Is Herndon Heights safe?
Herndon, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Herndon Heights as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Herndon Heights
“Go. Herndon Heights is a quiet, well-maintained residential community in Fairfax County with low violent crime rates and an active neighborhood watch atmosphere. Visitors and residents can comfortably stroll the streets during the day and evening, though standard vigilance regarding vehicle security is always prudent.”
About the area
Herndon Heights is an established suburban neighborhood located just north of historic downtown Herndon, Virginia. It features tree-lined streets with mid-century single-family homes and townhouses, offering close proximity to regional parks and local community amenities.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Residential
- Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in Herndon Heights
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 68/100
Excellent access to the paved 45-mile Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail connects cyclists directly to Reston, Vienna, and Washington, D.C. Capital Bikeshare stations are situated in adjacent downtown Herndon.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to national and regional averages
- High median household incomes and stable, well-maintained residential housing stock
- Close proximity to historic Downtown Herndon, the W&OD Trail, and municipal parks
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like unlocked vehicle larcenies common to suburban corridors
- Suburban street layout with intermittent sidewalks requiring walking along street shoulders in some sections
- Limited commercial options directly within the residential boundaries requiring travel to Elden Street
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Herndon Heights. Occasional individuals experiencing homelessness may be seen near major retail centers along Elden Street, but no encampments exist in this neighborhood.
What Herndon Heights is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and residents commuting with very high personal safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet with light neighborhood traffic and children playing outdoors.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- A tranquil residential environment where residents walk comfortably after dark under standard residential lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and sleepy; crime remains rare, though streets can be dimly lit.
Transit, parking and getting around
Fairfax Connector buses serve the perimeter corridors along Elden Street and Herndon Parkway. The Herndon Silver Line Metrorail station is approximately two miles south, easily accessible by a short bus or car ride.
Free street parking is widely available throughout the residential subdivisions, with private driveways standard on most properties.
Things to do in Herndon Heights
- Walk or cycle along the nearby Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad Regional Park trail
- Explore the historic Herndon Depot Museum and nearby Town Green concerts and farmers markets
- Visit Runnymede Park for nature trails, birdwatching, and community nature events
Local favorites
- Jimmy's Old Town Tavern · American Restaurant & Pub · 4.6★ (2350)A beloved downtown Herndon staple serving classic pub fare and Buffalo-style specialties in a cozy, neighborhood setting.
- Green Lizard Cycling · Bicycle Shop & Cafe · 4.8★ (480)A popular community gathering hub offering bike sales, repairs, specialty coffee, and craft beers right off the trail.
- Aslin Beer Company · Brewery · 4.6★ (1150)A regional craft brewery recognized for innovative hazy IPAs, sours, and a welcoming community taproom experience.
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.