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 75/100. Go. Virginia-Highland is one of Atlanta's safest, most picturesque, and affluent in-town neighborhoods. While opportunistic car break-ins occasionally happen near commercial strips, violent crime is exceptionally rare, making it an easy and secure destination for dining, shopping, and strolling.
Virginia-Highland
Atlanta, Georgia
90
out of 100 · Go
Affectionately called 'VaHi', this historic neighborhood features leafy streets lined with 1920s Craftsman bungalows and walkable commercial clusters. It offers a relaxed, village-style atmosphere brimming with independent boutiques, neighborhood bistros, and lively corner patios.
- Walk score
- 82
- Bike score
- 74
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest of any urban neighborhood in Atlanta.
- Very high median household income, high owner-occupancy, and well-maintained properties.
- Active neighborhood security patrol funded by residents and local businesses.
Cons
- Opportunistic property crime, especially vehicle break-ins, occurs near nightlife and dining zones.
- Narrow, heavily tree-canopied residential side streets can be dimly lit late at night.
- Heavy vehicular congestion and tight parking during peak evening and weekend dining hours.
Old Fourth Ward
Atlanta, Georgia
75
out of 100 · Go, stay aware
Old Fourth Ward is a historic, rapidly evolved intown Atlanta neighborhood blending landmark civil rights sites with trendy modern developments. Centered around the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and Ponce City Market, it features a mix of historic bungalows, industrial conversions, and high-density apartment complexes.
- Walk score
- 86
- Bike score
- 82
Pros
- High pedestrian density and daytime foot traffic along the BeltLine and major commercial centers
- Strong median household income and massive private and public infrastructure revitalization over the past decade
- Visible private security and active neighborhood patrols around major commercial anchors like Ponce City Market
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime, especially vehicle break-ins (theft from auto) in surface lots and street parking
- Late-night altercations and opportunistic thefts around the Edgewood Avenue bar strip
- Noticeable economic contrast across sub-pockets leading to isolated street-level property crime