Neighborhood Spotlight
Is Reservoir a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Newport News, VA - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe73
Medium52
Low82
Other696
175 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape40
Child involved76
Assault57
Other26
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews investigated a possible fire alarm at a lodge-style business near Lodge Court in Newport News. They made entry, found a water leak in the ceiling causing a false alarm, and worked to reset the system while coordinating with a key holder for follow-up. | Lodge Ct, Newport News, VA 23608 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews responded to a reported commercial fire alarm at a barbecue restaurant on Jefferson Avenue near Sandstone Court. Units checked an elevator that was in fire mode, cycled the power, and Ladder 9 reported a one-story restaurant with nothing visible while the alarm was investigated. | Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23608 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire and EMS units responded to a medical emergency near Horsepen Road, close to Canter Court and East Governor Drive. | Horse Pen Rd, Newport News, VA 23602 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical crews respond to a reported allergic reaction near Dorothy Road and Kingstown Drive in Newport News. | Dorothy's Dr, Newport News, VA 23608 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call for chest pains was reported at Forest Pine Senior Community near Big Forest Court and Long Pine Loop. | Old Courthouse Way, Newport News, VA 23608 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medic four dispatched to illness near Hawkeye Court at Mason Drive and dead end. | Hawkeye Ct, Newport News, VA 23608 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call reports chest pains and breathing difficulty near White House Cove and the cross streets Dead End and Worcester Way. | White House Cove, Newport News, VA 23602 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a lift assist medical call was reported near Warwick Boulevard and Denham. | Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a fall is reported near Arboretum Way and Reserve Way. Emergency unit dispatched with priority response. | Arboretum Way, Newport News, VA 23602 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews respond to a reported odor at an apartment near Pointer Circle and Radcliff Lane in Newport News. | Pointer Cir, Newport News, VA 23602 | Fire |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$347,532
Average Rent
$2,186
Vacancy Rate
5.7%
Overview of Reservoir
Reservoir is an urban neighborhood in Newport News, Virginia, featuring a mix of medium-sized to small single-family homes and apartment complexes.
The median home price is $347,532, which is higher than 35.1% of Virginia neighborhoods, while average rents are $2,186, lower than 60.4% of Virginia neighborhoods.
Vacancy rates stand at 5.7%, below the national average, indicating steady demand.
The neighborhood is known for its diverse population and a strong presence of college students, contributing to a walkable and relatively safe environment.
UrbanCollege-FriendlyDiverseMixed Ownership
Quick Facts
| Vacancy Rate | 5.7% |
|---|---|
| College-Friendly Rank | Top 6.8% in Virginia |
Housing market and real estate character
Reservoir's housing stock includes a blend of medium to small single-family homes and apartment complexes, with a mix of owners and renters.
| Owner Occupied Rate | |
|---|---|
| Housing Type | Medium (3-4 bedroom) to small (studio-2 bedroom) single-family homes and apartments |
| Housing Age | Most homes built between 1970 and 1999, with some built since 2000 |
What buyers will notice right away
The neighborhood offers a variety of housing sizes and types suitable for different household needs.
Most residences were built between 1970 and 1999, indicating a mature neighborhood with some newer construction.
Vacancy rates below the national average suggest consistent interest in the area.
Families and Lifestyle
Reservoir features a unique community profile with a notable share of same-sex couples and a strong college student presence.
The neighborhood's walkability and above-average safety make it appealing for college students and families alike.
A mix of cultural groups and lifestyles contributes to a vibrant community character.
Gay-Friendly Community — The high proportion of same-sex households indicates a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ residents.
Student-Oriented Amenities — Proximity to college campuses and related amenities supports an active student lifestyle.
| Same-Sex Couple Households | 3.8% |
|---|---|
| College-Friendly Ranking | Top 6.8% in Virginia |
Demographics and Culture
| Income Level | Lower-middle income |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 8.4% |
| Occupational Mix | 36.0% sales and service, 28.0% executive/professional, 24.5% manufacturing/labor, 11.5% clerical/tech support |
| Top Ancestries | Asian (9.0%), Mexican (6.8%), Sub-Saharan African (5.7%), African (5.7%), Irish (3.9%) |
| Foreign Languages Spoken | English (85.9%), Spanish, Tagalog (2.8%) |
| Unique Ancestry Presence | Ukrainian (2.8%) and African ancestry (5.7%) higher than nearly all U.S. neighborhoods |
Commuting in Reservoir
Most residents have relatively short commutes and primarily use private vehicles to get to work.
Reservoir residents benefit from manageable commute times and a high rate of private vehicle use, reflecting typical suburban travel patterns.
Short Commutes — 42.8% of residents spend between 15 and 30 minutes commuting, which is shorter than average.
Car-Dependent — Most residents drive alone, with a significant portion carpooling, indicating reliance on private vehicles.
| Typical Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 75.4% |
| Carpool Rate | 15.2% |
Homes for sale near 23608
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
$185,000
2 bd | 2 ba | 1,031 sqft
431 Old Colonial Way Unit 302
Newport News, VA, 23608
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Reservoir?
The median home price is $347,532.
How affordable is renting in Reservoir?
Average rent is $2,186, which is lower than 60.4% of Virginia neighborhoods.
Is Reservoir a diverse neighborhood?
Yes, it has a diverse population with notable Asian, Mexican, African, and Ukrainian ancestries, and multiple languages spoken.
What are typical commute times for residents?
Most residents commute between 15 and 30 minutes, shorter than the national average.