock with active neighborhood watch organizations
Cons
- Frequent opportunistic property crime, primarily vehicle break-ins along commercial avenues
- Limited street lighting on certain secluded residential side streets
- High weekend traffic congestion causing pedestrian-vehicle friction near key intersections
Old Fourth Ward
Atlanta, Georgia
74
out of 100 · Go, stay aware
Old Fourth Ward (O4W) is a historic, rapidly evolving neighborhood east of Downtown Atlanta that combines rich civil rights heritage with bustling modern redevelopment. Anchored by the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and Ponce City Market, it draws steady crowds of locals and tourists to its parks, converted industrial spaces, and eateries. While heavily trafficked and affluent in many pockets, it sits adjacent to areas with lingering economic disparities and urban property crime.
- Walk score
- 86
- Bike score
- 84
Pros
- High daytime foot traffic and private security presence around major hubs like Ponce City Market and the BeltLine
- Substantial economic investment with median household incomes exceeding $85,000 in revitalized tracts
- Immediate access to top-tier green spaces and historic national park sites
Cons
- High incidence of property crime, especially opportunistic vehicle break-ins in surface lots and street parking
- Late-night violent crime spikes and disorderly conduct associated with the Edgewood Avenue bar strip
- Pockets of significant socioeconomic disparity and street-level vulnerability along the Boulevard corridor