Is Brookdale safe?
Chevy Chase, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Brookdale as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Brookdale
“Go. Brookdale is an exceptionally safe, quiet, and affluent residential neighborhood situated right next to Friendship Heights. Visitors can walk freely at almost any hour with minimal safety concerns.”
About the area
Brookdale is a leafy, historic enclave of single-family homes in Chevy Chase, MD, bordered by Western Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue. It offers tranquil suburban streets just steps away from high-end retail, dining, and Red Line Metro access.
- Affluent
- Tree-Lined
- Peaceful
- Suburban Oasis
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Brookdale
Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 72/100
Capital Bikeshare docks are located near the Friendship Heights Metro station, providing direct access to the Capital Crescent Trail network a short ride to the west.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Virtually nonexistent violent crime rates and very low property crime rates compared to regional averages
- Extremely affluent community with high homeownership rates and pristine property maintenance
- Immediate access to Friendship Heights amenities and transit while preserving quiet, tree-lined residential streets
Cons
- Occasional vehicle break-ins and package theft typical of border areas near urban transit hubs
- Heavy commuter traffic congestion along bordering arterials like Wisconsin Avenue and Western Avenue
- Strict residential permit parking restrictions on interior streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the interior residential blocks of Brookdale. Occasional panhandling occurs along the commercial corridor and metro entrance on Wisconsin Avenue.
What Brookdale is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and commuters heading toward the Friendship Heights Metro.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and sunlit with residential tranquility, minimal vehicle traffic, and very comfortable pedestrian conditions.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe as neighbors return home and visitors walk to nearby dining spots along Wisconsin Avenue.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and deserted; streets remain exceptionally safe, though standard awareness is advised near major commercial edges.
Transit, parking and getting around
WMATA's Friendship Heights Metro Station (Red Line) is located immediately adjacent to the neighborhood within a 5- to 10-minute walk. Ride On and Metrobus routes frequently traverse Western Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue.
Interior residential streets are subject to Montgomery County permit restrictions during weekdays. Abundant garage and metered parking is available along Wisconsin Avenue and in nearby Friendship Heights retail decks for modest hourly rates.
Things to do in Brookdale
- Stroll the shaded green pathways of Brookdale Local Park
- Explore high-end shops and boutiques along Wisconsin Avenue at the Chevy Chase border
- Walk or jog along the scenic neighborhood streets admiring the historic architecture and gardens
Local favorites
- Clyde's of Chevy Chase · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1820)A classic multi-level local institution serving refined American fare and fresh seafood.
- Sushiko · Japanese Restaurant · 4.3★ (460)Upscale contemporary sushi spot offering creative rolls, omakase, and traditional Japanese dishes.
- Lia's · Italian Restaurant · 4.2★ (1150)Modern neighborhood restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and patio seating.
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.