Is Broadwater safe?
Deale, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Broadwater as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Broadwater
“Go. Broadwater in Deale is an exceptionally safe, quiet waterfront enclave where violent crime is practically nonexistent. Visitors coming for boating, charter fishing, or casual seafood dining will experience a secure and welcoming environment.”
About the area
Broadwater is a tranquil residential and maritime pocket within Deale, set along Broadwater Creek and the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Characterized by private docks, marinas, and single-family homes, the neighborhood caters to outdoor recreation and watermen.
- Coastal / Maritime
- Quiet & Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Boating Hub
Walking and biking in Broadwater
Walk score: 14/100 · Bike score: 32/100
There are no bike-share stations or designated bike lanes in the area; cycling requires sharing narrow, two-lane rural roads with vehicular traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime and major property crime rates are significantly lower than state and national averages.
- Strong local economy anchored by high homeownership rates and solid median household incomes.
- Tight-knit maritime community with an active, welcoming local boating culture.
Cons
- Narrow rural roadways lack sidewalks, bike paths, and street lighting, creating hazards for pedestrians.
- Low-lying coastal roads are prone to tidal flooding during storms and king tides.
- Occasional opportunistic property theft targeting unattended marine equipment and boats.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Broadwater, with no encampments or panhandling observed in the community.
What Broadwater is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and quiet as watermen head out onto the creek and residents walk their dogs along residential lanes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and easygoing with light tourist and boater traffic moving between marinas and waterfront eateries.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Social and scenic around dockside restaurants, while residential streets remain peaceful and safe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Completely quiet and dark with minimal vehicular traffic and no significant safety risks beyond unlit roadways.
Transit, parking and getting around
There is no fixed-route public transit serving Broadwater; personal vehicles or pre-arranged private transport are required for navigation.
Free on-site parking is widely available at local restaurants, boatyards, and marinas, while residential parking is confined to private driveways.
Things to do in Broadwater
- Charter a boat for Chesapeake Bay sportfishing or cruising from a nearby marina.
- Enjoy fresh steamed Maryland blue crabs and dockside views at local seafood establishments.
- Launch a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters of Broadwater Creek.
Local favorites
- Skipper's Pier Restaurant & Dock Bar · Seafood Restaurant · 4.3★ (2150)Waterfront dining destination serving classic Maryland crab cakes and cocktails on the deck.
- Happy Harbor Restaurant & Marina · Seafood / Harbor Bar · 4.4★ (1820)Laid-back waterfront bar and marina popular with local fishermen and day-trippers.
- Dockside Restaurant & Sports Bar · American / Seafood · 4.2★ (1100)Lively waterside spot offering seafood platters, pub fare, and scenic views of Rockhold Creek.
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.