Is Coleman Place safe?
Portsmouth, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Coleman Place as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Coleman Place
“Go with care. Coleman Place is a quiet, modest residential pocket in Portsmouth, but the broader surrounding area experiences elevated rates of property crime and occasional violent incidents. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly after dark, and keep vehicles locked and secured.”
Recent regional reporting highlights ongoing citywide law enforcement initiatives in Portsmouth aimed at curbing gun violence and vehicle thefts across central residential sectors.
About the area
Coleman Place is a small, primarily residential neighborhood in Portsmouth, Virginia, featuring mid-century single-family homes and quiet residential streets. It offers convenient proximity to major roadways including I-264 and downtown Portsmouth's historic Olde Towne waterfront district.
- Residential
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
- Modest
Walking and biking in Coleman Place
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There are no dedicated municipal bike-share stations in Coleman Place, but low-speed residential streets accommodate cautious cycling connecting toward waterfront routes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient highway access via I-264 and Martin Luther King Jr Freeway for regional commutes
- Established residential setting with standalone single-family homes and driveways
- Close driving distance to historic Olde Towne dining, museums, and waterfront parks
Cons
- Above-average property crime and vehicle break-in rates across the broader Portsmouth area
- Higher poverty and vacancy rates compared to Virginia state averages
- Lack of walkable commercial amenities within the neighborhood boundaries, necessitating a vehicle
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal directly within the residential blocks of Coleman Place, though individuals experiencing homelessness are occasionally seen along nearby major commercial corridors.
What Coleman Place is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are generally calm with light traffic as residents head out for their daily commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons remain quiet with occasional delivery vehicles and local neighborhood foot traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings are subdued, but variable street illumination requires extra caution when walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights are quiet and isolated; walking alone outdoors after midnight is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides bus service along nearby arterial corridors such as Portsmouth Boulevard and High Street, connecting riders to Olde Towne and regional transfer hubs.
Street parking is generally easy and free along residential curbs, with most single-family residences also featuring private off-street driveways.
Things to do in Coleman Place
- Explore the historic architecture, art galleries, and dining along High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth
- Visit Portsmouth City Park for waterfront views, golf, and walking trails along the Elizabeth River
- Tour the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum to learn about local maritime and military history
Local favorites
- The Bier Garden · German Restaurant · 4.6★ (2100)Longstanding Bavarian-style pub featuring authentic German cuisine and a vast international beer selection.
- Roger Brown's Restaurant and Sports Bar · Sports Bar & Grill · 4.1★ (1850)Spacious venue offering classic American pub fare, seafood specialties, and ample sports viewing.
- The Coffee Shoppe · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (420)Charming local cafe serving espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh pastries near the waterfront.
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.