Is Clarkes Forge safe?
Chesterfield, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Clarkes Forge as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Clarkes Forge
“Go. Clarkes Forge is a quiet, established suburban residential community in Chesterfield County with low rates of violent crime. Visitors will find a tranquil neighborhood setting with minimal safety concerns, though you will need a personal vehicle to access shopping, dining, and attractions.”
About the area
Clarkes Forge is a mature single-family subdivision located in northern Chesterfield County, Virginia. The neighborhood features tree-lined residential streets, spacious lots, and a calm, family-oriented atmosphere typical of Richmond's suburban ring.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Clarkes Forge
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 28/100
There are no dedicated on-street bike lanes or bike-share hubs in the neighborhood, though the low-speed residential streets are quiet enough for neighborhood riding, and Pocahontas State Park's trail system is a short drive away.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low violent crime rates well below state and national metropolitan averages
- High rates of stable, long-term homeownership and well-kept residential properties
- Quiet neighborhood streets with virtually no through-traffic congestion
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins typical of suburban corridors
- Car dependency with no retail or commercial amenities within immediate walking distance
- Lack of continuous pedestrian sidewalks throughout interior neighborhood streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in this purely residential suburban neighborhood, with support services located primarily along major commercial arteries in the county and in downtown Richmond.
What Clarkes Forge is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents walking dogs and heading out for morning commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and safe with occasional delivery trucks and local residential traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential with families relaxing at home and well-lit driveways.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark with very little activity; basic situational awareness is sufficient.
Transit, parking and getting around
GRTC provides bus transit for the greater Richmond region, but Clarkes Forge is entirely suburban with no direct bus routes or rapid transit within walking distance, requiring a vehicle for travel.
Ample free private driveway and curbside street parking is easily accessible throughout the neighborhood without permits or meters.
Things to do in Clarkes Forge
- Take a quiet morning stroll or jog through the low-traffic residential loops
- Explore nearby Pocahontas State Park for extensive hiking and mountain biking trails
- Visit the nearby Chesterfield County Museum and historic courthouse complex for local history
Local favorites
- Sergio's Pizza · Italian Restaurant & Craft Beer Bar · 4.5★ (1280)A popular local spot known for gourmet specialty pizzas, classic pasta dishes, and an extensive rotating craft beer list.
- Bell Cafe · Cafe & Bakery · 4.6★ (310)A cozy neighborhood cafe offering espresso beverages, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh baked goods.
- El Patron Cantina · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (640)Casual eatery serving authentic Mexican fare, sizzling fajitas, and fresh margaritas.
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.