Is Barcroft safe?
Arlington, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Barcroft as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Barcroft
“Go. Barcroft is a quiet, tree-lined residential neighborhood in Arlington that offers exceptional safety for visitors and residents. You can comfortably explore its leafy residential streets, historic community spots, and nearby trails at nearly any time of day.”
About the area
Barcroft is a historic, mid-century residential neighborhood in South Arlington defined by single-family homes, leafy canopies, and bordering arterial corridors. It provides a peaceful, community-oriented atmosphere with immediate proximity to outdoor recreation and diverse dining along Columbia Pike.
- Quiet & Residential
- Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Historic
Walking and biking in Barcroft
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 74/100
Multiple Capital Bikeshare docks are positioned along Columbia Pike and George Mason Drive, providing swift access to the connected W&OD and Four Mile Run multi-use trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low and sit far below state and national benchmarks
- High median household incomes and high rates of homeownership foster well-maintained properties
- Direct and easy access to major regional parklands and multi-use greenway trails
Cons
- Minor opportunistic property theft, such as vehicle break-ins along commercial edges
- Strictly residential interior with few retail or dining spots without walking to border corridors
- Heavier traffic congestion on perimeter arteries like Columbia Pike and Route 50
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable factor inside the residential core, though brief panhandling is occasionally observed near shopping center entrances on Columbia Pike.
What Barcroft is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents jogging, walking dogs, and commuting through quiet streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and calm with light neighborhood traffic and open green spaces.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Comfortable and secure for evening strolls or walking to adjacent Columbia Pike restaurants.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with minimal foot traffic; highly safe, though standard awareness on darker residential streets is recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
Transit is provided by Arlington Transit (ART) bus routes 41 and 45 alongside frequent WMATA Metrobus 16-series service on Columbia Pike; the closest Metrorail stop is Ballston-MU (Orange/Silver lines), about 1.5 miles north.
Residential street parking is plentiful, safe, and mostly unrestricted, while commercial plazas along Columbia Pike provide free dedicated parking lots.
Things to do in Barcroft
- Tour past the historic Barcroft Community House, built in 1908 and serving as a local historic civic anchor
- Run, walk, or cycle along the scenic paved paths connecting to the nearby Four Mile Run Trail
- Sample diverse international cuisines and neighborhood cafes along bordering Columbia Pike
Local favorites
- Idido Coffee and Social House · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (560)A bright neighborhood spot serving specialty espresso, cold brews, and Ethiopian pastries.
- The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant · Irish Pub · 4.6★ (1250)A cozy, welcoming pub offering hearty traditional Irish staples, draft pints, and weekend brunch.
- Ruthie's All-Day · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (1750)An acclaimed neighborhood eatery serving wood-smoked meats, upscale Southern comfort fare, and craft cocktails.
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.