Is Highland Park safe?
Blacksburg, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Highland Park as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Highland Park
“Go. Highland Park is an exceptionally safe, charming, and quiet residential neighborhood situated just minutes from downtown Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. Visitors can walk the tree-lined streets with peace of mind during both day and night.”
About the area
Highland Park is an established, picturesque residential enclave characterized by mid-century homes, mature trees, and well-tended gardens. It provides a peaceful suburban atmosphere while offering immediate proximity to the dining, cultural amenities, and university campus along North Main Street.
- Quiet Residential
- Tree-Lined / Leafy
- Family-Friendly
- University Adjacent
Walking and biking in Highland Park
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 74/100
Blacksburg is highly bike-friendly, and Highland Park provides straightforward street access to the paved 15-mile Huckleberry Trail system, with Roam NRV regional bike-share stations located nearby along Main Street.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Exceptionally low rates of violent and serious property crime well below state and national benchmarks
- High homeownership rate with stable, well-maintained residential properties and active civic care
- Convenient proximity to Virginia Tech and downtown Blacksburg without the heavy student party noise
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic bicycle or unlocked vehicle thefts typical of a college town perimeter
- Few commercial amenities located directly within the interior residential blocks
- Street parking restrictions apply on select blocks during Virginia Tech home football weekends
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Highland Park. There are no encampments or panhandling in this residential neighborhood.
What Highland Park is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Crisp, welcoming, and very safe with residents walking dogs and joggers taking advantage of low-traffic streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and quiet with occasional cyclists and students commuting back and forth from campus.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Tranquil and safe as families and faculty unwind in a peaceful neighborhood setting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely calm and quiet; while street lighting can be soft on side streets, walking remains exceptionally safe.
Transit, parking and getting around
Blacksburg Transit (BT) operates frequent, reliable bus service along North Main Street and Patrick Henry Drive (including the Main Street and Toms Creek routes) connecting directly to Virginia Tech and the Transit Center.
Street parking is generally easy and free on residential streets, though check posted signs for event-day restrictions during university athletic events.
Things to do in Highland Park
- Stroll along the quiet, leafy residential streets to view classic mid-century architecture and community gardens
- Connect to the nearby Huckleberry Trail for a scenic walk, jog, or bike excursion
- Walk a few blocks to North Main Street to explore local bakeries, cafes, and independent shops
Local favorites
- Carol Lee Donuts · Bakery / Donut Shop · 4.8★ (1420)A legendary local institution serving handmade, classic glazed and cake donuts since 1968.
- Idego Coffee · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (340)A sleek specialty coffee bar offering expertly crafted espresso drinks and pour-overs.
- Sugar Magnolia · Dessert Shop & Gifts · 4.7★ (460)Charming boutique offering artisan ice cream, gourmet chocolates, paper goods, and gifts.
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.