Is Big Pines safe?
Gaithersburg, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Big Pines as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Big Pines
“Go. Big Pines is a quiet, well-maintained residential pocket in Montgomery County with low violent crime and strong community stability. Visitors and residents will find a safe suburban environment with easy access to major thoroughfares.”
About the area
Big Pines is a settled suburban neighborhood in Gaithersburg, characterized by mature trees, single-family homes, and quiet residential streets. Located just off major commuter routes, it offers peaceful living while keeping visitors close to Montgomery County's shopping, dining, and park systems.
- Suburban / Peaceful
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Big Pines
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 45/100
While dedicated bike lanes inside the subdivision are limited, quiet neighborhood streets connect to regional routes like the Gaithersburg Millennium Trail and Seneca Creek State Park trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to national suburban averages
- High rates of homeownership and well-maintained properties with negligible vacancy
- Strong local economy with median household incomes exceeding county averages
- Active county police presence and responsive municipal services
Cons
- Periodic petty property theft, such as opportunistic vehicle break-ins along edge streets
- Car-dependent layout with limited pedestrian connections directly within the subdivision
- Rush-hour traffic congestion on surrounding arterials like MD-355 (Frederick Avenue)
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the Big Pines residential area, though minor panhandling occasionally occurs near large retail plazas along MD-355.
What Big Pines is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and school bus commuters navigating calm residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and very safe, with light neighborhood traffic and residents tending to yards.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential, offering safe conditions for evening walks under neighborhood streetlights.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with minimal activity; remain aware of typical suburban vehicle property theft risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
Ride On Montgomery County buses serve the perimeter corridors along Route 355, while the Shady Grove Metro Station (Red Line) and the Gaithersburg MARC commuter station are easily accessible by a short car or bus ride.
Parking is ample and free throughout the neighborhood via private driveways and unrestricted residential curbside parking without meter restrictions.
Things to do in Big Pines
- Stroll or jog through the tree-lined neighborhood streets and local cul-de-sacs
- Visit nearby Bohrer Park for miniature golf, a water park, and paved fitness trails
- Explore nature trails and wetlands at the nearby Seneca Creek State Park
Local favorites
- Dogfish Head Alehouse · American Restaurant & Brewery · 4.5★ (2350)Popular nearby gathering spot serving craft beers, wood-grilled fare, and hearty pub food.
- Tally Ho Restaurant · Pizza & Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (780)Longstanding local favorite in Olde Towne Gaithersburg known for classic pizzas and subs.
- Barking Mad Cafe · Cafe & Bistro · 4.3★ (1120)Cozy, vibrant eatery offering artisanal coffee, brunch favorites, and wood-fired pizzas.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.