Is Lake Shores safe?
Virginia Beach, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Lake Shores as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Lake Shores
“Go. Lake Shores is a quiet, well-established suburban community bordered by scenic inland lakes and positioned close to Chesapeake Bay beaches. Visitors will encounter a safe, stable environment with low crime rates, where routine common-sense precautions are sufficient.”
About the area
Lake Shores is a leafy mid-century residential neighborhood in northwestern Virginia Beach tucked beside Lake Smith and Lake Lawson. It is defined by single-family homes, waterfront pockets, and a strong presence of military and civilian families. While strictly residential and car-dependent, it offers peaceful surroundings and quick access to coastal dining and recreation.
- Suburban
- Waterfront Pockets
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Lake Shores
Walk score: 22/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There is no municipal bike-share system in the neighborhood, but interior residential streets are calm enough for casual cycling, connecting directly to multi-use paths in Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly below national and regional metro averages.
- High rate of homeownership and residential stability with median household incomes above $80,000.
- Immediate access to the 42-acre Lake Lawson / Lake Smith Natural Area with walking trails and boat ramps.
Cons
- Car break-ins and occasional opportunistic property thefts occur along street parking areas.
- Almost completely car-dependent with virtually no walkable retail or dining within the interior streets.
- Proximity to major corridors like Northampton Boulevard brings occasional commuter traffic spillover.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within Lake Shores, with only occasional panhandling observed near major commercial intersections along Northampton Boulevard.
What Lake Shores is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant, with residents jogging and walking dogs along quiet, tree-canopied streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very low foot traffic and minimal activity, offering a safe and relaxed suburban atmosphere.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential dusk with low vehicular traffic and a comfortable, secure setting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and dark due to standard residential lighting; safe, though deserted after hours.
Transit, parking and getting around
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) operates bus service along Northampton Boulevard (Route 15), but there is no direct rail transit or internal neighborhood bus routing, requiring a personal vehicle for convenient transit.
Plentiful and free curbside street parking is available along residential streets, with ample complimentary surface parking at all nearby shopping centers.
Things to do in Lake Shores
- Hike the nature trails and fish from the scenic piers at Lake Lawson / Lake Smith Natural Area.
- Launch a kayak or canoe for a tranquil paddle around Lake Smith.
- Take a short drive north to relax on the calmer waters and sands of Chic's Beach along the Chesapeake Bay.
Local favorites
- TASTE · Gourmet Deli & Specialty Market · 4.6★ (850)Beloved local specialty grocer serving artisan sandwiches, housemade sides, and gourmet gifts.
- Dockside Seafood Restaurant · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (2150)Laid-back waterfront marina restaurant and market offering fresh local catches and sunset views.
- HK on the Bay · American Grill & Tavern · 4.4★ (980)Popular local tavern featuring burgers, oysters, live music, and a classic neighborhood pub feel.
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.