Is Lico safe?
Dunbar, West Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Lico as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Lico
“Go. Lico in Dunbar is a quiet, modest residential and light commercial riverfront community that is generally safe for visitors during normal hours. While the Kanawha Valley deals with regional substance-related property crimes, violent incidents are rare here. Basic situational awareness is sufficient when exploring.”
About the area
Lico is a small, quiet neighborhood pocket located in Dunbar along the Kanawha River, characterized by mid-century single-family homes, local auto and trade shops, and easy proximity to larger regional parks. It offers a low-key, small-town atmosphere just a few miles west of Charleston.
- Quiet Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Riverfront Community
- Suburban
Walking and biking in Lico
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There is no bike-share system in Dunbar, and cycling is primarily on mixed-traffic residential roads with no dedicated protected bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low rates of random violent crime compared to Charleston metro averages
- Close proximity to the Kanawha River and Dunbar Village Green amenities
- Stable residential pocket with high vehicle access per household
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property theft and vehicle break-ins common to regional corridors
- Aging housing stock and modest median household income levels
- Limited street lighting and pedestrian infrastructure on secondary roads
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in the Lico residential section, though occasional individuals may be seen passing through along Route 25 transit corridors.
What Lico is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and calm as residents commute to local jobs across the Charleston metro area.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet suburban streets with light local traffic and occasional neighborhood dog walkers.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Generally safe and quiet, though limited sidewalk lighting means staying on main routes is advisable.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low activity with dark side streets; maintain vehicle security against opportunistic petty theft.
Transit, parking and getting around
Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KRT) provides bus service along Route 25 / Dunbar Avenue (Route 2), connecting directly to downtown Charleston.
Free on-street residential parking and dedicated off-street business lots are readily available throughout the neighborhood without meters.
Things to do in Lico
- Stroll along the Kanawha River recreation areas near Wine Cellar Park
- Visit the historic Dutch Hollow Wine Cellars nearby in Dunbar
- Attend community events and youth sports at the Dunbar Recreation Center
Local favorites
- Husson's Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.3★ (230)A regional Kanawha Valley staple serving signature square-cut pizzas and subs.
- Ridge View BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.6★ (480)Popular local smokehouse offering ribs, pulled pork, and traditional sides.
- Tudor's Biscuit World · Breakfast & Brunch · 4.4★ (610)Iconic West Virginia breakfast chain famous for massive biscuit sandwiches.
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.