Is Washington Forest safe?
Alexandria, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Washington Forest as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Washington Forest
“Go. Washington Forest is a quiet, leafy residential enclave in Alexandria's West End that boasts very low violent crime and a serene suburban environment. It is exceptionally safe for everyday strolls, outdoor recreation along neighboring nature trails, and residential visits.”
About the area
Washington Forest is an established, tree-shaded neighborhood featuring single-family homes and townhouses adjacent to Holmes Run and Dora Kelley Nature Park. The area offers a secluded, nature-oriented atmosphere while maintaining close proximity to major Northern Virginia commuter routes and commercial centers.
- Quiet Residential
- Wooded / Leafy
- Family-Friendly
- Park-Adjacent
Walking and biking in Washington Forest
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 48/100
The neighborhood offers direct access to the paved Holmes Run Trail network, with several Capital Bikeshare docks located around nearby parks and the Mark Center transit hub.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly below regional and national averages
- High household incomes and strong homeownership rates foster well-maintained properties
- Direct walking access to expansive parklands and paved nature trails at Holmes Run
- Peaceful suburban setting with minimal through-traffic congestion
Cons
- Car dependency requires personal vehicle access for most retail and dining errands
- Occasional crimes of opportunity, such as opportunistic vehicle break-ins on residential streets
- Limited commercial activity directly inside neighborhood boundaries
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable factor within the residential interior of Washington Forest, with only occasional individuals visible near major commercial strip centers along nearby arterial corridors.
What Washington Forest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents walking dogs and runners accessing the nearby trail heads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet with low vehicle traffic and families enjoying backyard spaces and local greenways.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe with residents returning home and walking through well-lit suburban lanes.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Exceptionally quiet with minimal street activity; general suburban awareness is all that is required.
Transit, parking and getting around
Alexandria DASH bus routes (including Lines 35 and 36B) and WMATA Metrobuses operate along bordering thoroughfares like Seminary Road, connecting to the Van Dorn Street and King Street-Old Town Metrorail stations located roughly 3 to 4 miles away.
Street parking is free, unrestricted, and easily accessible on most neighborhood residential streets, and almost all homes feature private driveways or dedicated lots.
Things to do in Washington Forest
- Hike the forested trails and explore interactive wildlife exhibits at the Jerome 'Buddie' Ford Nature Center
- Jog or cycle along the scenic Holmes Run Stream Valley Trail
- Walk among native plants and tranquil water features at the neighboring Winkler Botanical Preserve
Local favorites
- Jerome 'Buddie' Ford Nature Center · Nature Center · 4.7★ (310)A popular environmental education facility offering interactive exhibits and trail connections.
- Clyde's at Mark Center · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (2650)A classic lodge-style dining destination known for fresh seafood and traditional American fare.
- City Kitchen · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1720)A nearby rustic-chic eatery serving craft cocktails, artisanal pizzas, and regional comfort food.
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.