Is Lakewood safe?

Norfolk, Virginia · safety score updated nightly

83out of 100

Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.

VibeLoco rates Lakewood as “Go”.

Gogo's take on Lakewood

“Go. Lakewood is one of Norfolk's most picturesque, safe, and established residential waterfront enclaves. While it offers little commercial activity within its interior borders, it provides a quiet, secure environment for walking, running, and admiring historic riverfront homes. Exercise standard caution regarding locked vehicles, as you would anywhere in the city.”

About the area

Tucked along the bends of the Lafayette River in north-central Norfolk, Lakewood is a charming, affluent neighborhood known for mature canopy trees and distinct 20th-century architecture. Primarily a suburban-style residential haven, it sits just minutes away from lively dining districts in North Colley and Ghent.

Historic / Waterfront
Quiet & Residential
Affluent Enclave
Car-Dependent

Walking and biking in Lakewood

Walk score: 34/100 · Bike score: 58/100

While dedicated bike lanes are absent within the neighborhood, residential streets have low speed limits and light traffic ideal for cycling, with easy bridge connections to the nearby Elizabeth River Trail in North Colley.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

Significantly lower violent and property crime rates than the broader Norfolk city average
High household incomes and strong rates of well-maintained owner-occupied housing
Scenic Lafayette River shoreline with tree-shaded, low-traffic neighborhood streets

Cons

Very car-dependent with virtually no retail, cafes, or dining within neighborhood boundaries
Occasional opportunistic property theft and vehicle break-ins along outer access points
Low-lying streets and shoreline areas can experience nuisance coastal flooding during heavy storms

Homelessness: Visible homelessness and encampments are practically nonexistent within Lakewood's residential core. Minor panhandling is occasionally observed at busy commercial intersections along peripheral corridors like Granby Street.

What Lakewood is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a: Peaceful and safe, with local residents walking dogs and runners taking advantage of scenic waterfront loops.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p: Very quiet and secure with minimal through-traffic and excellent visibility.
Evening · 5p – 10p: Calm and residential, suitable for evening strolls along tree-lined streets.
Late night · 10p – 5a: Extremely quiet and dark due to residential street lighting; very low pedestrian activity but generally secure.

Transit, parking and getting around

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) operates bus routes along peripheral arterial roads such as Granby Street (Route 1), but transit does not route through the neighborhood interior. Norfolk's light rail, The Tide, does not serve this part of the city.

Street parking is free, abundant, and unrestricted throughout the neighborhood's residential streets, and most homes feature private driveways.

Things to do in Lakewood

Take a scenic walk or jog along the river loops of Willow Wood Drive and River Oaks
Enjoy the waterfront green spaces, tennis courts, and playground at nearby Lakewood Park
Launch a kayak or paddleboard onto the calm waters of the Lafayette River

Local favorites

Elation Brewing · Brewery & Taproom · 4.7★ (610)
A popular nearby neighborhood gathering spot featuring craft beer, artisanal pizzas, and outdoor seating just across the river.
Cogan's Pizza North Colley · Pizza Restaurant · 4.4★ (850)
Laid-back joint serving specialty pies, wings, and craft beers on tap near the Lakewood border.
Ritter's Frozen Custard · Ice Cream Shop · 4.6★ (480)
A nostalgic roadside walk-up counter on Granby Street known for rich, freshly made frozen custard treats.

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.