Unique among American cities, Washington, D.C. offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and a wide variety of neighborhoods. The District also offers an excellent selection of schools, professional sports teams, and a choice of both urban and suburban living, all within the confines of the District of Columbia. It is also graced with some of the safest neighborhoods in the country.
In this article, we highlight some of the safest areas in and around Washington, D.C., focusing primarily on neighborhoods within the District while also including nearby communities that consistently report low crime and strong resident engagement. Selections are based on available public crime data and resident feedback.
Related: Washington, D.C. Crime Rate Statistics
How We Identified Washington, D.C.’s Safest Neighborhoods
These selections are based on crime statistics from the FBI Crime Data Explorer and safety rankings from local analysis sites like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes. We also considered community engagement, lighting, walkability, and overall resident sentiment. While no neighborhood is completely free of crime, the following areas in the District of Columbia consistently rank among the lowest in reported incidents and are often praised for their safety-focused community culture.
Safest Areas in and Around Washington, D.C.
Tenleytown
Tenleytown, named for tavern owner John Tennally back in 1790, is, according to AreaVibes, the safest neighborhood in the District of Columbia. With a reported 1,045 crimes per 100,000 people, Tenleytown’s crime rate is 77% lower than that of The District in general. The area’s 18,855 residents also experience a 51% lower crime rate than the nation as a whole. The location of the highest point in Washington, D.C., Tenleytown hosts broadcasting towers for the majority of the city’s radio and TV stations. Centered at the intersections of Nebraska Avenue, Wisconsin Avenue, and Yuma Street, Tenleytown also boasts a livability score of 82/100, which is among the highest rankings in the United States.
Glover Park
Glover Park, situated in northwest Washington, D.C., is home to several embassies, including those of Russia and China. The crime rate in the area is 50% lower than the national average, with residents experiencing 1,066 crimes per 100,000 people. Glover Park also boasts a livability score of 84/100, which is considered exceptional. Housing in the area is a mix of apartment buildings and porch-front rowhouses, the majority of which were built in the 1920s and 1930s. The area is the namesake of banker and philanthropist Charles Caroll Glover, to whom is attributed the creation of the District’s Rock Creek Park system.
Barnaby Woods
Barnaby Woods enjoys the distinction of being a strictly residential community. There are no commercially zoned areas in the neighborhood. Positioned in northwest D.C. bordering Rock Creek Park and the Maryland state line, Barnaby Woods shelters some 9,436 Washingtonians. With a reported crime rate of 1,170 per 100,000 people, Barnaby Woods is reported to experience 74% less crime than the District as a whole. The neighborhood is also said to have 45% less crime than the national average. Its livability score comes in at 70, which is considered good. The origins of Barnaby Woods date back to 1934, when the Barnaby Woods Development Corporation was formed. The first homes there were completed in 1935.
RELATED: THE MOST DANGEROUS AREAS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
The Palisades
The Palisades neighborhood is said to be an area into which people move and stay put. Moreover, it is seldom frequented by people who do not live there. Home to 3,598 members of the District’s populace, The Palisades has a crime rate of 1,587 crimes per 100,000 people, which ranks it as having 65% less crime than the District as a whole. Similarly, the neighborhood has a livability score of 77, which is considered exceptional. What’s more, the crime rate in The Palisades is reported to be some 25% lower than the national average. Hosting a variety of detached houses, townhouses and apartments, the area traces the Potomac River from the edge of the Georgetown University campus to the Maryland border.
Cleveland Park
Cleveland Park, situated next to Rock Creek Park, was named for former president Grover Cleveland, who purchased a home there in 1886. In those days, the majority of the residences in the area were used as summer homes for wealthy Washingtonians, seeking to escape the heat in the low-lying areas that comprised the developed areas of the District at the time. Contemporary residents of Cleveland Park number some 11,732. The area is reported to have a crime rate of 1,610 crimes per 100,000 people, which gives it 64% less crime than Washington, D.C. overall. Cleveland Park’s crime rate is 24% lower than the national average, and its livability score is a remarkable 82. This is the second-highest score in the District, closely trailing Grover Park.
Chevy Chase
Located just across the northwest border of the District, Chevy Chase, Maryland, is widely regarded as one of the safest communities in the Washington metro area. The neighborhood features quiet residential streets, high homeownership, and strong civic engagement. Crime rates remain consistently low, supported by an active local police presence and a close-knit community culture.
Bethesda
Northwest of Washington, D.C., Bethesda combines suburban living with easy access to the city. Known for its excellent schools, walkability, and well-maintained neighborhoods, Bethesda consistently reports lower crime rates than the District average. Community involvement and strong public services contribute to its reputation as a safe place to live.
What Makes These Neighborhoods Safer
While every part of the city has unique characteristics, the neighborhoods above tend to share several safety-positive traits:
- Active neighborhood associations and community events
- Higher levels of homeownership
- Better lighting and street visibility
- Access to parks, schools, and public services
- Residents who take the initiative with watch programs or local communication
Local police departments also maintain a presence in many of these areas, further supporting public trust and responsiveness.
Best Practices for Maintaining Safety in Low-Crime Areas
Even in low-crime areas, staying vigilant helps preserve that sense of security. Here are some everyday habits that contribute to neighborhood safety:
- Keep porch lights and entryways well-lit at night
- Use motion-sensor lighting or camera doorbells
- Lock all doors and windows, even during the day
- Join or start a neighborhood watch
- Coordinate with neighbors via apps like Nextdoor or Citizen
- Report concerns quickly to iWatch online, or phone 202.727.9099
Neighborhood safety is strongest when residents work together and stay informed.
RELATED: TOP NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH APPS
How Guardian Protection Can Help
If you live in one of Washington, D.C.’s safer neighborhoods, you might not feel the same urgency around home security, but prevention is always better than reaction. Guardian Protection offers peace of mind that complements the environment you’ve chosen to live in.
Our smart home security options include:
- Indoor and outdoor security cameras with live mobile access
- Window and door sensors to detect intrusion
- Smart home control and mobile app management to keep you informed when you’re away
- 24/7 professional monitoring for rapid response
Whether you’re in Tenleytown, Cleveland Park, or nearby communities around Washington, D.C., our systems are designed to fit your lifestyle and your neighborhood’s needs.
EXPLORE GUARDIAN SERVICES IN YOUR AREA: HOME SECURITY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the safest areas in and around Washington, D.C.?
Neighborhoods such as Tenleytown, Glover Park, Barnaby Woods, Cleveland Park, and nearby communities like Chevy Chase consistently rank among the safest areas in and around Washington, D.C.
Are Washington, D.C., suburbs safer than the city?
Many suburbs do report lower overall crime rates compared to Washington, D.C.’s urban core. However, several Washington, D.C. neighborhoods, particularly those recognized for safety and community cohesiveness, are just as safe or even safer than some suburban areas.
What types of crime are most common in safer areas?
In neighborhoods with low crime rates, incidents typically involve occasional vehicle break-ins or minor vandalism. Violent crime is rare but not impossible anywhere, so vigilance and community action remain important.
What makes neighborhoods like The Palisades and Cleveland Park safe?
Their safety comes from a combination of factors: active neighborhood associations, high homeownership rates, good street lighting, proximity to parks and schools, and engaged residents who participate in watch programs and communicate effectively with local police.
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