Is East Highland Park Safe, Pros and cons of living in East Highland Park

East Highland Park, Virginia, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an appealing location for various residents. This Census-Designated Place (CDP) in Henrico County is situated northeast of Richmond, providing a unique community atmosphere with a rich history that played a role in the civil rights movements of the 1960s.

The area provides a sparse suburban feel, with a significant majority of residents owning their homes. It boasts a good number of restaurants and parks, contributing to a lifestyle that balances local charm with accessible city living. Understanding the various facets of East Highland Park is crucial for anyone considering a move to this part of Virginia.

Is it Safe to Live in East Highland Park?

East Highland Park presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The overall crime rate is reported to be 5% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, violent crimes are noted as being 24% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

The chance of becoming a victim of crime in East Highland Park is approximately 1 in 45. While the CDP receives a C+ safety grade based on FBI UCR and local law enforcement data, specific neighborhoods offer varying levels of safety. Residents generally consider the northeast part of the CDP to be the safest, with fewer incidents occurring in the west.

Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in East Highland Park is approximately 3.693 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates are also a factor to consider. CrimeGrade.org assigns East Highland Park a “C-” grade for violent crime, indicating it is slightly higher than the average U.S. city, and ranks it in the 35th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 35% of cities.

Year over year, crime in East Highland Park has decreased by 6% (according to AreaVibes). Despite the overall crime rate being higher than the national average, the specific violent crime rate is lower than the national average. The cost of crime per resident in East Highland Park is estimated at $581 annually, which is higher than both the national and Virginia state averages (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Pros and Cons of Living in East Highland Park

East Highland Park offers a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The community is known for its affordability relative to national averages, diverse population, and suburban appeal. However, concerns about crime rates and the quality of some local schools may influence a decision to relocate.

The cost of living in East Highland Park is approximately 2.4% more affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by Bestplaces). The median home value is significantly lower than the national median, making it an attractive option for homebuyers. The CDP also ranks as one of the more diverse suburbs in Virginia.

Affordability

The cost of living in East Highland Park is a significant draw, with an index of 97.6, making it slightly more affordable than the average in Virginia and notably more affordable than the national average (as reported by Bestplaces). The median home value in East Highland Park is approximately $229,200 (as reported by Niche), which is considerably lower than the national median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Niche).

This affordability extends to rental prices as well. The average rent in East Highland Park is around $1,264 per month (as reported by Point2Homes), which is below the national average rent of $1,750 (as reported by Point2Homes). The median rent is also noted as being lower than 55.5% of Virginia neighborhoods (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Market

The housing market in East Highland Park presents a mix of opportunities and challenges. The median home value stands at approximately $229,200 (as reported by Niche), offering a more accessible entry point for homeowners compared to many other areas. The homeownership rate in East Highland Park is around 66.6% (as reported by Data USA), indicating a strong preference for owning rather than renting among its residents.

However, the market can be competitive, with homes selling relatively quickly. In February 2026, homes in East Highland Park were selling after an average of 74 days on the market, which was a significant increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median listing home price is around $299,970 (as reported by Realtor.com).

Job Market and Economy

East Highland Park’s economy is supported by various employment sectors, with an average annual salary that offers a reasonable standard of living. The average annual pay in East Highland Park is approximately $59,993 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure translates to about $28.84 per hour, positioning it slightly below the national average salary.

The unemployment rate in the broader Henrico County area is not readily available in specific data points for East Highland Park itself. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a national unemployment rate of 4.3% as of April 2026 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Major employers in the vicinity would likely include those in Richmond and the surrounding Henrico County, contributing to the local job market.

Climate

East Highland Park experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The temperature typically ranges from 29°F to 89°F throughout the year, with rare extremes outside this range (as reported by Bestplaces). This climate offers a full spectrum of seasonal weather experiences.

Summers are hot, muggy, and wet, with average high temperatures exceeding 80°F from late May to mid-September. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 88°F and lows of 70°F. Conversely, winters are very cold and can be snowy. The coldest month is January, with average low temperatures around 30°F and highs of 47°F.

Schools

The educational landscape in East Highland Park is served by the Henrico County Public Schools district. While Niche provides overall ratings for the district, individual school performance can vary. Henrico County Public Schools received an overall rating of 4.06 out of 5 from Niche, based on reviews from 233 users.

Specific schools within or serving East Highland Park include CodeRVA Regional High School (rated B-), Henrico High School (rated B-), and L. Douglas Wilder Middle School (rated C+). Highland Springs High School also serves the area and has a rating of 3.54 out of 5. Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Demographics

East Highland Park is a diverse community with a population of approximately 15,265 residents (as reported by Niche). The CDP has a slightly higher female population, with 54.6% identifying as female and 45.4% as male (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial makeup is predominantly Black or African American, accounting for 88% of the population, followed by White residents at 8% (as reported by Census Reporter). The median age in East Highland Park is 41 years old (as reported by Point2Homes), with a significant portion of the population falling into the adult age brackets.