Is Westover safe?
Arlington, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Westover as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Westover
“Go. Westover is one of the safest and most idyllic neighborhood enclaves in Arlington, boasting virtually non-existent violent crime and an exceptionally strong community atmosphere. Visitors can comfortably explore the central village strip and surrounding residential greenways at any time of day or evening.”
About the area
Westover is a charming, village-like neighborhood in North Arlington centered around a compact, walkable commercial strip along Washington Boulevard. It blends mid-century garden apartments, stately single-family homes, shaded parks, and beloved local independent businesses.
- Family-Friendly
- Village Feel
- Leafy & Tree-Lined
- Walkable Dining Strip
Walking and biking in Westover
Walk score: 73/100 · Bike score: 78/100
Multiple Capital Bikeshare stations are positioned in the neighborhood, providing direct access to the paved Custis Trail for seamless, off-street commuting across the region.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are virtually non-existent and property crime is well below national averages.
- Exceptionally strong economic fundamentals with median household incomes well exceeding $160,000.
- High level of civic investment, featuring well-maintained parks, an active library branch, and strong public services.
- Direct neighborhood access to the Custis multi-use paved trail network.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic theft from unlocked parked vehicles or unsecured bicycles.
- No immediate heavy-rail Metro station directly in the center, requiring a short bus trip or a 20-minute walk.
- Extremely high housing and commercial costs limit diversity of price points.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Westover. There are no encampments or panhandling hot spots in the area.
What Westover is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog-walkers, joggers, and residents picking up coffee along Washington Boulevard.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively and welcoming, with children at the nearby parks and patrons visiting local shops.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Warm and social as families and neighbors fill outdoor dining patios and local eateries.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and safe, though predominantly residential streets mean foot traffic drops off significantly.
Transit, parking and getting around
Arlington Transit (ART routes 52 and 53) and Metrobus (route 2A) serve Washington Boulevard, providing regular connections to the East Falls Church Metro Station (Orange and Silver Lines) located about one mile away.
Parking is straightforward, with free short-term street spots along Washington Boulevard, dedicated rear business parking lots, and ample unmetered residential street parking.
Things to do in Westover
- Grab a craft brew and listen to live music on the patio at the Westover Market Beer Garden.
- Hop on a bicycle and ride the scenic Custis Trail connecting to the Mount Vernon Trail and Washington, D.C.
- Browse local books and relax in the garden area outside the Westover Branch Library.
Local favorites
- Westover Market & Beer Garden · Beer Garden & Specialty Grocery · 4.5★ (780)A landmark neighborhood hub offering craft beers, deli fare, local groceries, and a bustling outdoor garden.
- The Italian Store (Westover) · Italian Deli & Market · 4.6★ (1150)Famed local deli known for classic New York-style subs, fresh pizza slices, and imported Italian goods.
- Lost Dog Cafe · Pizza & Sandwich Restaurant · 4.5★ (1220)Community-favorite dining spot serving gourmet pizzas, craft beer, and sandwiches while supporting pet rescues.
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.