Alexandria, Virginia, is a city with a rich history, diverse culture, and lively nightlife. However, safety levels vary across its neighborhoods. Some areas experience higher rates of crimes, both violent and property-related, making them less safe for residents and visitors.
In this article, we’ll delve into the five neighborhoods in Alexandria that are considered more dangerous. We’ll use the number of violent crimes per 100,000 people as a measure, comparing each neighborhood to the city’s average for violent crimes. These crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery, and assault.
| Neighborhood | Violent crime rate (per 100,000) | Median income | % of renters |
| Seminary Hill | 190 | $115,101 | 54.6 |
| Fairlington-Bradlee | 382 | $142,768 | 18.8 |
| King St Metro | 525 | $124,989 | 67.9 |
| Old Town | 279 | $161,667 | 44.9 |
| Old Town North | 255 | $153,750 | 33.3 |
Seminary Hill
Seminary Hill in Alexandria is known as the neighborhood with the highest crime rate, reaching 190 incidents per 100,000 people. This rate is a bit higher than the city’s average, which is 186. Situated in the west end of Alexandria, Seminary Hill is home to approximately 22,510 residents.
The neighborhood consists of a mix of low-income and middle-class households. The median income here is $115,101, ranking it as the fourth lowest among the 15 neighborhoods in Alexandria. Additionally, Seminary Hill has a relatively high percentage of renters, with 54.6%, compared to the city’s average of 40.9%.
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Fairlington-Bradlee
Fairlington-Bradlee is the second most risky neighborhood in Alexandria, with a violent crime rate of 382 per 100,000 people, more than twice the city average of 186. It’s situated in the southwest corner of Alexandria and is home to about 617 people.
The neighborhood has a high median income of $142,768, ranking 11th among the 15 neighborhoods in Alexandria. Additionally, it has a low percentage of renters, at 18.8%, compared to the city average of 40.9%.
Some reasons for the high crime rate in Fairlington-Bradlee could be its proximity to Interstate 395, which might attract criminals from outside the area, and its low population density, possibly reducing the visibility and deterrence of crime.
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King St Metro
King St Metro in Alexandria is the third most dangerous neighborhood. It has a violent crime rate of 525 per 100,000 people, almost three times higher than the city average of 186. The area is in the northwest part of Alexandria and is home to about 679 people.
The median income in King St Metro is $124,989, which is the seventh lowest among the 15 neighborhoods in Alexandria. Additionally, it has a high percentage of renters, at 67.9%, compared to the city average of 40.9%.
Some reasons for the high crime rate in King St Metro include its busy environment, which may attract both opportunistic and violent offenders. The community also has low social cohesion and stability, potentially reducing the sense of community and responsibility among residents.
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Old Town
Old Town, situated in the eastern part of Alexandria, is considered the fourth most dangerous neighborhood. The violent crime rate here is 279 per 100,000 people, which is 50% higher than the city average of 186.
Despite its safety concerns, Old Town is a historic and cultural hub with attractions like the Old Town Waterfront, Torpedo Factory Art Center, and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. About 7,734 people call Old Town home.
Despite its safety challenges, Old Town has a high median income of $161,667, ranking ninth among the 15 neighborhoods in Alexandria. Additionally, the neighborhood has a moderate percentage of renters at 44.9%, slightly higher than the city average of 40.9%.
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Old Town North
Old Town North in Alexandria is ranked as the fifth most dangerous neighborhood. It has a violent crime rate of 255 per 100,000 people, which is 37% higher than the city average of 186.
This area, situated in the northeast part of Alexandria, is home to approximately 2,909 people. Old Town North is a mixed-use neighborhood with a combination of residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
The median income in Old Town North is notably high at $153,750, ranking it as the 10th highest among the 15 neighborhoods in Alexandria. Additionally, the percentage of renters in Old Town North is relatively low, standing at 33.3%, compared to the city average of 40.9%.
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To Conclude
Alexandria, Virginia has charm and character, but it’s important to be aware of safety. This look into the five riskiest neighborhoods, based on violent crime rates, gives a detailed picture.
Some areas, like Seminary Hill and King St Metro, deal with complex issues and have low population density, while others like Fairlington-Bradlee face challenges due to factors like being close to highways.
Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions, whether you’re a resident or a visitor. While recognizing these challenges, it’s also important to know that Alexandria has strong community initiatives and ongoing efforts to tackle crime and enhance safety in its diverse neighborhoods.
Looking ahead, a comprehensive approach involving community involvement, proactive policing, and focused social programs will play a key role in making Alexandria safer for everyone.
