Is Powells 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 Powells Corner as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Powells Corner
“Go. Powells Corner is a typical, safe suburban Virginia Beach neighborhood consisting mainly of quiet residential subdivisions and retail strip centers. Visitors face minimal safety risks outside of standard suburban vehicle break-ins and property crimes near major roadway corridors.”
About the area
Powells Corner is an established suburban pocket in Virginia Beach centered around accessible commercial nodes and quiet residential cul-de-sacs. It offers convenient access to central Virginia Beach amenities, military bases, and nearby waterways without the intense seasonal traffic of the oceanfront.
- Suburban Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Powells Corner
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 45/100
There are no dedicated city bike-share stations; biking is mostly limited to residential neighborhood streets, as major connector roads lack continuous protected bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both state and national averages.
- Strong middle-to-upper-middle household income levels and high homeownership rates foster community stability.
- Well-maintained suburban infrastructure with minimal blight and very low housing vacancy.
Cons
- Occasional vehicle break-ins and minor property thefts in commercial retail parking lots.
- High vehicle speeds along primary thoroughfares create hazards for pedestrians.
- Lacks dense walkable attractions, requiring a car for almost all activities.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable factor in this area, with occasional individuals near high-traffic commercial intersections but no permanent encampments or shelters.
What Powells Corner is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with local residents walking dogs, jogging, and commuting along arterial roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere accompanied by moderate vehicular traffic around shopping plazas.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and secure across subdivisions, with well-lit retail zones winding down before nightfall.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and minimal street activity; exceptionally quiet and generally safe.
Transit, parking and getting around
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides limited bus service along major arterials such as Route 20, but there is no nearby rail service; a personal vehicle is necessary.
Parking is exceptionally easy and universally free, with abundant spaces in strip mall surface lots and unrestricted curb parking in residential areas.
Things to do in Powells Corner
- Explore the nearby Lynnhaven River tributaries via public boat ramps and kayak access points.
- Shop and dine along the surrounding Princess Anne and Virginia Beach commercial corridors.
- Take a short drive to Mount Trashmore Park for walking trails, lake views, and kite flying.
Local favorites
- Pollard's Chicken · Southern Restaurant · 4.4★ (820)Longtime local staple serving crispy Virginia-style fried chicken and traditional Southern sides.
- Tally Ho Market · Deli & Convenience · 4.3★ (115)Neighborhood convenience market and deli known for fresh subs, cold cuts, and quick snacks.
- Taste Unlimited · Gourmet Sandwich Shop · 4.6★ (940)Upscale regional cafe and specialty market offering artisanal sandwiches and local pantry goods.
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.