Is Alexandria Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Alexandria, Virginia, hugs the western bank of the Potomac River, just a few miles from the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C.

Alexandria’s proximity to Washington, D.C., offers visitors the unique advantage of exploring the nation’s capital’s iconic landmarks while enjoying the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere of a smaller city.

Founded in 1749, Alexandria has grown from a bustling colonial port into a vibrant, modern city that seamlessly blends its historical roots with contemporary appeal.

Its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, cobblestone streets, and waterfront views make it a picturesque destination for travelers seeking a taste of America’s past and present.

Nowhere is the history of Alexandria more apparent than in the Old Town district, a nationally designated historic district.

Even those who visit D.C. like to make a special trip to explore this stunning part of American history.

As a bonus, the National Harbor is just across the river in Maryland.

A ferry connects the two.

While Alexandria is known for its connection to the capital and has several federal agencies headquartered there, you might be surprised by the musical connections.

People like the drummer for The Police, Cass Eliott of The Mamas & The Papas, Dave Grohl of Nirvana/Foo Fighters fame, and Jim Morrison of The Doors have Alexandria connections.

Warnings & Dangers in Alexandria

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Alexandria has an average risk, tucked between low and medium, but we’ll stick with low, assuming you plan to practice basic personal safety standards. Plus, there are so many things to do in safe places.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Alexandria offers various transportation options. The Metrorail system provides convenient access to Washington, D.C. and other parts of Northern Virginia. DASH buses operate throughout Alexandria, and routes connect to Metrorail stations. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. Rental cars can be obtained at major airports and within the city. All options have a low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, with about 20 pickpockets or purse snatchings each year. That’s less than two a month on average. Overall, theft rates are high, so it’s wise to use medium-risk safety measures.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

While Alexandria, Virginia, enjoys a relatively mild climate, it is not immune to natural disaster risks. The primary concerns include hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, winter storms, and summer thunderstorms. The hurricane season runs from June through November. It’s important to treat this as a medium risk so you’re prepared for any kind of weather.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is 17% higher than the national average, with 27% of those being highway robberies. The risk is low, but 2023 had robbery numbers at the highest since 2015, so don’t let your guard down.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, faces potential terrorism risks. I’ll put it at a medium level, but you should know that the city maintains heightened security measures and a strong emergency response infrastructure, especially after 9/11. It is still crucial for residents and visitors to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and follow local authorities' safety guidelines to mitigate these risks.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. Looking through the most recent fraud and scam reports, some rather sophisticated fraud cases wouldn’t be the type to impact the average tourist. Knowing what to look for in a scammer helps keep the risk low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The average U.S. city sees 43 sexual assaults per 100,000 people. In Alexandria, that number is 2.5 per 100,000. Plus, there are things for women of all generations and interests to do here in safe areas. However, you need to follow general guidance on things like not walking around alone at night, getting lost in headphone music while waiting for a train or walking through a park staring at your phone.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. I always breathe a sigh of relief when I see American Water as the provider in an area. True to form, the 2023 Water Quality Report from American Water in Alexandria shows no violations and all standards met or exceeded.

Safest Places to Visit in Alexandria

Visit Alexandria is the name of the city’s tourism website.

Visit NoVA is another resource covering the region.

The state’s slogan, Virginia is for Lovers, is a clear indication you’re on a reliable resource website.

Old Town Alexandria offers a charming historic district teeming with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and colonial-era architecture, all backed by the beauty of the Potomac River.

One must-see location here is the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.

The apothecary (pharmacy) opened in 1792 and was in business until the Great Depression.

Now, the business is frozen in time, showcasing how medicines were made in that bygone era.

Guided tours are available, but if you call ahead, you can get a customized tour.

For example, Harry Potter fans can get a potion tour.

Once you reach the river, you’re at Old Town Alexandria Waterfront.

Art displays, boat tours, and a lively marina filled the space, along with waterfront dining options.

Water taxis depart here to National Harbor and also connect to The Wharf in Georgetown (D.C.)

The Mount Vernon Trail offers a scenic route for biking, running, or walking along the Potomac River, connecting several key sites and providing stunning views of Washington, D.C.’s monuments.

The waterfront is also where the Torpedo Factory Art Center is located.

The former munitions plant is now home to an array of artist’s studios and galleries showcasing a diverse range of contemporary artworks.

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial stands as a majestic landmark dedicated to the first U.S. president, offering panoramic city views from its observation deck and a fascinating museum detailing the history of Freemasonry.

History buffs should not miss the Carlyle House Historic Park, an 18th-century mansion that played a significant role during the American Revolution and now offers guided tours of its well-preserved rooms and gardens.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum provides an authentic glimpse into 18th-century life, featuring period furnishings and exhibits about its famous patrons, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Del Ray, a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood, is a laid-back, artsy part of town with colorful street art, unique shops, and a variety of dining options.

Nature lovers will find solace at Huntley Meadows Park, a tranquil wetland sanctuary with boardwalk trails, wildlife observation areas, and a rich array of bird species.

The Black History Museum brings to light the African American experience in Alexandria, with engaging exhibits and educational programs highlighting the contributions and struggles of the Black community.

A visit to Christ Church is a journey into the past, as this historic church, attended by George Washington and Robert E. Lee, still holds regular services and guided tours.

The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, offers comprehensive exhibits on local history, featuring artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of the city’s evolution.

A visit to the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum provides a fascinating look at American innovation, celebrating the achievements of inventors and showcasing their groundbreaking work through interactive exhibits.

Even with all this, we’ve barely scratched the surface of things to do in Alexandria, Virginia.

Hopefully, we’ve at least helped you get a grasp on the wonderful attractions available.

Places to Avoid in Alexandria

The worst you’ll find in Alexandria is a neighborhood that is or appears “sketchy.”

The area of Route 1 south of Old Town has seen its fair share of crime in recent years.

However, the best way to answer this question is to use the crime mapping technology available on the police department’s website.

Since crime rates and hot spots can change, that map allows you to search for the crimes that concern you most.

For example, search for car break-ins, assaults, or robberies within a mile of your hotel.

Look for car thefts over the past three months to see which lots are targeted the most.

If you’d rather not use the map, head to the Crime Database Search to enter the search parameters and then get results of the criminal activity near your chosen location.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Alexandria

So... How Safe Is Alexandria Really?

To start with, Virginia’s crime rate is about 40% lower than the national average.

That means it starts on a safer playing field than the other 60%.

However, we need to dig deeper into local crime statistics.

Alexandria’s violent crime rate in 2023 was 11% higher than the state average and 31% lower than the national average.

That rate is the highest in Alexandria since 2007.

Between 2018 and 2022, about one in four violent crimes happened to a person who didn’t know their assailant.

About 10 cars a week are stolen, an increase of 54% compared to 2022.

Local leaders say half of the vehicles stolen were Hyundai or Kia models, a national trend tied back to a social media trend showing people how to break into these cars.

Avoid renting one of those types of vehicles.

Theft rates in 2023 were 54% higher than the national average.

Looking back at historical crime data, car break-ins and car accessory thefts made up 35% of all thefts over the past five years.

Another 22% was shoplifting.

The mayor of Alexandria issues a monthly newsletter, and when the 2023 crime statistics came out, he stated, in part, “Alexandria remains a safe community.

While the year ended with positive trendlines in several areas, the overall increase for 2023, and particularly the increase in violent crime, is unacceptable.”

As Alexandria is part of the Washington, D.C. metro area, you need the same big city street smarts and safety measures as you would walking in downtown D.C.

With plenty of safe places to visit, common sense and situational awareness go a long way to helping you enjoy your visit and find a safe community to explore.

How Does Alexandria Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You’ll quickly find out which one you need. Also, keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

Summers will be hot and humid, with highs peaking in July near 90°. Lows will get into the 60s in the summer. Fall and spring are ideal times to visit, with moderate temperatures. Winters generally get highs in the 40s, with lows near or below freezing. Every month gets anywhere from seven to nine days of precipitation.

Airports

The closest major airport to Alexandria is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located just four miles away. It offers domestic flights and a few international options. Alternatively, Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 30 miles northwest and provides a wider range of international flights.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance goes into effect as soon as you purchase it. Comprehensive insurance offers the best protection and peace of mind.

Alexandria Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Virginia - Safety by City