Is Edgewater safe?
Norfolk, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Edgewater as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Edgewater
“Go. Edgewater is one of Norfolk's safest and most affluent waterfront residential neighborhoods. Visitors can explore its quiet, tree-lined streets and river vistas with virtually no safety concerns.”
About the area
Edgewater is a picturesque, established waterfront neighborhood nestled along the Lafayette River in northwestern Norfolk. Known for its stately 20th-century architecture, manicured lawns, and tranquil residential ambiance, it sits conveniently between Old Dominion University and Naval Station Norfolk.
- Quiet / Residential
- Historic Waterfront
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined Streets
Walking and biking in Edgewater
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 58/100
Neighborhood streets have very low vehicle traffic and are comfortable for cycling, though dedicated lanes are scarce. Cyclists can connect south to the Elizabeth River Trail near ODU.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest in the city of Norfolk
- High household incomes and strong homeownership rates foster a well-maintained, stable community
- Scenic waterfront vistas and quiet streets ideal for walking and jogging
- Minutes away from cultural amenities at Old Dominion University and Ghent
Cons
- Susceptible to localized street flooding during high tides and severe weather
- Virtually no internal retail or dining, requiring travel to adjacent neighborhoods
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Edgewater due to its strictly residential layout. Panhandling and encampments are absent, with urban social services located further south in downtown Norfolk.
What Edgewater is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with neighbors jogging, walking dogs, and enjoying the river breeze.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and safe with low vehicle traffic and pleasant suburban atmosphere.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential with families out walking; completely comfortable for visitors.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and deserted, but generally very safe with negligible street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides bus service primarily via Route 2 along adjacent Hampton Boulevard. The nearest Tide Light Rail station is the EVMC/Fort Norfolk stop, located roughly 3 miles south.
Street parking is free, abundant, and unrestricted throughout the neighborhood's residential grid. There are no parking meters or public parking garages.
Things to do in Edgewater
- Take a scenic walking tour of historic colonial and craftsman homes along the Lafayette River
- Launch a kayak or stand-up paddleboard into the calm waters of the Lafayette River
- Visit the nearby Barry Art Museum and Old Dominion University campus just to the south
Local favorites
- Borjo Coffeehouse · Coffee Shop · 4.4★ (720)Lively community cafe serving specialty coffee, smoothies, and breakfast wraps near the neighborhood border.
- The Ten Top · New American Restaurant · 4.8★ (1050)Beloved nearby micro-eatery dishing out creative sandwiches, seasonal entrees, and housemade soups.
- Handsome Biscuit · Southern Restaurant · 4.6★ (2200)Cult-favorite eatery nearby serving inventive sweet potato biscuit sandwiches and craft sodas.
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.