Is North Old Town safe?
Alexandria, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates North Old Town as “Go”.
Gogo's take on North Old Town
“Go. North Old Town is an upscale, tranquil, and very safe waterfront enclave situated just north of the bustling King Street corridor. Visitors can comfortably stroll, dine, and explore the riverfront parks at virtually any hour with standard awareness.”
About the area
North Old Town offers a relaxed blend of modern luxury condominiums, historic brick townhomes, and peaceful riverfront green spaces along the Potomac River. It combines easy pedestrian access to central Old Town's dining with a noticeably quieter, neighborhood-oriented atmosphere.
- Upscale Waterfront
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Quiet & Residential
- Pedestrian-Friendly
Walking and biking in North Old Town
Walk score: 82/100 · Bike score: 85/100
Capital Bikeshare stations are situated along North Fairfax and Montgomery Streets, with seamless access to the multi-use Mount Vernon Trail hugging the Potomac River shoreline.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low, with local safety supported by high household incomes exceeding $130,000
- Scenic and well-maintained waterfront parks along the Potomac River
- Quiet residential setting within walking distance of central Old Town's retail core
- High rates of homeownership, low residential vacancy, and well-kept infrastructure
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins and bicycle thefts
- Traffic congestion along North Washington Street (Route 1) during rush hours
- Noticeably fewer dining and shopping options than the heart of King Street
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in North Old Town, with only occasional individuals passing through along North Washington Street or resting near transit stops.
What North Old Town is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and filled with joggers, dog walkers, and commuters heading toward the trail or Metro.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and open with steady neighborhood activity in parks and around local cafes.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quietly vibrant as residents return home and diners gather around neighborhood bistros.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and generally serene, feeling secure on well-lit main streets with standard night awareness.
Transit, parking and getting around
DASH Bus routes and WMATA Metrobus lines traverse North Washington and North Fairfax Streets, connecting directly to the Braddock Road Metro Station (Blue/Yellow Lines), which is about a 10 to 15-minute walk west.
Street parking is managed through residential permit zones and 2-to-3-hour visitor allowances, alongside several commercial underground garages near Montgomery and Madison Streets costing $10-$20 daily.
Things to do in North Old Town
- Stroll or picnic along the waterfront at Oronoco Bay Park with skyline views across the Potomac
- Walk, run, or cycle along the scenic paved paths of the Mount Vernon Trail
- Explore the waterfront sculpture and green lawns at Rivergate City Park
Local favorites
- Hank's Oyster Bar - Alexandria · Seafood Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Popular spot offering fresh raw oysters, coastal classics, and craft cocktails in a stylish setting.
- Oak Steakhouse Alexandria · Steakhouse · 4.5★ (560)Contemporary steakhouse offering refined cuts of beef, fine wines, and upscale hospitality.
- Mae's Market and Cafe · Cafe & Deli · 4.6★ (230)Charming gourmet market serving artisanal sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and pantry essentials.
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.