Is Hume safe?
Alexandria, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Hume as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Hume
“Go. Hume is a calm, predominantly residential pocket in Alexandria with very low violent crime rates and an established neighborhood feel. Visitors can stroll the leafy streets comfortably at nearly any time of day while staying close to Del Ray and Potomac Yard amenities.”
About the area
Hume is a compact, attractive residential neighborhood nestled between Del Ray and Arlandria in northern Alexandria. It features a mix of mid-century single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses with quick access to bustling retail corridors along Mount Vernon Avenue.
- Quiet Residential
- Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Close to Dining
Walking and biking in Hume
Walk score: 74/100 · Bike score: 81/100
Capital Bikeshare docks are positioned along Mount Vernon Avenue and Route 1, providing easy connections to the Four Mile Run Trail and Mount Vernon Trail networks.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rate compared to national and regional metro averages
- High median household incomes and stable homeownership base supporting neighborhood upkeep
- Immediate walking proximity to the dining and retail offerings along Mount Vernon Avenue
- Fast access to regional job centers in Arlington, Crystal City, and downtown Washington, D.C.
Cons
- Occasional vehicle break-ins and package theft typical of inner-ring suburbs
- Cut-through traffic and limited parking on narrower residential streets during peak hours
- Limited internal commercial core requiring walks to adjoining commercial strips for dining
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the Hume neighborhood itself, with only occasional individuals encountered near major bus transfer points or retail plazas along nearby commercial thoroughfares.
What Hume is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant with residents walking dogs and heading out for morning jogs along tree-shaded sidewalks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with light local traffic and standard neighborhood activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential vibe as commuters return home and locals walk down toward Mount Vernon Avenue for dinner.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally very safe and dark; staying aware of your surroundings is standard practice, but street activity is minimal.
Transit, parking and getting around
DASH Bus and WMATA Metrobus routes run frequently along Mount Vernon Avenue and Route 1, providing direct connections to the Potomac Yard-VT Metro Station (Blue and Yellow Lines) located about a 15- to 20-minute walk away.
Street parking in Hume is mostly free and readily available on residential roads, though some streets near Mount Vernon Avenue have local permit restrictions or fill up during evening hours.
Things to do in Hume
- Walk to nearby Mount Vernon Avenue to browse eclectic independent shops and bakeries
- Relax and play sports at the nearby Four Mile Run Park and surrounding green spaces
- Stroll the neighborhood to admire vintage mid-century brick homes and landscaped gardens
Local favorites
- Evening Star Cafe · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)A Del Ray staple just down the avenue serving upscale American comfort food with a lively rooftop lounge.
- Junction Bakery & Bistro · Bakery & Cafe · 4.4★ (890)Popular neighborhood bakery offering fresh pastries, artisanal breads, and hearty brunch dishes.
- The Dairy Godmother · Ice Cream Shop · 4.6★ (1050)Beloved spot serving rich Wisconsin-style frozen custard and classic fruit sorbets.
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.