Is Highland Springs safe?
Henrico, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Highland Springs as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Highland Springs
“Go with care. Highland Springs is a quiet, working-class suburb east of Richmond that is generally peaceful during the day. While residential streets are calm, commercial corridors along Nine Mile Road see occasional property crime and minor disturbances. Standard personal awareness is sufficient for visitors exploring local landmarks or passing through.”
Henrico County Police have periodically increased patrols along the Nine Mile Road corridor to deter vehicle break-ins and retail theft.
About the area
Highland Springs is an established, historic community in eastern Henrico County featuring modest mid-century homes and small local commercial strips. Located just north of Richmond International Airport, it retains a distinct small-town feel despite proximity to downtown Richmond. Visitors are mostly drawn by historic sites like the Art Deco Henrico Theatre and long-standing neighborhood eateries.
- Suburban
- Working-Class
- Historic
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Highland Springs
Walk score: 46/100 · Bike score: 41/100
There is no bike-share system in Highland Springs, and dedicated bike lanes are virtually non-existent, though the Virginia Capital Trail is accessible a few miles south via secondary roads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Predominantly single-family residential neighborhoods with steady homeownership
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to nearby urban Richmond districts
- Convenient access to Richmond International Airport and major highways like I-64
- Active community preservation efforts anchored by the historic Henrico Theatre
Cons
- Pockets of opportunistic property crime and vehicle larceny along main thoroughfares
- Median household income is below the broader Henrico County average with modest infrastructure upkeep
- Poor pedestrian lighting and limited sidewalk connectivity off the primary roads
- Commercial strip plazas along Nine Mile Road can feel desolate after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal, though occasional panhandling occurs around highway exits, gas stations, and bus stops along Nine Mile Road. There are no major encampments or dedicated homeless shelters within the immediate neighborhood.
What Highland Springs is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with school buses and residents commuting, feeling very safe on both residential and commercial streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Steady and relaxed with light commercial foot traffic around local shops along Nine Mile Road.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet in residential areas, though commercial plazas become dimly lit and require situational awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are largely deserted; walking alone off well-lit main strips is not recommended due to low visibility and isolated property crime risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
GRTC Transit System provides local bus service via Route 7A/B along Nine Mile Road, connecting directly to downtown Richmond; there is no rail or BRT service in this area.
Parking is abundant and free, with dedicated lots at local businesses and ample, non-metered curbside parking along residential streets.
Things to do in Highland Springs
- Catch a classic film or live performance at the restored 1930s Art Deco Henrico Theatre
- Explore the quiet green spaces and sports facilities at Highland Springs Community Center and Park
- Sample local comfort foods and classic southern cooking at long-standing neighborhood diners
Local favorites
- Henrico Theatre · Performing Arts & Cinema · 4.8★ (320)A beautifully restored 1938 Art Deco venue hosting retro movie screenings and community stage performances.
- Roberto Italian Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (460)A neighborhood fixture serving hearty portions of classic pasta dishes, subs, and New York-style pizza.
- Carolina Bar-B-Q · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.3★ (290)Unfussy, long-running counter-serve spot known for traditional pulled pork and classic southern sides.
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.