Is Mears Corner safe?
Virginia Beach, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Mears Corner as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Mears Corner
“Go. Mears Corner is a tranquil, established suburban enclave in Virginia Beach with low crime rates and a strong community feel. While it is primarily residential and auto-centric, visitors will find a peaceful and safe environment for casual dining and everyday errands.”
About the area
Mears Corner is a classic mid-century to late-20th-century suburban neighborhood situated near the intersection of Indian River Road and Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach. Characterized by single-family homes, mature tree canopies, and localized shopping centers, it offers a laid-back residential atmosphere. The area has strong ties to military families and long-term homeowners.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
- Residential
Walking and biking in Mears Corner
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 46/100
There are no dedicated city bike-share stations in Mears Corner, and cyclists must navigate shared roadways or standard sidewalk paths alongside traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly below national and regional metro averages
- High rates of homeownership and well-maintained residential properties
- Quick vehicular access to Regent University, Kempsville, and Interstate 64
- Active neighborhood presence with minimal street-level disturbances
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like unlocked vehicle larcenies in commercial lots
- Car-dependent layout with sparse pedestrian infrastructure along major corridors
- Heavy commuter traffic and intersection congestion along Indian River Road during rush hours
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically nonexistent in the residential sectors, with only rare, isolated instances of panhandling near major highway off-ramps or intersections.
What Mears Corner is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with morning school runs, dog walkers, and commuters heading toward I-64.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and safe, with standard commercial activity in the neighborhood retail plazas.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm residential vibe as families return home; commercial areas remain secure and well-lit.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and minimal street activity; exceptionally safe though dimly lit on interior residential streets.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), with bus routes such as Route 12 running along Indian River Road. There is no direct rail or BRT connection in the immediate vicinity, making personal vehicles the primary mode of travel.
Parking is abundant and entirely free throughout the neighborhood, with large open surface lots in shopping centers and easy driveway or curb parking along residential roads.
Things to do in Mears Corner
- Shop for local produce and specialty goods at nearby neighborhood strip centers along Indian River Road
- Take a short drive to explore the historic grounds and library at nearby Regent University
- Enjoy outdoor leisure and sports facilities at the adjacent Kempsville Recreation Center
Local favorites
- Pollard's Chicken · Southern Restaurant · 4.4★ (980)Longtime local staple serving Virginia-style fried chicken, homemade biscuits, and classic sides.
- No. 1 Chinese Restaurant · Chinese Takeout · 4.2★ (230)Dependable neighborhood takeout spot known for generous portions and fast service.
- The Bagel Baker · Bakery & Cafe · 4.6★ (1250)Nearby favorite offering authentic New York-style boiled and baked bagels and breakfast 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.