Is Charlestown Lakes South safe?
Virginia Beach, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Charlestown Lakes South as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Charlestown Lakes South
“Go. Charlestown Lakes South is a peaceful, established suburban residential community in Virginia Beach with very low crime rates. While it has little in the way of tourist attractions, visitors staying with family or renting nearby will find it secure and quiet.”
About the area
Charlestown Lakes South is a tranquil residential neighborhood centered around scenic neighborhood retention lakes in the Kempsville district of Virginia Beach. The area predominantly features single-family homes, townhouses, and cul-de-sacs with mature tree coverage. It offers an easy drive to regional military installations, shopping plazas, and the oceanfront.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Charlestown Lakes South
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes within the subdivision, but internal streets have low speed limits suitable for casual cycling; there is no direct connection to major off-road greenways.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both national and regional averages.
- Strong economic stability driven by high homeownership rates and a sizable active-duty and veteran military population.
- Quiet, low-traffic residential streets with clean sidewalks and manicured lakeside properties.
- Close proximity to essential retail, dining, and grocery centers along Indian River Road.
Cons
- Highly car-dependent layout with virtually no commercial venues within comfortable walking distance.
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes, such as vehicle break-ins targeting unlocked cars.
- Heavy commuter traffic congestion on bordering thoroughfares like Indian River Road and Kempsville Road during rush hours.
- Lack of public recreation amenities or civic parks directly within the subdivision itself.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within this residential neighborhood, though minor panhandling occasionally occurs at major shopping strip entrances along Indian River Road.
What Charlestown Lakes South is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents walking dogs, jogging around the cul-de-sacs, and commuting to work.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet suburban atmosphere with school buses and light neighborhood traffic; extremely safe for walking.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential with families relaxing at home and well-lit driveways creating a secure environment.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and silent with minimal street activity, remaining safe though standard suburban caution is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), with bus routes running along Indian River Road and Kempsville Road, though service intervals are infrequent and the neighborhood is car-reliant.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free, with private driveways, dedicated townhouse spaces, and unrestricted, free residential street parking throughout the neighborhood.
Things to do in Charlestown Lakes South
- Enjoy a morning stroll or jog around the scenic residential streets and community lake perimeters.
- Visit the nearby Kempsville Recreation Center for access to indoor swimming, pickleball courts, and fitness facilities.
- Explore the regional dining and shopping options along the nearby Kemps River and Kempsville commercial corridors.
Local favorites
- Judy's Sichuan Restaurant · Sichuan Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Acclaimed dining spot known for authentic spicy Sichuan dishes, hand-pulled noodles, and dumplings.
- The Egg Bistro - Kempsville · Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant · 4.5★ (1820)Popular local eatery serving inventive eggs Benedict varieties, craft brunch cocktails, and hearty skillets.
- Ynot Italian · Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria · 4.2★ (980)Long-running local favorite for New York-style pizza, traditional pasta entrees, and homemade gelato.
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.