Is Waverly Hills safe?
Arlington, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Waverly Hills as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Waverly Hills
“Go. Waverly Hills is an exceptionally safe, affluent, and quiet residential neighborhood in North Arlington. Visitors can comfortably explore its leafy streets, parks, and nearby dining corridors at any time of day or night with minimal concern for personal safety.”
About the area
Waverly Hills is a picturesque residential neighborhood in North Arlington featuring a blend of classic mid-century homes, modern architecture, and mature tree canopies. It sits just south of Langston Boulevard and north of the bustling Ballston commercial corridor, offering a peaceful suburban ambiance with urban amenities within walking distance. The area is highly family-oriented, well-maintained, and characterized by active civic engagement.
- Family-Friendly
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Affluent
- Quiet & Suburban
Walking and biking in Waverly Hills
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 74/100
Capital Bikeshare stations are positioned along Langston Boulevard and Glebe Road, providing seamless access to the Custis Trail, which links directly to the Mount Vernon and W&OD trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime is practically nonexistent, and overall crime rates sit far below national and regional averages.
- Exceptionally strong economic foundation with high median household incomes exceeding $180,000 and poverty rates below 2%.
- Direct neighborhood access to Waverly Hills Park and close proximity to the paved Custis Trail.
- Very high rate of homeownership and meticulously maintained residential properties.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins along perimeter streets.
- Cut-through traffic and congestion during rush hours along bounding arteries like North Glebe Road and Langston Boulevard.
- Limited commercial nightlife directly inside the neighborhood footprint, requiring a walk to adjacent corridors.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the residential streets of Waverly Hills. Rare, transient panhandling may occasionally occur near busy intersections on Langston Boulevard or North Glebe Road.
What Waverly Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and parents walking children to local schools under quiet, sunlit streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and residential, with very low foot traffic inside the neighborhood and light pedestrian activity along the commercial edges.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Welcoming and family-centric as neighbors return from work, stroll to nearby dinner spots, and gather in local parks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with virtually no pedestrian presence; walking is safe, though taking standard nighttime awareness precautions is always smart.
Transit, parking and getting around
Arlington Transit (ART) routes 51, 52, and 72 operate along perimeter corridors, while Metrobus lines run along Langston Boulevard. The Ballston-MU Metro Station (Orange and Silver lines) is located roughly a 15- to 20-minute walk (0.8 to 1.2 miles) south.
Street parking throughout the neighborhood is abundant and mostly free, though some streets closer to commercial areas have residential permit restrictions during weekday business hours.
Things to do in Waverly Hills
- Relax or let kids play at Waverly Hills Park, featuring open green space, a playground, and shaded seating.
- Take an architectural walk along North Woodstock and Vermont streets to view charming historic bungalows and custom homes.
- Walk north to the Langston Boulevard corridor to sample renowned local bakeries, markets, and neighborhood eateries.
Local favorites
- Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe · Bakery · 4.6★ (2100)Long-running German bakery offering authentic pastries, artisan breads, deli sandwiches, and specialty sausages.
- Cowboy Cafe · American Bar & Grill · 4.4★ (950)Beloved, unpretentious neighborhood pub serving classic burgers, wings, and hearty comfort food.
- Gaijin Ramen Shop · Ramen Restaurant · 4.4★ (520)Cozy Japanese spot serving rich ramen bowls, rice dishes, and craft appetizers made with house-made broths.
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.