Baltimore is a city with vibrant culture, rich history, and strong neighborhood pride. While it has faced challenges with crime in certain districts, many areas throughout the city and surrounding suburbs are known for their safety, walkability, and community connection.

Homes in Baltimore, MD

Whether you’re relocating, starting a family, or just want a quieter place to live, it helps to know where peace of mind comes built in. This guide highlights some of the safest areas in and around Baltimore based on crime reports, community insights, and public data.

Related: Baltimore Crime Rate Statistics

How We Identified the Safest Areas

Our selections are based on crime data from the Baltimore Police Department, FBI Crime Data Explorer, AreaVibes crime maps, and NeighborhoodScout. We focused on:

  • Reported incidents of violent and property crime
  • Community involvement and neighborhood association presence
  • Lighting, visibility, and walkability
  • Resident reviews and local sentiment

No area is completely crime-free, but the following communities consistently rank among the safest in the region.

Top 7 Safest Areas in and Around Baltimore

Roland Park

Located in North Baltimore, Roland Park is one of the city’s most established neighborhoods. It’s known for its quiet streets, historic homes, and active community associations. With a strong presence of private security and very low violent crime, Roland Park offers a safe, suburban feel within city limits.

Mount Washington

This family-friendly neighborhood in Northwest Baltimore combines tree-lined streets with close-knit community groups. It benefits from low crime rates, excellent schools, and a village-like feel with restaurants and shops nearby. Many residents participate in local safety and beautification programs.

Canton

Canton is a popular waterfront neighborhood known for its walkability and high visibility. With a growing number of condos and townhomes, the area features well-lit streets, regular police patrols, and active neighborhood watch groups. The crime rate here is well below the city average, particularly for violent crime.

You Might Also Like: Most Dangerous Areas in Baltimore

Locust Point

Tucked behind Canton, Locust Point is a quiet, walkable community with waterfront views and historic rowhomes. It has a low property crime rate and benefits from strong community engagement. Residents frequently share safety updates through platforms like Nextdoor.

Towson (Suburb)

Just north of Baltimore, Towson is a well-developed suburb in Baltimore County. It’s known for top-rated schools, shopping, and low crime rates. Towson University provides extra police visibility, and neighborhoods here often report better safety metrics than the city average.

Catonsville (Suburb)

Located southwest of Baltimore, Catonsville is a peaceful suburb known for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong community presence. Residents enjoy good schools, low crime, and easy access to both the city and Patapsco Valley State Park. It’s one of the safest suburbs in the Baltimore metro area.

Ellicott City (Suburb)

Part of Howard County, Ellicott City consistently ranks among the safest places in Maryland. The area boasts excellent schools, walkable neighborhoods, and a strong local economy. Violent crime is extremely low, and property crime rates are well below state and national averages.

Why These Areas Rank Safer

These communities tend to share several traits:

  • Higher homeownership rates
  • Organized neighborhood associations or safety initiatives
  • Well-lit streets and active design
  • A blend of residential stability and access to public services
  • Support from local precincts or campus security teams

Safety is often a result of community participation and visibility, not just police presence.

Best Practices for Staying Safe

Even in lower-crime neighborhoods, taking everyday precautions helps preserve that peace of mind:

  • Keep porch lights and entryways illuminated
  • Use video doorbells or outdoor cameras to deter theft
  • Lock all doors and windows, even during the day
  • Coordinate with neighbors via group texts or Nextdoor
  • Report street issues or vandalism using Baltimore 311
  • Support or organize a Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood safety starts with engaged residents and good habits.


For You: Neighborhood Watch in Baltimore: How to Get Involved

How Guardian Protection Can Help

Even in safer areas, home security plays an important role in deterring theft and giving families peace of mind. Guardian Protection offers customizable systems that work well in both city homes and suburban residences.

Our smart home security options include:

Guardian Protection Monitoring Center

Whether you’re in Roland Park or Federal Hill, our systems are designed to fit your lifestyle and your neighborhood’s needs.

Explore Guardian’s services in your area: Home Security in Baltimore

Building Peace of Mind at Home

Choosing a safe neighborhood is a smart move, but true peace of mind comes from knowing your home is protected, no matter what. Guardian Protection offers home security solutions that fit seamlessly into low-crime, community-focused areas.

Looking to reinforce your sense of safety? Get a free quote or call 800.857.5028 to learn more.

What is the safest area in Baltimore?

Roland Park, Mount Washington, and Ellicott City are often cited as some of the safest areas based on crime stats and community reputation.

Are Baltimore suburbs safer than the city?

Yes, on average. Suburbs like Towson, Catonsville, and Ellicott City tend to have lower crime rates and more resources for public safety.

Is Canton safe for young professionals?

Yes. Canton is well-lit, walkable, and has a strong neighborhood watch presence.

What is the safest zip code in Baltimore?

Neighborhoods like Roland Park (21210) and Ellicott City (21043) often rank among the lowest in reported crime.

Where can I check local crime data?

You can use the Baltimore Police Crime Map or crime overview tools from NeighborhoodScout.