Is East Highland Park safe?
Henrico, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates East Highland Park as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on East Highland Park
“Go with care. East Highland Park is a modest, quiet residential suburb in Henrico County that is generally peaceful during the day, though visitors should remain alert after dark along busier thoroughfares. While mostly residential and low on traditional tourist destinations, it offers straightforward access to regional attractions like the Richmond Raceway.”
Henrico County Police have occasionally stepped up patrols near the Richmond city border along Meadowbridge Road to address localized property crime and traffic enforcement.
About the area
East Highland Park is an unincorporated suburban community in Henrico County just northeast of the Richmond city limits. Dominated by mid-century single-family homes, leafy residential streets, and commercial corridors along Meadowbridge Road and Laburnum Avenue, it has a working-class community feel. Visitors primarily pass through for events at the nearby raceway complex or to access local dining spots.
- Suburban Residential
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
- Working-Class
Walking and biking in East Highland Park
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There is no dedicated bike-share system in this part of Henrico County, and cyclists must share standard roadways as there are few dedicated bike lanes or direct greenway connections.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower violent crime rates compared to adjacent urban districts across the Richmond city line
- Stable residential homeownership and quiet neighborhood side streets
- Convenient driving access to Interstate 64, Interstate 295, and downtown Richmond
Cons
- Occasional property crimes, such as vehicle break-ins along commercial strips and apartment complexes
- Below county-average median household income with limited commercial investment
- Sparse pedestrian infrastructure and poor street lighting on several secondary roads
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the residential core, though occasional panhandling or unhoused individuals can be seen near major commercial intersections along Laburnum Avenue and Mechanicsville Turnpike.
What East Highland Park is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and low-key as residents commute to work and school across Henrico and Richmond.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with moderate traffic along Meadowbridge Road and Laburnum Avenue.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet in residential pockets, though commercial plazas require standard vigilance regarding vehicle security.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and dark; walking on unlit side streets is not recommended due to limited pedestrian visibility.
Transit, parking and getting around
GRTC provides bus service to the area primarily via Route 7A/B and Route 91, connecting riders to downtown Richmond and transfer centers; there is no rail or BRT station in the immediate area.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the area, with open residential street parking and ample surface lots at all commercial centers.
Things to do in East Highland Park
- Attend a NASCAR race or community expo at the Richmond Raceway Complex located on the neighborhood border
- Explore local history and green space nearby at Bryan Park or Meadowood Park
- Enjoy casual local dining along the Laburnum Avenue and Mechanicsville Turnpike commercial strips
Local favorites
- Inner City Blues Home Cooking · Southern Restaurant · 4.6★ (430)Down-home counter-serve spot renowned for Carolina-style barbecue, fried chicken, and classic soul food sides.
- Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken · Fast Food / Southern · 4.1★ (750)Longtime local staple on Meadowbridge Road serving homestyle fried chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea.
- The Ville Craft Pizza and Beer · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (380)Casual neighborhood pizzeria and taproom serving specialty pies, wings, and Virginia craft beers.
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.