Is Deanwood / Burrville / Lincoln Heights safe?
Washington, Washington, D.C. · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Deanwood / Burrville / Lincoln Heights as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Deanwood / Burrville / Lincoln Heights
“Go with care. While Deanwood and Burrville feature strong neighborhood pride and historic residential streets, elevated rates of violent crime, particularly near transit hubs and housing complexes, require high situational awareness. It is generally advisable for daytime visits to community landmarks rather than evening exploration.”
Ward 7 continues to see targeted MPD violence intervention initiatives addressing recurring gun violence and carjackings near the Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue corridor and Lincoln Heights.
About the area
Deanwood, Burrville, and Lincoln Heights form a historic Northeast D.C. community east of the Anacostia River, known for modest craftsman bungalows and civil rights history along Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue. The area blends established single-family residential blocks with dense public housing complexes currently undergoing long-term revitalization.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Residential
- Transit-Accessible
Walking and biking in Deanwood / Burrville / Lincoln Heights
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Capital Bikeshare stations are positioned near Deanwood Metro and the recreation center, connecting easily to the Marvin Gaye Trail and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Higher rate of single-family homeownership in Deanwood and Burrville compared to many East of the River neighborhoods
- Rich local history tied to educator Nannie Helen Burroughs and architect Roscoe I. Vaughn
- Modern community amenities including the Deanwood Community Center and Library
- Direct Metrorail transit access via the Orange Line at Deanwood Station
Cons
- Violent crime and homicide rates remain significantly above the national and District-wide averages
- Poverty rates in parts of Lincoln Heights exceed 30%, accompanied by elevated underemployment
- Limited commercial retail and full-service dining options within walking distance
- Persistent issues with late-night loitering and property crime near major transit stops
Homelessness: Visible street homelessness is relatively low on interior residential streets, with occasional unhoused individuals or panhandling observed near Deanwood Metro station, convenience plazas, and bus transfer points.
What Deanwood / Burrville / Lincoln Heights is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active with commuters walking to Deanwood Metro and children heading to local schools; generally low conflict during early daylight hours.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Residential streets are calm, though commercial corners and bus transfer zones see increased foot traffic and occasional street loitering.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity tapers quickly into quiet residential blocks, but vigilance is warranted around major thoroughfares and housing complexes.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Walking alone is not recommended due to significantly elevated risks of violent encounters, street robberies, and vehicle break-ins.
Transit, parking and getting around
Serviced by WMATA Metrorail at Deanwood Station (Orange Line) and nearby Minnesota Ave Station, alongside frequent Metrobus routes including the U7, V2, V4, and W4 along Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave and Sheriff Road.
Street parking is widely available and predominantly free with residential permit restrictions on select blocks, with a modest park-and-ride lot available at Deanwood Metro station.
Things to do in Deanwood / Burrville / Lincoln Heights
- Visit the modern Deanwood Community Center to use the indoor aquatic facility and public library
- Explore the historic architectural heritage along Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue NE
- Access the nearby Marvin Gaye Park trail for walking and community events
Local favorites
- Subway / Deanwood Station · Sandwich Shop · 3.8★ (110)Standard quick-service sandwich outpost serving commuters right beside the Metro station.
- Deanwood Deli & Grocery · Convenience Store & Deli · 4.1★ (65)Neighborhood corner grocer offering daily essentials, snacks, and prepared hot subs.
- Open Crumb · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.7★ (320)Acclaimed nearby scratch kitchen serving homestyle fried chicken, braised greens, and baked goods.
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.