Is Arlington Heights safe?
Arlington, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Arlington Heights as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Arlington Heights
“Go. Arlington Heights is an exceptionally safe, prosperous residential neighborhood in Arlington County with minimal violent crime and quiet, leafy streets. Visitors can stroll the area with peace of mind at virtually any hour of the day or night.”
About the area
Arlington Heights is a charming, historic residential enclave characterized by early 20th-century bungalows, brick colonials, and mature tree-lined streets. Positioned just north of the bustling Columbia Pike corridor, it offers quick access to diverse dining and recreational parks while maintaining a calm, suburban ambiance.
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined / Historic
- Quiet Residential
- Suburban Feel
Walking and biking in Arlington Heights
Walk score: 71/100 · Bike score: 75/100
Capital Bikeshare stations are situated along Columbia Pike and near the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, providing convenient access to Arlington's extensive on-street bike lanes and the nearby Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are negligible and property crime is significantly lower than national averages
- High median household incomes well exceeding $130,000 and robust homeownership stability
- Direct proximity to expansive community amenities like the Thomas Jefferson Community Center and park spaces
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins and porch package theft
- High vehicular traffic and congestion along border arterials like Arlington Boulevard (US-50) and Glebe Road
- Limited direct Metro rail access requiring a bus transfer or rideshare to reach the Orange/Silver lines
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the interior residential streets of Arlington Heights. Minor panhandling is occasionally observed near major transit stops and commercial plazas along the Columbia Pike corridor.
What Arlington Heights is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and commuters heading out amidst quiet residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very calm and secure, with light foot traffic, playing children, and pleasant shaded sidewalks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and safe as residents return home, with families walking to nearby parks or local eateries along the perimeter.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely tranquil and low-risk, though residential interior lighting is subdued and streets become very empty.
Transit, parking and getting around
Arlington Transit (ART) bus routes (such as ART 41 and 77) and WMATA Metrobus routes run frequently along Columbia Pike and Glebe Road. The nearest Metrorail stations (Ballston-MU and Clarendon on the Orange/Silver Lines) are roughly 1.5 to 2 miles north, easily reachable via a short bus ride.
Street parking throughout the interior residential streets is readily available, though some blocks require residential permit zone passes during weekday business hours. Commercial parking along Columbia Pike is a mix of metered spots and free short-term retail lots.
Things to do in Arlington Heights
- Work out, play indoor sports, or visit the playground at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center
- Explore the historic residential architecture on a quiet walking tour along South Highland and Ivy streets
- Walk down to the vibrant Columbia Pike corridor for international dining and community events
Local favorites
- Ruthie's All-Day · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (1250)Popular wood-fired neighborhood spot serving southern-leaning comfort fare, brisket, and breakfast favorites.
- Bob & Edith's Diner · Diner · 4.4★ (2700)Iconic 24-hour retro diner dishing out classic breakfast platters, burgers, and pies since 1969.
- Idido's Coffee and Social House · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (480)Cozy specialty cafe offering single-origin coffees, espresso drinks, sandwiches, and pastries.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.