Is North Highland safe?
Arlington, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates North Highland as “Go”.
Gogo's take on North Highland
“Go. North Highland is an exceptionally safe, prosperous residential neighborhood in Arlington, characterized by tree-lined streets, high-end single-family homes, and modern apartment complexes. Violent crime is rare, and visitors can explore or walk freely with standard urban awareness.”
About the area
Situated just north of the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor and Langston Boulevard, North Highland offers a quiet, leafy suburban feel right next to bustling urban amenities. It attracts young professionals, federal workers, and families due to its affluent profile, well-kept parks, and proximity to Washington, D.C.
- Affluent Residential
- Tree-Lined / Peaceful
- Family-Friendly
- Urban-Suburban Mix
Walking and biking in North Highland
Walk score: 76/100 · Bike score: 72/100
Multiple Capital Bikeshare stations are positioned nearby, with quick access to the Custis Trail and Mount Vernon Trail connections leading directly into Washington, D.C.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to national and regional metro averages
- Affluent economic foundation with median household income exceeding $140,000 and low poverty
- Well-maintained public infrastructure, manicured parks, and excellent emergency service response times
- Immediate walking access to the vibrant dining and retail corridors of Courthouse and Rosslyn
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like bicycle theft and unlocked vehicle prowls
- Heavy commuter traffic on bounding arteries during peak morning and evening rush hours
- Elevated cost of living with limited budget-friendly hospitality or dining within the strictly residential core
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the residential blocks of North Highland, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen near the major transit stations in adjacent Rosslyn or Courthouse.
What North Highland is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with morning dog walkers, joggers, and commuters heading toward Metro stations.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet residential atmosphere with families and remote workers out around local pocket parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pleasant and active with residents walking home from work or heading out to adjacent dining hubs.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and extremely quiet streets where standard nighttime situational awareness is sufficient.
Transit, parking and getting around
Arlington Transit (ART) bus routes 45 and 55 serve the area, with Courthouse and Rosslyn Metro stations (Orange/Silver/Blue lines) located within a 10-to-15 minute walk.
Residential street parking largely requires Arlington County residential permits (Zone 5/6), but visitor zones and metered spaces are accessible along Langston Boulevard and near commercial nodes.
Things to do in North Highland
- Visit Dawson Terrace Community Center and Park for quiet green space, basketball, and tennis courts
- Walk the shaded historic streets to explore mid-century and modern Northern Virginia architecture
- Stroll over to nearby Langston Boulevard and Courthouse Plaza for local international dining and weekend farmers markets
Local favorites
- Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe · German Bakery · 4.6★ (1780)Long-running European bakery offering authentic German pastries, fresh breads, pretzels, and custom cakes.
- Quarterdeck · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (1420)Neighborhood institution known for Maryland-style steamed blue crabs, draft beers, and a relaxed patio.
- Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar · Southern Restaurant · 4.4★ (3250)Popular nearby spot serving scratch-made Southern comfort food, craft cocktails, and brunch classics.
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.