Is Canterbury Woods safe?
Burke, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Canterbury Woods as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Canterbury Woods
“Go. Canterbury Woods is an exceptionally safe, affluent, and peaceful suburban neighborhood in Fairfax County with virtually negligible violent crime. It offers lush green spaces and quiet residential streets, making it an ideal visit for families or outdoor enthusiasts, though you will definitely need a car.”
About the area
Canterbury Woods is an established, tree-canopied residential enclave in Burke, Virginia, characterized by single-family homes, neighborhood cul-de-sacs, and access to local stream valley parks. It represents classic Northern Virginia suburban living, defined by high civic engagement, stable homeownership, and well-maintained properties.
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined Suburb
- Car-Dependent
- Peaceful & Quiet
Walking and biking in Canterbury Woods
Walk score: 22/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There is no local docked bike-share station, but cyclists enjoy quiet residential roads and direct access to the paved Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail and Long Branch trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Exceptionally low violent and property crime rates compared to national and state averages
- High median household income exceeding $160,000 with poverty rates under 3 percent
- Direct neighborhood access to the Accotink Creek and Long Branch stream valley trail network
- High rate of homeownership and remarkably low housing vacancy creating a stable community
Cons
- Very car-dependent with almost no commercial businesses within walking distance
- Limited public lighting along some residential side streets and park paths after dark
- Traffic congestion along nearby arterial roads like Braddock Road during peak commute hours
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Canterbury Woods or its immediate residential parks.
What Canterbury Woods is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Brisk and peaceful with school buses, runners, and dog walkers moving through quiet streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and residential with occasional delivery vehicles and neighbors working in their yards.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet suburban atmosphere with families walking along sidewalks and very light neighborhood traffic.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with virtually zero foot traffic and a very high sense of personal safety.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by Fairfax Connector and Metrobus, offering limited peak-hour feeder service to the Burke Centre VRE station and Rolling Road VRE station located a short 5-to-10-minute drive away.
Free and ample curbside street parking is standard across the neighborhood with no metered zones or parking permits required.
Things to do in Canterbury Woods
- Hike or jog the wooded paths of the Long Branch and Accotink Stream Valley Trail network
- Relax or swim during summer community events at the Canterbury Woods Swim Club
- Explore the nearby nature trails and recreation areas at Lake Accotink Park
Local favorites
- Spartans Family Restaurant · Greek / American Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Longstanding, cozy neighborhood staple serving gyros, souvlaki, pizza, and classic comfort food.
- Chloes Deli · Deli & Sandwich Shop · 4.7★ (240)Popular local counter offering generous gourmet breakfast sandwiches, paninis, and specialty subs.
- Ruffing It Dog Daycare & Grooming · Pet Services · 4.8★ (180)Well-regarded full-service pet grooming and daycare facility catering to local pet owners.
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.