Is Braddock safe?
Alexandria, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Braddock as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Braddock
“Go. Braddock is a well-situated, transit-connected neighborhood bordering historic Old Town and Del Ray with a generally low rate of violent crime. Visitors should maintain standard urban awareness around the Metro station and busier corridors at night, but day-to-day conditions are very safe and welcoming.”
Ongoing transit-oriented redevelopment and infrastructure enhancements around the Braddock Road Metro station have contributed to improved street lighting and renewed commercial activity.
About the area
Braddock is a lively Alexandria neighborhood that blends historic rowhouses, modern mixed-use developments, and active commuter hubs. Situated immediately adjacent to Old Town, it offers easy access to local cafes, breweries, and convenient regional transit links into Washington, D.C.
- Transit-Oriented
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Walkable Dining Hub
- Community-Focused
Walking and biking in Braddock
Walk score: 84/100 · Bike score: 82/100
Features multiple Capital Bikeshare docks across the neighborhood and direct connections to the Mount Vernon Trail and Alexandria's extensive network of on-street bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to national urban averages
- High household income levels and strong local municipal service investment
- Direct rail and bus connectivity providing fast access across the D.C. metro region
- Well-maintained sidewalks and historic tree-lined residential corridors
Cons
- Occasional property crimes such as vehicle break-ins and package theft near apartment complexes
- Noticeable congestion and localized crowding around the Metro transit plaza during peak rush hours
- Sparse foot traffic along industrial rail-adjacent pockets during late-night hours
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal, with occasional unhoused individuals or panhandling around the Braddock Road Metro plaza and bus bays. Shelters and community social services are managed smoothly through city programs with no active encampments in the immediate area.
What Braddock is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Vibrant and bustling with commuters, dog walkers, and joggers heading toward the Metro and local coffee spots.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and peaceful, with steady foot traffic along residential streets and light patronage at area cafes.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Active and welcoming as residents fill local neighborhood restaurants and outdoor dining spaces.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally quiet and low-incident, though sensible caution is advised around unlit alleys and parking facilities.
Transit, parking and getting around
Served by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) via the Braddock Road Metro Station (Blue and Yellow lines), alongside Alexandria DASH bus routes connecting easily to Old Town and King Street.
Residential street parking typically requires City of Alexandria permits, though metered street spaces and dedicated parking garages near the Metro and newer mixed-use buildings are available for standard hourly fees.
Things to do in Braddock
- Dine on wood-fired pizza and Italian fare under the covered patio at Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap
- Stroll along the historic Parker-Gray district admiring 19th-century architecture and community murals
- Pick up artisan coffee and pastries before catching the Metro into downtown D.C.
Local favorites
- Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (2350)Popular neighborhood destination serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, pasta, and craft beer with seasonal themed seating.
- Mason Social · American Gastropub · 4.4★ (1150)Warm, industrial-chic hangout dishing up gourmet burgers, shareable plates, and creative craft cocktails.
- Misha's Coffee · Coffee Shop & Roastery · 4.6★ (780)Beloved local roaster brewing robust small-batch coffees and espresso in a relaxed, artsy setting.
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.