Is Westmont safe?
Arlington, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Westmont as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Westmont
“Go. Westmont is a peaceful and highly secure neighborhood in South Arlington anchored by the vibrant Columbia Pike corridor. Visitors will find safe, tree-lined residential streets with minimal crime beyond occasional vehicle break-ins along busier thoroughfares.”
About the area
Westmont is a diverse, welcoming residential enclave in Arlington, Virginia, nestled just north of Columbia Pike. It features a blend of quiet single-family homes, garden apartments, and easy access to an eclectic dining scene along the Pike.
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Diverse Dining
- Quiet Residential
Walking and biking in Westmont
Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 74/100
Capital Bikeshare stations are positioned along Columbia Pike, offering easy access to the Four Mile Run Trail and Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low and well below regional and national averages
- High household incomes, low poverty rates, and strong civic infrastructure typical of Arlington County
- Active, well-maintained neighborhood streets with quick access to county parks
Cons
- Occasional property crimes such as vehicle break-ins and package theft along commercial edges
- Heavy commuter traffic on Columbia Pike and South Glebe Road during rush hours
- No direct Metrorail station within immediate walking distance
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior neighborhood, with only occasional individuals or panhandling observed near major bus stops and commercial shopping plazas along Columbia Pike.
What Westmont is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with dog walkers, joggers, and commuters heading toward local bus stops.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with steady residential activity, light foot traffic, and open park spaces.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively around Columbia Pike restaurants with families and diners out; neighborhood streets remain quiet and safe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with low pedestrian traffic; walking feels safe, though staying aware along major corridors is prudent.
Transit, parking and getting around
Arlington Transit (ART) and WMATA Metrobus operate frequent lines along Columbia Pike (16-series buses) and Glebe Road (ART 41, 45), connecting directly to the Ballston-MU and Pentagon Metrorail stations in 10 to 15 minutes.
Residential street parking is readily available throughout Westmont with few permit restrictions off the main drag, while commercial plazas along Columbia Pike offer free or low-cost surface lots.
Things to do in Westmont
- Explore the global dining options and local pubs along Columbia Pike
- Stroll or play sports at nearby Doctors Branch Park or Alcova Heights Park
- Pick up fresh produce and artisan goods at the Columbia Pike Farmers Market at Pike Park
Local favorites
- The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant · Irish Pub · 4.6★ (1650)Authentic Irish comfort dishes, draught pints, and weekend brunch in a warm community tavern setting.
- Ruthie's All-Day · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (1420)Acclaimed wood-fired grill and comfort food bistro serving classic barbecue and brunch near Glebe Road.
- Taqueria El Charrito Caminante · Mexican Restaurant · 4.7★ (480)Beloved hole-in-the-wall spot famous for authentic tacos, tortas, and homestyle Mexican fare.
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.