Is Saint Elmo safe?
Alexandria, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Saint Elmo as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Saint Elmo
“Go. Saint Elmo is a peaceful, upscale residential enclave embedded in the greater Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, making it one of the safest and most welcoming areas in Northern Virginia. Visitors can walk comfortably around the clock, with basic situational awareness against occasional petty theft being the only real precaution needed.”
About the area
Saint Elmo is a quiet, tree-lined historic neighborhood nestled alongside Alexandria's vibrant Del Ray district. Defined by early 20th-century bungalows, manicured gardens, and quick access to the Mount Vernon Avenue commercial strip, it offers a relaxed, small-town atmosphere just minutes from Washington, D.C.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Walkable Dining Hub
- Tranquil Residential
Walking and biking in Saint Elmo
Walk score: 84/100 · Bike score: 88/100
Several Capital Bikeshare stations are positioned along Mount Vernon Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, offering seamless connection to the nearby Mount Vernon Trail and Four Mile Run Trail networks.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low compared to both regional and national averages.
- Strong socioeconomic profile with median household incomes well over $140,000 and high homeownership rates.
- Pleasant, highly walkable streets with active neighborhood foot traffic and strong community engagement.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle rufflings and porch package theft.
- Narrow historic residential streets can cause tight driving clearances and limited guest parking.
- Higher housing and retail costs across the immediate surrounding Del Ray corridor.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Saint Elmo. You may very occasionally see an individual asking for assistance near major transit junctions or grocery centers further out along Route 1, but there are no encampments in the neighborhood.
What Saint Elmo is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Vibrant and calm with joggers, dog walkers, and commuters heading toward local coffee spots and transit stops.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and active with shoppers along Mount Vernon Avenue and strollers meandering through residential side streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Warm and inviting as restaurant patios fill up with diners and neighborhood streets remain quiet and well lit.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and peaceful with very low vehicle and foot traffic, remaining safe for walking alone.
Transit, parking and getting around
Transit is provided by DASH Bus (Lines 30, 31, and 33) and WMATA Metrobus. The nearest rail transit is the Braddock Road Metro Station (Blue/Yellow Lines), approximately a 15-to-20-minute walk south.
Street parking in the residential grid is generally free, though some zones are designated for resident permit holders during peak hours. Free and metered street parking along Mount Vernon Avenue is accessible, though spots turn over quickly during weekends.
Things to do in Saint Elmo
- Stroll along nearby Mount Vernon Avenue to browse independent boutiques, coffee shops, and artisan bakeries.
- Spend a relaxing afternoon with family or pets at nearby Goat Hill Park or Eugene Simpson Stadium Park.
- Pick up fresh local produce and baked goods at the year-round Del Ray Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings.
Local favorites
- St. Elmo's Coffee Pub · Coffee Shop & Cafe · 4.5★ (1050)A beloved Del Ray institution serving espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries in a lively community setting.
- Pork Barrel BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (1600)Award-winning neighborhood spot dishing out wood-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and hearty Southern sides.
- The Dairy Godmother · Frozen Custard Shop · 4.6★ (880)Retro-style dessert parlor famous for Wisconsin-style frozen custard, sorbets, and house-baked nostalgic treats.
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.