Baltimore, MD, the largest city in the state, is a unique place to live.
It’s a city with a rich history, lovely neighborhoods, and interesting cultural sites.
Unfortunately, it’s also a hotbed for crime.
The city’s crime rate is almost double that of the U.S. average, with violent crime being among the highest in the country.
At one point, the city was ranked by NeighborhoodScout.com as the 17th most dangerous city in the U.S.
Like all cities, however, Baltimore has its safe areas and areas of high crime.
By choosing a safe neighborhood to live in and avoiding high-risk areas for crime, you can live safely in Baltimore and even thrive.
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10 Safest Neighborhoods in Baltimore
Location is the key when looking for a safe neighborhood to move to in Baltimore.
The following neighborhoods are some of the safest places to call home.
1. Inner Harbor
Situated in the downtown area, Inner Harbor is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
It’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in the city.
Inner Harbor’s population of approximately 2,600 residents is a mix of young professionals, families, and retired seniors.
The area is known for its fine dining and cultural and waterfront attractions.
Inner Harbor’s crime rate is significantly lower than other parts of the city.
This is due to a continuous police presence committed to keeping residents and tourists safe from harm.
2. Roland Park
Located in North Baltimore, Roland Park was the first planned suburb in the country.
Today, it’s a thriving community of 16,000 strong.
The area is known for its amazing restaurants, retail shopping, quality schools, and other amenities.
If you’re looking for a safe, tranquil neighborhood to call home in Baltimore, Roland Park makes an ideal choice.
Roland Park enjoys a crime rate that’s almost 48% lower than the national average.
Area residents actively engage in crime prevention initiatives like Neighborhood Watch to help reduce crime.
Quality schools make Roland Park an attractive area for families.
A reliable public transport system makes it easy for young professionals to commute to work and back.
3. Locust Point
Locust Point, population 3,000, is a tranquil, family-friendly neighborhood on the South Baltimore Peninsula.
Formerly an industrial site, it’s now a modern residential area consisting of historic rowhouses, luxury condos, and high-rises.
The neighborhood’s low crime rate and high walkability score (92/100) make it an appealing place to live.
You also benefit from a supportive community where neighbors watch out for one another and lend a hand when needed.
These aspects and more make Locust Point a safe and welcoming environment to raise a family.
4. Riverside
Riverside is a great place to live, and one of the safest neighborhoods in the city.
The cost of living and housing are more costly here than in other Baltimore communities.
In return, residents get to enjoy better amenities and a safer neighborhood.
Riverside is a mix of older residents living in rowhouses and young professionals in modern apartments.
The neighborhood’s crime rate is substantially lower (about 88%) than the city average.
Many dwellings are within walking distance of local attractions, like restaurants, shopping areas, parks, etc.
Major highways like Cal Ripken Way and I-95 are within easy reach to commute to work or navigate the city for fun.
5. Mount Washington
Mount Washington is a scenic neighborhood located in northwest Baltimore.
It’s known for its beautiful parks and the outdoor amenities the parks provide.
A low crime rate lets you enjoy outdoor time to the full with your family.
Crime here is about 74% lower than the city average.
Parents will appreciate having the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital and top schools like Mount Washington and Summit Park Elementary nearby.
The neighborhood has a population of roughly 5,785 residents, with a median age range of around 40.
6. Federal Hill
If you want to settle close to the harbor, Federal Hill could be the place for you.
It’s a popular location for young professionals who desire to be close to the water.
It’s also a haven for students due to the number of top schools in the area.
This iconic neighborhood is filled with 19th-century brick homes and historical and cultural attractions.
You can easily make weekend trips to The Visionary Art Museum, the Maryland Science Center, and the Baltimore Museum of Industry.
Safety-wise, you couldn’t choose a better spot, as Federal Hill is about 96% safer than other neighborhoods in Baltimore.
It’s also a walkable neighborhood, making it easy to get around without a car.
7. Hampden
Hampden is another of Baltimore’s safer neighborhoods located near the downtown district.
This blue-collar community is home to approximately 7,000 residents, most of whom are young (20 to 30 years of age).
Despite a high overall crime rate, Hampden is still considered a safe neighborhood due to having fewer violent crimes.
Hampden’s main hub, The Avenue, offers an array of restaurants, bars, boutiques, vintage shops and more to explore.
You can enjoy an active nightlife with little risk of assault or robbery.
The neighborhood benefits from the presence of a solid police force to keep residents safe from harm.
8. Chinquapin Park
Safe, tranquil, and well-kept – that’s the picture of Chinquapin Park located in North Baltimore.
This neighborhood is known for its attractive duplexes, rowhouses, and single-family homes with beautifully manicured lawns.
If you’re an outdoor buff, you’ll enjoy living in Chinquapin Park, where outdoor activities abound.
Affordability and accessibility are two additional reasons why Chinquapin Park is a popular spot.
Through public transport, residents can easily travel throughout Baltimore for work or pleasure.
9. Mount Vernon
With a crime rate that’s 79% lower than the city average, Mount Vernon is high on the list of safe neighborhoods in Baltimore.
This centrally located neighborhood features beautiful architecture and a vibrant cultural scene.
Residents enjoy such cultural amenities as theaters, museums, art galleries, and more.
The area’s low crime rate gives you the confidence to live a full and active lifestyle without worrying about danger or harm.
A strong police force combined with community programs to reduce crime helps make Mount Vernon a safer living environment.
10. Fells Point
Baltimore’s neighborhoods are unique in their way and Fells Point is no exception.
Here you can partake of the best that Baltimore has to offer in the way of waterfront living, delicious seafood, and historical attractions.
Originating in 1763, Fells Point is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, containing over 160 buildings of historical value.
Seafood restaurants and taverns abound in Fells Point, making this neighborhood a virtual seafood paradise.
Fells Point has a population of about 15,700 residents with a median age range of 30.
It’s a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.
To enhance public safety, the area is regularly patrolled by police to discourage crime.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Baltimore, MD
If you’re visiting Baltimore, keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Travel in groups to discourage muggers and thieves from making you a target and stay away from dimly lit or deserted places at night.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times, both day and night. Stay alert when using public transport to avoid being robbed.
- When touring the city, stick to popular tourist “hotspots” that are regularly patrolled by police.
- If you’re going clubbing, invite friends to come along. Have a designated driver take you home or use Uber or Lyft to get you safely back to your hotel.
- Avoid high-crime neighborhoods at all costs.
Baltimore Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Baltimore Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore a safe city?
Despite its many attractions and charm, Baltimore’s high crime rate makes it an unsafe environment to travel alone.
If you move to Baltimore, you’ll need to take precautions for your safety to avoid being a victim of crime.
What are some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Baltimore?
Cherry Hill, the Middle East, Fairfield, Pulaski, West Baltimore, and East Monument Historic District are some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Baltimore.
What is the crime rate in Baltimore?
Baltimore has a violent crime rate of approximately 15.66 per 1,000 people.
This means you have a 1 in 64 chance of being a victim of violent crime.
The property crime rate is about 30.39 per 1,000 people, giving you a 1 in 33 chance of being a victim of property crime.
