Is Cherrydale safe?
Arlington, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Cherrydale as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Cherrydale
“Go. Cherrydale is an exceptionally safe, affluent, and peaceful neighborhood in North Arlington with very low crime rates. Visitors can comfortably explore its local dining spots, historic architecture, and leafy residential streets at any time of day or night.”
About the area
Cherrydale is a historic, charming enclave in Arlington centered around the intersection of Langston Boulevard and Military Road, known as Five Points. It blends leafy suburban streets of classic craftsman bungalows with a compact commercial strip of independent restaurants and legacy local businesses.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet & Residential
- Village Feel
Walking and biking in Cherrydale
Walk score: 73/100 · Bike score: 76/100
Capital Bikeshare docks are placed along Langston Boulevard and Military Road, offering seamless, direct access to the Custis Trail multi-use path.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are practically negligible, ranking among the safest areas in the DC metropolitan region.
- Robust economic profile with median household incomes well exceeding $175,000 and near-zero poverty rates.
- Quiet, pedestrian-friendly residential blocks with excellent street lighting and active neighborhood watch presence.
Cons
- Pedestrian crossings along multi-lane Langston Boulevard require caution due to commuter traffic speeds.
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like bicycle theft or unlocked vehicle prowls occur intermittently.
- Nighttime street activity is minimal, making some side streets feel somewhat deserted after business hours.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Cherrydale, with no encampments and virtually no panhandling in the neighborhood.
What Cherrydale is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and bustling with joggers, dog walkers, and parents walking children to local schools in complete safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and orderly with moderate pedestrian foot traffic around local eateries, bakeries, and retail shops.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Laid-back neighborhood dining crowd fills the Langston Boulevard corridor with a secure, family-friendly vibe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and dark along residential lanes with negligible foot traffic, yet exceptionally safe to walk through.
Transit, parking and getting around
Arlington Transit (ART) routes 52 and 55 serve the area directly, alongside Metrobus lines along Langston Boulevard. The Virginia Square-GMU and Ballston-MU Metrorail stations (Orange/Silver lines) are approximately a 15- to 20-minute walk south.
Street parking is readily available and generally free on residential side streets (though watch for neighborhood permit restrictions on certain blocks), with free customer surface lots outside commercial strip centers.
Things to do in Cherrydale
- Browse historic goods and home essentials at the legendary Cherrydale Hardware, serving the community since 1938.
- Hop onto the nearby paved Custis Trail for a scenic bike ride or jog connecting straight into Rosslyn and Washington, D.C.
- Pick up handcrafted cakes and artisan baked goods at the neighborhood favorite Pastries by Randolph.
Local favorites
- Pastries by Randolph · Bakery · 4.7★ (680)A revered community bakery crafting high-end cakes, European pastries, and artisanal breads since 1988.
- Cowboy Cafe · Bar & Grill · 4.4★ (850)A laid-back neighborhood watering hole known for homestyle comfort eats, craft beer, and casual pub vibes.
- Gaijin Ramen Shop · Japanese Restaurant · 4.5★ (520)A cozy local noodle shop serving rich ramen bowls, small plates, and craft cocktails in modern digs.
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.