Is Long Branch Creek safe?
Arlington, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Long Branch Creek as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Long Branch Creek
“Go. Long Branch Creek is a peaceful, well-maintained residential enclave in South Arlington with very low violent crime and strong community safety. Visitors can comfortably explore local parks and residential streets while exercising typical situational awareness regarding property security.”
Recent local police blotter entries reflect primarily minor property theft from parked vehicles rather than violent incidents.
About the area
Long Branch Creek is a quiet residential neighborhood situated in South Arlington, nestled near the Army Navy Country Club and the Four Mile Run corridor. It features a mix of single-family homes, garden apartments, and community parks offering easy access to both Arlington and Alexandria amenities.
- Quiet Residential
- Park-Adjacent
- Family-Friendly
- Suburban Feel
Walking and biking in Long Branch Creek
Walk score: 56/100 · Bike score: 68/100
Capital Bikeshare stations are positioned near Gunston Community Center, offering quick access to the Four Mile Run Trail and the regional W&OD Trail network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low compared to state and national benchmarks.
- Backed by Arlington County's strong public infrastructure, well-funded municipal services, and high median household incomes.
- Abundant access to green spaces, community centers, and regional trail networks.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic theft from parked motor vehicles and exterior property.
- Bordered by busy arterial roads like South Glebe Road and I-395, creating localized traffic congestion.
- Limited retail and dining directly within the residential core, requiring short trips outward for amenities.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a significant presence within the interior residential streets. Panhandling is occasionally seen at busy retail strip intersections along South Glebe Road, but encampments are absent.
What Long Branch Creek is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and commuters heading toward transit hubs and highways.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet with low vehicle traffic and completely safe residential walking conditions.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and family-oriented as residents return home and use neighborhood parks and recreational facilities.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and quiet; generally safe, though unlit park paths and wooded areas should be avoided in the dark.
Transit, parking and getting around
Arlington Transit (ART) routes 87 and 77 and WMATA Metrobus lines run along South Glebe Road and 24th Street, providing direct connections to the Crystal City and Pentagon Metrorail stations roughly 1.5 miles away.
Street parking is largely free and easy to find on residential streets, though some sections enforce residential zone permit rules during weekday commute hours.
Things to do in Long Branch Creek
- Enjoy the outdoor athletic fields, playground, and community center at Gunston Park.
- Walk or run the quiet shaded paths connecting to the nearby Long Branch stream valley.
- Access the paved Four Mile Run Trail for extended scenic cycling into National Landing or Alexandria.
Local favorites
- Weenie Beenie · Hot Dog Stand / Fast Casual · 4.3★ (890)Historic roadside stand serving classic half-smokes, breakfast sandwiches, and barbecue since 1954.
- Los Chamacos Mexican Restaurant · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (320)Neighborhood spot along Glebe Road known for authentic tacos, fajitas, and margaritas.
- Snouts & Stouts · Dog Park & Bar · 4.7★ (510)Indoor dog park offering craft beer, food, and social events for pets and their owners.
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.