Neighborhood Guide
Is Saunders West 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)
Severe109
Medium68
Low118
Other1075
220 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape52
Child involved96
Assault64
Other36
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, medic 6 was dispatched for a possible fall near Chesapeake Retirement on Harper's Hill Road. Cross streets include Louise Drive and Blackwater Circle. | Harpers Dr, Newport News, VA 23601 | 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, radio traffic describes several apparent medical and electrical service calls at different residential complexes, including a possible electrical issue at a housing complex and medical responses for illness and chest pain. A unit also requested a contact number for property maintenance. | Constance Dr, Newport News, VA 23601 | Other Non-Crime Event |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a chest pain medical emergency was reported near Bayberry Village Shopping Center at 980 J Clyde Morris Boulevard, close to Traverse Road and Harpersville Road. Medic units were dispatched and available for the call. | J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical incident involves Medic 3 at a shopping center near Morris Boulevard and Harbor Hill Road. | Center St, Newport News, VA 23606 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$268,557
Average Rent
$2,560
Vacancy Rate
6.4%
Overview of Saunders West
Saunders West is an urban neighborhood in Newport News, Virginia, characterized by a mix of small to medium apartment complexes, high-rises, and townhomes.
The median home price is $268,557, making it more affordable than most Virginia neighborhoods.
Rental prices average $2,560, which is moderately priced compared to other Virginia neighborhoods.
Vacancy rates stand at 6.4%, near the national middle range.
UrbanModerate IncomeMilitary PresenceRow Houses
Quick Facts
| Urban Density | Yes |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
The neighborhood's housing stock mainly consists of small to medium apartment complexes, high-rises, townhomes, and a notable share of row houses and attached homes.
| Renter Occupied Housing | Majority |
|---|---|
| Row Houses & Attached Homes | 25.4% |
| Residences Built 1970-1999 | Majority |
| Residences Built 2000-Present | Significant number |
What buyers will notice right away
Expect a mix of apartment complexes, townhomes, and a standout share of row houses and attached homes.
Most homes were built between 1970 and 1999, with ongoing newer construction.
Most residential properties are occupied by renters.
Families and Lifestyle
Saunders West has a unique social fabric with a strong military presence and a high concentration of divorcees.
Military Community — Many residents are active military personnel, visible in daily neighborhood life.
Diverse Household Types — The neighborhood has a high share of divorcees, indicating varied family structures.
| Military Resident Share | Higher than 99.2% of U.S. neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Divorcee Concentration | Higher than 95.3% of U.S. neighborhoods |
Demographics and Culture
| Executive, Management & Professional Occupations | 38.4% |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing & Laborer Occupations | 27.3% |
| Sales & Service Occupations | 20.6% |
| Clerical, Assistant & Tech Support Occupations | 13.7% |
| Income Compared to U.S. Neighborhoods | Higher than 43.8% |
| Child Poverty Rate | 7.6% |
| English Speaking Households | 91.7% |
| Italian Speaking Households | 2.1% |
| English Ancestry | 8.1% |
| German Ancestry | 8.0% |
| Irish Ancestry | 6.5% |
| Sub-Saharan African Ancestry | 5.9% |
| African Ancestry | 5.9% |
Commuting in Saunders West
Most residents have a relatively short commute and primarily drive alone to work.
Saunders West offers a commute profile with a majority driving alone and a significant portion carpooling, reflecting typical suburban travel habits.
Short Commutes — 40% of residents commute between 15 and 30 minutes, which is shorter than average.
Car Ownership — High rates of driving alone and carpooling indicate car ownership is common and useful.
| Most Common Commute Time | 15 to 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 85.7% |
| Carpool Rate | 11.6% |
Homes for sale near 23602
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Saunders West?
The median home price is $268,557, which is less expensive than 80.1% of Virginia neighborhoods.
What types of housing are common in Saunders West?
Housing mainly includes small to medium apartment complexes, high-rises, townhomes, and a notable share of row houses and attached homes.
What is the typical commute like in Saunders West?
Most residents commute between 15 and 30 minutes, with 85.7% driving alone and 11.6% carpooling.
What languages are spoken in Saunders West?
English is spoken by 91.7% of households, with Italian spoken by 2.1%.