The history of Richmond dates to the early part of the 17th century.
The city survived several wars and skirmishes to become a land transportation hub.
The 20th century brought more people to settle in Richmond, which made it the most populous city in the state.
Neighborhoods developed that became havens for high crime and poverty.
Some other neighborhoods became areas where people appreciate their homes and work hard to have a good life and enjoy their Richmond neighborhood.
The best Richmond neighborhoods, where many people live and raise families, work, and enjoy their retirement years, offer amenities and low crime rates.
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10 Safest Neighborhoods in Richmond VA
1. Malvern Gardens
Malvern Gardens has less than 1,500 residents.
The neighborhood consists of single-family homes and apartment buildings.
Most people own their homes in Malvern Gardens.
It has an exceptional livability score, based on an analysis from Area Vibes.
There are only a couple of neighborhood parks.
Residents have other amenities, such as good restaurants, museums, and theaters.
People who live in the neighborhood have a slightly higher cost of living, compared to the Richmond VA average.
Residents have a median income of $105,048.
The median income is 59 percent higher than the median income for the state.
Malvern Gardens is known for its low crime rate.
The crime rate for the neighborhood is 49 percent lower than the national average.
It is 39 percent lower than the state average.
2. Short Pump
The Short Pump neighborhood originally settled around a tavern in the 19th century.
It was expanded, and residents began living in homes in Short Pump.
A rumor claims that the neighborhood got its name from a short-handled water pump that stagecoach horses drank from when they passed through the neighborhood.
Located at the far west end of Richmond, the Short Pump neighborhood is just over nine square miles.
More than 27,000 people live in the neighborhood today.
It has an exceptional score for livability and has good schools and amenities.
Residents know that their neighborhood is safe because of its low crime rate.
The chance of becoming a victim of a crime in the neighborhood is 54 percent lower than the national average.
The overall crime rate is 45 percent lower than the Virginia average.
3. Mary Munford
The neighborhood of Mary Munford lies northwest of downtown Richmond.
It is a popular neighborhood for families.
The cost of living is higher than the state average, but residents enjoy the amenities and the good schools.
The nearby healthcare facilities and the safety of the neighborhood are other reasons why residents live in the Mary Munford neighborhood.
The crime rate in Mary Munford is low, even though the state’s year-over-year crime rate is up.
People have a one in 118 chance of being a crime victim, which is 63 percent lower than the U.S. average.
The overall crime is much lower than the state average.
4. Stonewall Court
A good livability score is one reason that people choose to live in the Stonewall Court neighborhood.
The neighborhood stretches just a few blocks.
It is an exclusive neighborhood with fewer than 900 residents.
The median income for Stonewall Court residents is $159,538, which is 141 percent higher than the state’s average median income.
Residents pay to live in the neighborhood, where the cost of a home averages more than $544,000.
The chance of becoming a crime victim in the Stonewall Court neighborhood is lower than the state average.
It is also lower than the national average.
5. Powhite Park
Powhite Park is a small neighborhood with fewer than 250 residents.
The affordable neighborhood features several restaurants, a few museums, and theaters.
The cost of living in Powhite Park is seven percent lower than the average cost of living in Virginia.
Residents also live in Powhite Park because it is a safe neighborhood.
Crime in Powhite Park is a rare occurrence.
Your chance of becoming a victim of a crime is 82 percent lower than the national average.
The overall crime rate is lower than the Virginia overall crime rate.
6. Colonial Place
The exceptional livability score, the great schools, and the easy commute are some reasons that residents call Colonial Place home.
The cost of living is a little higher than the state average.
Many of the 2.243 residents enjoy the entertainment options and other amenities, such as the City Stadium, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and The Writing Room.
Colonial Place has excellent schools, with a 97 percent high school graduation rate.
Safety in the neighborhood is another feature that draws residents to Colonial Place.
The neighborhood crime rates are lower than the state average and the U.S. average.
7. Pine Camp
Pine Camp is a neighborhood where families and singles enjoy a small community feel and good schools.
It is an affordable neighborhood, where the cost of living is 10 percent lower than the Richmond average cost of living.
Several neighborhood parks and food and drink establishments dot the area.
Amenities include options for adults and kids, such as the CWD Kids Treehouse and Movieland.
Pine Camp is one of the safest neighborhoods with a low chance of residents or visitors becoming crime victims.
The overall crime rate is 72 percent lower than the Virginia average.
8. The Museum District
Residents of The Museum District enjoy great schools, where students regularly have school test scores that exceed the national average.
The cost of living is 14 percent higher than the state average.
People who live in the neighborhood consider the higher cost of living a trade-off for the excellent amenities.
Visit the Virginia Center for Architecture, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Studio Two Three, and the Jungle Room.
Take in the natural beauty of the neighborhood by visiting the parks.
Neighborhood safety is another reason that residents choose to live in The Museum District.
The chance of becoming a victim of any crime is lower than the national average.
The crime rate is lower than the U.S. average for overall crime rates.
9. Broad Rock Sports Complex
The Broad Rock Sports Complex neighborhood features affordable homes for families, singles, and retirees who reside in a neighborhood of fewer than 500 residents.
It is a desirable neighborhood, although there are only a few amenities.
The sports complex is a premier, multipurpose sports and entertainment facility.
Residents also enjoy several food and drink options, at the Victory Theater.
The low crime rate is another reason to live in the Broad Rock Sports Complex neighborhood.
The crime rate is 86 percent lower than the U.S. average for overall crime.
It is 83 percent lower than the state average for crime.
10. Westlake Hills
The Westlake Hills neighborhood is a quiet, middle-class neighborhood.
Residents appreciate the affordable homes and family lifestyle.
The population of 1,355 residents also appreciates having nearby amenities, such as the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater, the Wilton House Museum, and the Maymont Farm.
The cost of living is nine percent lower than the state average.
The crime rate is below the state average and the national average.
The chance of becoming a crime victim in Westlake Hills is 70 percent lower than the U.S. average.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Richmond, VA
- Plan your trip to Richmon. Planning your trip, including mapping your route, will help you to feel safer, especially if you do not know the Richmond area.
- Do not go to a neighborhood just because of the amenities. Some Richmond neighborhoods that have attractive amenities, such as entertainment options, have safety issues. Know the neighborhood before you venture into it.
- Keep the cash at home. Use your credit or debit card instead of paying in cash when visiting Richmond. People who carry cash should avoid letting others see it.
- Do not make yourself a target. Do not wear expensive jewelry or designer clothing if you go into the less-than-desirable neighborhoods of Richmond, VA.
- Book your hotel in a safe neighborhood. Do not choose a hotel simply because of the low cost of staying there. Make sure your hotel is in a safe neighborhood.
Richmond Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Richmond Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dangerous Richmond neighborhoods?
The Jeff Davis neighborhood, the Hillside Court neighborhood, Oakwood, and Mosby neighborhoods all have high crime rates.
How safe is Richmond, VA?
Richmond had a decrease in violent crimes in 2021.
Violent crimes increased after 2021, with more homicides occurring in 2023, compared to 2022.
Property crimes are also up in some neighborhoods.
Are there affordable neighborhoods that are also safe?
Richmond has several neighborhoods where the cost of living is affordable for residents.
Check the cost of living in the safest neighborhoods to choose the best neighborhood for your budget and needs.
