Safest Places in Virginia (2026): Price Bands & Approval

Virginia's Safest Cities in 2025: Where Peace of Mind Meets Smart Buying

Bottom line: From low crime to storm protection, Virginia’s safest cities offer long-term value for families, retirees, and remote workers.

If you're searching for safe, serene living in Virginia, this 2025 guide covers:

• Cities with the lowest violent + property crime

• Inland strongholds safe from hurricanes

• Where you can save $12K+ in closing costs

Let’s protect your peace-and your wallet.

Crime rates across these cities beat the national average, making Virginia a surprisingly secure state for families, retirees, and professionals alike.

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Yes, Virginia remains one of the safest states to live in.

According to recent data, the average violent crime rate is just 2.1 per 1,000, well below the national average. Cities like Poquoson and Falls Church have rates under 1.0.

• Lower crime = higher property values
• Safety attracts long-term renters and buyers
• Ideal for families, military members, and remote workers

Want to compare safety across states? Check out Safest Places to Live in Georgia or Florida.

Living in Virginia comes with strong pros - and a few cons.

Here's what to weigh before relocating:

• Low crime in most suburban and rural area
• Strong job market and proximity to D.C.
• Beautiful seasons and outdoor recreation

• Hurricanes on the coast
• Some urban areas have higher crime pockets
• Winter storms in the Blue Ridge regions

Looking for a balance of safety + affordability? Explore Affordable Places in Georgia or Oregon.

Virginia’s top safe cities aren’t just low-crime - they’re lifestyle-ready.

Based on 2024 data, here are the most secure places to live, ranked by violent + property crime per 1,000 people - and optimized for families, professionals, and first-time buyers.

Low crime + high livability = Virginia Beach

As the largest city in the state, Virginia Beach offers big-city perks with small-town safety.

• Violent Crime: 1.3 per 1,000
• Property Crime: 12.3 per 1,000
• Why it's safe: Proactive policing, city-wide surveillance, and strong Neighborhood Watch

Local perks:

• Pristine beaches, parks, and bike trails
• Top-rated schools + safe neighborhoods
• Strong job market + family-friendly vibes

Compare with Safest Places in North Carolina

Virginia’s hidden gem for peace of mind.

Poquoson ranks among the safest places in the entire U.S. with the lowest violent crime stats in the state.

• Violent Crime: 0.5 per 1,000
• Property Crime: 5.7 per 1,000
• Why it's safe: Tight-knit community, low theft, rapid police response

Community highlights:

• Waterfront homes and boating lifestyle
• High-scoring schools + youth programs
• Quiet, well-kept streets

Save up to 1.5% at closing when you buy

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Safe, smart, and scenic.

Home to Virginia Tech, Blacksburg is ideal for students, families, and professionals seeking balance.

• Violent Crime: 1.0 per 1,000
• Property Crime: 7.1 per 1,000
• Why it's safe: Campus-police partnership + community cohesion

Best for:

• Tech and education jobs
• Hikers and outdoor lovers
• Artsy, low-key lifestyle

Also explore Affordable Cities in Colorado

History meets modern safety.

With two major universities, Lexington balances culture, community, and safety.

• Violent Crime: 0.8 per 1,000
• Property Crime: 6.5 per 1,000
• Why it's safe: Small population + high civic involvement

Great for:

• Retirees + families
• History buffs + tourists
• Slow-paced, community-driven lifestyle

Safe, suburban, and rising.

Leesburg is one of the fastest-growing and safest suburbs in Northern Virginia.

• Violent Crime: 1.1 per 1,000
• Property Crime: 8.2 per 1,000
• Why it's safe: High funding for police, community-led safety efforts

Why people move here:

• Proximity to D.C.
• Great schools + jobs
• Family neighborhoods + walkability

Looking for budget picks? Check Affordable Places in Arizona

Walkable, wealthy, and well-guarded.

Falls Church ranks at the top for education, income, and safety metrics.

• Violent Crime: 0.7 per 1,000
• Property Crime: 5.9 per 1,000
• Why it's safe: High public investment in safety, low-density living

Top features:

• Award-winning public schools
• Commuter-friendly with low stress
• Strong local economy + green spaces

City safety with suburban price tags.

Manassas Park offers a rare combo: affordable homes near metros and a low crime rate.

• Violent Crime: 0.9 per 1,000
• Property Crime: 7.3 per 1,000
• Why it's safe: Strong police presence + family-first design

Ideal for:

• Budget-conscious homebuyers
• Commuters to D.C. metro
• Families who value parks + quiet streets

See Most Affordable Places in Michigan for other options

If storms worry you, head inland.

While Virginia Beach and Norfolk offer coastal beauty, they face higher hurricane risks. These inland cities combine safety, elevation, and quality of life - with virtually no storm surge threats.

• Far from coastal impact zones
• Great schools, healthcare, and vibrant culture
• Popular with retirees and young families

• Mountain-buffered city = low storm disruption
• Home to James Madison University
• Ideal for nature lovers and remote workers

• Low hurricane risk, charming historic homes
• Family-focused with solid public schools
• High walkability score

• Natural storm buffer = rare hurricane damage
• Affordable housing and job growth
• Best for outdoor enthusiasts and first-time buyers

Virginia consistently ranks as one of the best states to live in due to its low crime rates, strong economy, and high quality of life. The state offers a diverse range of places to live, from historic small towns to modern urban centers. Additionally, Virginia’s crime rates are lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for families and professionals.

Whether you're seeking a safe suburban neighborhood, a thriving urban environment, or a quiet rural retreat, Virginia has something for everyone.

Bottom line: Yes-Virginia is safer than most U.S. states for both urban and rural living.

With a statewide violent crime rate of just 2.1 per 1,000, Virginia consistently ranks among the safest states. Suburban areas like Glen Allen, Oakton, and Springfield offer well-funded law enforcement, while small towns like Poquoson and Lexington top safety charts.

Quick tip: If you’re comparing safety + affordability, also check out Best Affordable Cities in Georgia.

Looking for the best place to live in Virginia? It depends on your lifestyle goals-but here’s a breakdown:

Want urban perks + safety? Explore Alexandria, Glen Allen, or Tysons Corner VA.

Bottom line: Norfolk offers coastal charm, but crime rates vary widely by neighborhood.

According to local data, Norfolk’s violent crime rate is higher than Virginia’s average, especially in certain downtown and port-adjacent zones. However, neighborhoods like Larchmont and Ghent are known for safety, community engagement, and higher property values.

Key takeaway: Norfolk VA is livable-but compare crime maps before buying.

Looking beyond the big names? Here are lesser-known towns ranked by crime stats + livability:

• Floyd, VA – Blue Ridge culture, low crime, rising arts scene

• Hopewell, VA – Improving safety metrics, affordable real estate

• Franklin, VA – Quiet, walkable, family-centered

• Altavista, VA – Safe and scenic with good school ratings

• Tappahannock, VA – Elevated inland, no hurricane surge threat

These safest towns in Virginia combine peaceful living with small-town charm. Ideal for retirees, remote workers, or anyone seeking simplicity without sacrificing safety.

Want both safety and affordability? These picks check both boxes:

• Chester, VA – Low crime, solid schools, mid-range home prices
• Springfield, VA – Good mix of cost and community safety
• Farmville, VA – Budget-friendly college town with tight policing
• Waynesboro, VA – Near Shenandoah, safe, and low cost of living
• Oakton, VA – Quiet suburbs, great for families on a budget

Buying a home is a big decision - and having the right information puts you ahead. But the real advantage comes from pairing smart research with a smarter way to buy.

When you use a reAlpha real estate company, you can be eligible to receive up to 1% of the home purchase price back as a credit at closing. Add reAlpha Mortgage, and that rebate can increase to up to 1.5% back, helping offset closing costs and keep more money in your pocket when it matters most.

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