Is Charlestowne safe?
Virginia Beach, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Charlestowne as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Charlestowne
“Go. Charlestowne is a quiet, established residential community in Virginia Beach with low rates of violent crime and a strong suburban fabric. Visitors staying with family, renting an Airbnb, or passing through will find a peaceful and safe neighborhood with standard suburban precautions.”
About the area
Charlestowne is a mature suburban enclave characterized by single-family homes, modest townhome clusters, and tree-lined streets. Situated between major thoroughfares in central Virginia Beach, it offers easy access to shopping centers and municipal parks while maintaining a quiet, family-oriented atmosphere.
- Suburban / Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Peaceful
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Charlestowne
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 45/100
There is no public bike-share system in this residential neighborhood, but quiet internal subdivision streets allow for casual cycling, though dedicated bike lanes on surrounding arterial roads are limited.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both national and regional metro averages
- High rate of owner-occupied homes fostering neighborhood stability and upkeep
- Quick driving access to major shopping, dining, and healthcare corridors along Virginia Beach Boulevard
- Close proximity to community parks and neighborhood schools
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins
- Low pedestrian infrastructure along surrounding arterial roads
- Car dependence requires private vehicle access for almost all dining and daily errands
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the residential streets of Charlestowne, though occasional individuals may be seen near major retail shopping strips along surrounding commercial arteries.
What Charlestowne is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents walking dogs, jogging, and school commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet suburban daytime rhythm with light local traffic and good visibility throughout neighborhood streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe for neighborhood walks as families return home from work and school.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and minimal street activity; generally safe, though standard precautions for dim residential lighting apply.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), with bus routes running along major arteries like Virginia Beach Boulevard and Princess Anne Road, though no light rail serves this pocket.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free, with ample private driveways and free, unmetered residential street parking throughout the neighborhood.
Things to do in Charlestowne
- Enjoy outdoor recreation and sports fields at nearby City View Park
- Shop and dine at the surrounding Lynnhaven retail centers just minutes away
- Take a short drive to Mount Trashmore Park for walking trails and scenic skyline views
Local favorites
- Taste Unlimited · Sandwich Shop / Specialty Food · 4.6★ (530)Popular local cafe offering gourmet sandwiches, salads, housemade house dressing, and specialty coastal Virginia goods.
- The Bagel Baker · Bakery / Deli · 4.7★ (1150)Authentic New York-style kettle-boiled bagels made fresh daily with a wide selection of cream cheeses and deli sandwiches.
- Doc Taylor's Restaurant · Diner / Breakfast · 4.7★ (3200)Longtime coastal favorite located a short drive away serving hearty breakfasts, bloody marys, and comfort fare in a converted cottage.
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.