Is Lacey Forest safe?
Arlington, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Lacey Forest as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Lacey Forest
“Go. Lacey Forest is an exceptionally safe, affluent, and peaceful residential neighborhood nestled in Arlington. Visitors can comfortably stroll, jog, or explore the area at almost any hour with minimal safety concerns.”
About the area
Lacey Forest is a leafy, well-maintained neighborhood characterized by charming mid-century single-family homes, mature oak trees, and the expansive Lacey Woods Park. It sits immediately adjacent to the vibrant Westover commercial district and the scenic Custis Trail.
- Quiet & Residential
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Parks & Greenery
Walking and biking in Lacey Forest
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 77/100
Capital Bikeshare stations are located nearby along Washington Boulevard and near Westover, offering seamless access to the Custis Trail and Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime is near-zero and property crime rates are significantly lower than regional averages
- High household median incomes exceeding $160,000, high owner-occupancy, and well-maintained properties
- Direct neighborhood access to Lacey Woods Park and the regional Custis multi-use trail
Cons
- Primarily residential with limited commercial offerings directly within neighborhood borders
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins or package thefts typical of quiet suburban pockets
- Bordered by major thoroughfares (Washington Blvd and I-66 corridor) requiring caution at major crossings
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in Lacey Forest. There are no encampments or panhandling hot spots in the neighborhood.
What Lacey Forest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and commuters heading toward transit or the trail.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and tranquil with neighborhood park activity and light local vehicular traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe with residents walking home from nearby Westover restaurants and shopping.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and exceptionally quiet residential streets with virtually no foot traffic and minimal safety risk.
Transit, parking and getting around
WMATA Metrorail's East Falls Church Station and Ballston-MU Station (Orange/Silver lines) are each roughly a 20- to 25-minute walk or a short bus ride away, served directly by Arlington Transit (ART) bus routes 52 and 53 and Metrobus routes.
Street parking on residential roads is abundant, generally free, and unmetered, though some streets immediately adjacent to commercial strips require residential permits during peak hours.
Things to do in Lacey Forest
- Walk the shaded nature trails, play tennis, or picnic at Lacey Woods Park
- Jog or cycle along the scenic paved Custis Trail connecting to Rosslyn and Washington D.C.
- Stroll over to the adjacent Westover shopping area for local dining and community events
Local favorites
- Westover Market & Beer Garden · Grocery Store & Beer Garden · 4.6★ (920)Beloved neighborhood market featuring an extensive craft beer wall, deli counter, and outdoor patio.
- The Italian Store (Westover) · Italian Deli & Specialty Market · 4.7★ (1450)Famous Northern Virginia staple serving authentic subs, New York-style pizza, and imported Italian groceries.
- Toby's Homemade Ice Cream · Ice Cream Shop · 4.8★ (780)Award-winning local creamery serving rich, handcrafted ice cream in classic and innovative flavors.
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.