Is Merrimac safe?
Blacksburg, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Merrimac as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Merrimac
“Go. Merrimac is a peaceful, low-density residential community situated between Blacksburg and Christiansburg that enjoys exceptionally low crime rates. While it is mostly residential and requires a vehicle for most errands, it is safe, scenic, and offers premier access to regional multi-use trail networks.”
About the area
Merrimac is an unincorporated community and residential area in Montgomery County, historically rooted in coal mining and now serving as a quiet corridor between Blacksburg and Christiansburg. The neighborhood features a mix of single-family homes, open green spaces, and scenic mountain views along the paved Huckleberry Trail. Visitors primarily pass through to enjoy outdoor recreation and historic markers detailing the region's industrial heritage.
- Quiet & Rural
- Trail-Connected
- Scenic
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Merrimac
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 68/100
Merrimac is directly bisected by the Huckleberry Trail, a premier multi-use paved greenway connecting downtown Blacksburg, Virginia Tech, and Christiansburg.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Extremely low rates of violent and property crime compared to national benchmarks
- Direct corridor access to the paved 15-mile Huckleberry Trail
- Tranquil, low-traffic rural-suburban environment with minimal commercial congestion
Cons
- Lacks pedestrian sidewalks and street lighting along primary roadways
- Virtually no neighborhood retail or dining within direct walking distance
- Heavily reliant on personal vehicles for daily necessities and commuting
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a factor in Merrimac, with no encampments or panhandling present in the area.
What Merrimac is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and crisp, with cyclists, dog walkers, and runners utilizing the Huckleberry Trail in broad daylight.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and sunlit with light local residential traffic and very low safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and family-oriented as commuters return home; trail activity winds down around sunset.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and quiet with very little vehicle movement and zero safety disturbances.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by Blacksburg Transit (BT), which operates routes nearby along Prices Fork and South Main Street, but fixed-route buses do not navigate interior Merrimac residential roads.
Parking is abundant and free at designated trailheads, local businesses, and private driveways, though parking along narrow county road shoulders is discouraged.
Things to do in Merrimac
- Walk, run, or cycle along the scenic paved Huckleberry Trail corridor
- Explore the historic coal mining exhibits and remnants at Merrimac Coal Heritage Park
- Take a short drive to nearby craft breweries and dining spots along the Blacksburg-Christiansburg corridor
Local favorites
- Eastern Divide Brewing Company · Brewery · 4.6★ (520)Modern craft brewery offering panoramic hilltop views, locally sourced farm-to-table food, and artisanal beers.
- Due South BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (2150)Down-home pit-smoked pork, brisket, and Southern sides located just off the Merrimac connector route.
- Carol Lee Donut Shop · Bakery · 4.8★ (1280)Long-running local institution serving classic handmade donuts a short drive north into Blacksburg.
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.