Regarding retiring, raising a family, or enjoying a high quality of life, Virginia towns and cities offer a variety of options.
However, several destinations stand out when it comes to security, peace, and safety.
As a whole Virginia is considered one of the safest states in the U.S.
According to FBI crime data, Virginia features the 4th lowest violent crime rate with the 13th lowest property crime rate in the nation, while all major cities have violent crime rates well below the U.S. average.
The overall crime rate per 1,000 residents is 24.83 while the state has an average number of law enforcement professionals per 1,000 people at 2.85.
If you are interested in visiting the wonderful state of Virginia but are concerned with crime and safety, keep reading to learn more about the safest cities to visit!
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10 Safest Cities in Virginia
10: Dumfries
Located in the stunning Price William County, Dumfries is an exceptional place to call home.
In addition to having a consistently low crime rate, Dumfries boasts loads of scenic beauty, excellent city services, affordable housing, good schools, and a healthy job market.
With a population of only around 6,000 residents, the violent crime rate in 2021 was 1.3 per 1,000 residents, down slightly from 1.7 the year before.
The property crime rate dropped considerably from 14.1 per 1,000 residents to 7.8 in 2021.
9: Blacksburg
Featuring outstanding community services and great schools, Blacksburg is an amazing location to raise a family and is often ranked as one of the best places to retire in the U.S.
This quaint mountain town boasts a cost of living considerably below the national average and is home to Virginia Tech.
Other appealing attributes of Blacksburg include affordable housing and low crime rates.
While the violent crime rate jumped slightly from 0.9 in 2020 to 1.1 in 2021, 2022 is looking promising with a current crime rate of only 0.7.
On the other hand, property crimes went from 7.2 to 6.1 and are back at 7.0 in 2022.
8: Buena Vista
Spanish for a great view, it is difficult to find a more beautiful location than Buena Vista.
In addition to being one of the most delightful towns you will ever visit, Buena Vista is also one of the safest places to live in the state.
With a violent crime rate of 1.1 in 2021 and 0.5 in 2022 and a property crime rate that has dropped from 2.9 in 2021 to 2.5 in 2022, Buena Vista delivers a small-town experience that will present a mix of beautiful mountain scenery, history, and southern charm.
7: Lexington
If you are in search of a small city that has endless amenities to offer, then Lexington is your spot.
This picturesque town is often on Top 10 lists and it’s home to Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute.
In recent years, Lexington has become home to numerous artists and now has a thriving arts community.
Did I mention it is nestled in the stunning Shenandoah Valley?
Violent crimes in this quaint town of 7,500 were only 1/1000 in 2021 while property crimes had a low rating of 3.8 the same year.
6: Berryville
Located in Clarke County, Berryville is surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, so you cannot ask for a more scenic destination.
Also, the town has one of the most charming Main Streets in the entire state.
Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Berryville dates to the 18th century and has managed to maintain its small-town charm, an impressive safety record, and all the modern conveniences you could ask for.
In addition to the winsome downtown, Berryville boasts exceptional community services and is home to music and arts programs, a theater, farmers’ markets, and incredible resources making it a wonderful place for families.
5: Vienna
Vienna was the location of an early Civil War battle but is much more peaceful on these dates with an incredibly low violent crime rate of 0.8 and a low property crime rate of 1.5.
Towns like Vienna, where Civil War battles occurred, have blossomed into amazing and family-friendly communities with plenty of appetites to satisfy.
4: Manassas Park
Located in Prince William County directly south of Bull Run River, which was made famous by two famous Civil War battles, Manassas Park is the fourth safest city in Virginia.
Those battles, in which many were harmed, have given way to this amazing and vibrant community not far from the D.C. Metropolitan area.
While Manassas Park has a low violent crime rating of 2.5, it really shines with its 1.1 property crime rate.
3: Purcellville
Purcellville in Loudon County is regularly in the top three safest Virginia cities.
Featuring great schools, a quaint downtown, and a leisurely ride to the D.C. Metropolitan area and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Purcellville is the ideal family destination.
The town offers a flawless blend of new suburban communities and Victorian neighborhoods with amazing attractions and safe streets.
To add one more feather to the town’s cap, it’s located in the center of Virginia wine country!
Purcellville boasts a declining violent crime rate with 1.3 in 2020, 0.8 in 2021, and 0.4 in 2022.
The property crime rate dipped from 4.6 in 2020 to 3.6 in 2021.
2: Bridgewater
Another community that consistently makes all safety lists is Bridgewater in Rockingham County.
This small town, with a population of just 6,200, features an amazing downtown nestled amongst picturesque surroundings.
There is also a college in town which keeps the innovation and arts flowing.
Additionally, with a 0 crime rate in 2021, 0.2 in 2022, 3.7 and 3.2 property crime rates in 2021 and 2022, Bridgewater regularly has almost no crime.
1: Broadway
Also in Rockingham County is Broadway, which fights with Bridgewater for the safest.
With only 3,000 residents and countless community activities, Bridgewater is nestled amongst the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and an endless amount of American history.
Broadway is also close to I-81 if you needed to leave for some reason, providing easy access to events, shopping, and hiking.
Like Bridgewater, Broadway’s crime statistics are close to zero.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Virginia
While Virginia is an incredibly safe destination, you should never let your guard down and always take precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your belongings.
By following these five tips, you can better be prepared for your next visit.
Safety Tip #1: Keep Your Valuables in a Safe
Like with any destination, you do not want to leave your valuables sprawled out on the bed.
If you feel the need to take valuable jewelry and large amounts of cash with you on the trip, keep them in a safe.
In addition to protecting these items, it will also give you peace of mind.
Safety Tip #2: Be Aware in Large Crowds
The endless natural beauty, proximity to major cities, countless festivals, and many activities have made Virginia a great place to visit.
Therefore, during the summer months, large crowds flock to the state to enjoy a little piece of American history, enjoy the scenery, and relax.
That means you must always be on guard for your children and belongings while in areas with large crowds.
Safety Tip #3: Keep an Eye on Your Wallet on Mass Transit
While pickpocketing generally is not a problem on mass transit, it does not mean it cannot happen, so you must always keep your wallet and phone in your front pockets.
When carrying a bag or purse, keep it at the front of your body.
Safety Tip #4: Exercise Caution in the Wild
Countless individuals down in lakes and rivers while on vacation each year.
In addition to supervising your children in these bodies of water, if it is not a permitted place to swim, do not take the chance.
There could be undertows and currents you cannot see and can be swept downriver.
Also, when hiking in the woods, do not pet or feed any wild animals, just observe from a distance.
Safety Tip #5: Be Safe in the Heat
During the summer months, the heat and humidity in Virginia can be brutal.
That means you must pack plenty of sunscreens, a hat, and other clothes to cover your skin while outside.
Also, always stay hydrated and make sure you pack plenty of water when out for the day, especially when hiking.
Virginia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Virginia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wine a major attraction in Virginia?
While not as well known as California or the Finger Lakes, Virginia is home to over 300 wineries, making it the sixth-largest wine producer in the U.S.
What are some of the must-see attractions?
The top five recommended attractions include Arlington National Cemetery, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Shenandoah National Park, and George Washington’s House at Mount Vernon.
What are the different weather conditions during different seasons?
The summers are long and hot with lots of sunshine, the winters are mostly cloudy, windy, snowy, and can be frigid with a lot of ice, the spring is wet and rainy, and the fall is dry with cool and comfortable temperatures.
Norfolk’s waterfront charm coupled with its low crime rate makes it an ideal destination for families. Exploring the maritime museums and strolling along the scenic riverwalk felt like a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.