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Is Bladensburg safe?

Hyattsville, Maryland · safety score updated nightly

62out of 100

Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.

VibeLoco rates Bladensburg as “Caution”.

Gogo's take on Bladensburg

“Go with care. Bladensburg offers picturesque outdoor recreation at the waterfront and significant early American history, but visitors should remain vigilant. Daytime visits to the park and designated trails are generally pleasant, while commercial corridors and secluded riverfront paths warrant extra caution after dark due to elevated property and auto crime rates.”

County and municipal police have continued targeted patrols to curb regional surges in vehicle thefts and commercial parking lot break-ins along the MD-450 corridor.

About the area

Bladensburg is a historic Prince George's County town located along the Anacostia River just east of Washington, D.C. It features a blend of working-class residential neighborhoods, busy automotive corridors, and expansive waterfront green spaces connected to regional trail systems.

  • Historic Waterfront
  • Working-Class
  • Riverfront Trails
  • Auto-Centric Arterials

Walking and biking in Bladensburg

Walk score: 61/100 · Bike score: 68/100

The town features excellent multi-use trail connectivity via the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, though Capital Bikeshare stations are limited within town limits compared to neighboring Hyattsville.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

  • Direct access to the Anacostia River Trail and the scenic Bladensburg Waterfront Park.
  • Rich War of 1812 and colonial history markers throughout the township.
  • Affordable, authentic multicultural dining options representing Salvadoran, Mexican, and Caribbean cuisines.

Cons

  • Above-average rates of motor vehicle theft, larceny, and opportunistic property crime.
  • Heavy commuter traffic and wide arterials create challenging pedestrian conditions on main avenues.
  • Pockets of economic distress with an individual poverty rate hovering around 14%.

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is generally low in residential zones, though occasional encampments and individuals can be found in wooded corridors along the river banks and beneath rail/highway overpasses.

What Bladensburg is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a
Peaceful and active with rowers, joggers, and commuters heading through town along the trail system.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p
Bustling commercial traffic along Annapolis Road and Kenilworth Avenue with steady daytime foot traffic near shops.
Evening · 5p – 10p
Waterfront parks close around sunset; dining spots remain active, but quiet residential side streets require basic situational awareness.
Late night · 10p – 5a
Quiet and largely empty; walking alone late at night is not recommended, particularly near unlit river trails and commercial strip centers.

Transit, parking and getting around

Public transit is operated by WMATA Metrobus (routes F1, F8, T18) and Prince George's County TheBus, providing connections to the Cheverly (Orange Line) and Hyattsville Crossing (Green Line) Metrorail stations within a 10-15 minute ride.

Parking is generally easy and free, with ample space at Bladensburg Waterfront Park and open surface lots in shopping centers, along with mostly unrestricted neighborhood street parking.

Things to do in Bladensburg

  • Rent kayaks, canoes, or bicycles at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park and explore the river.
  • Cycle the continuous paved Anacostia Tributary Trail System into Washington, D.C.
  • Visit historic War of 1812 landmarks, including the historic Bostwick Estate and the Dueling Grounds.

Local favorites

  • Taqueria La Placita · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (2240)
    A legendary regional staple celebrated for authentic Mexico City-style tacos al pastor.
  • Three Brothers Italian Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.1★ (710)
    A long-running, family-friendly fixture serving classic New York-style pizza, pasta, and subs.
  • Pollo Sabroso · Latin American Restaurant · 4.3★ (380)
    A casual local eatery serving charcoal-broiled Peruvian-style chicken and Salvadoran specialties.

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.