
Is Brookland safe?
Glenn Dale, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Brookland as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Brookland
“Go. Brookland in Glenn Dale is an affluent, peaceful suburban community with exceptionally low rates of violent crime and high rates of homeownership. While it lacks commercial attractions within walking distance, personal safety for residents and visitors is very high at all hours.”
About the area
Brookland is a quiet, tree-filled residential enclave located within the suburban census-designated community of Glenn Dale in Prince George's County. Characterized by well-kept single-family homes, spacious lots, and low-traffic cul-de-sacs, the area offers a calm suburban retreat. It functions primarily as a commuter suburb for professionals working in Washington, D.C., Annapolis, and the nearby NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
- Suburban Retreat
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Brookland
Walk score: 15/100 · Bike score: 32/100
Neighborhood streets are quiet enough for neighborhood cycling, and the area connects nearby to the paved multi-use WB&A Trail; however, dedicated bike lanes on arterial roads and bike-share hubs are absent.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are consistently well below Prince George's County and national averages.
- Strong economic foundation with median household incomes well exceeding $130,000 and homeownership above 85%.
- Peaceful, low-traffic residential streets that offer safe conditions for walking and jogging.
- Close proximity to regional outdoor spaces and the WB&A multi-use recreational trail.
Cons
- Almost completely car-dependent with zero commercial amenities or dining within comfortable walking distance.
- Occasional opportunistic suburban property crimes such as unlocked car break-ins and package theft.
- Limited street lighting along some interior residential streets and connecting country roads.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Brookland or Glenn Dale. There are no established encampments or panhandling in the neighborhood, as social services and shelters are concentrated in denser urban centers farther west.
What Brookland is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with school buses rolling through and commuters setting out for the day.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet with minimal road traffic, feeling exceptionally secure for walks around the subdivision.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Subdued and family-focused, with neighbors walking dogs and tending to yards in a safe environment.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and calm with no foot traffic, maintaining a safe suburban atmosphere.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is limited, operated locally by TheBus and WMATA bus routes along MD-450; the nearest rail hub is the New Carrollton station (serving Metro Orange Line, MARC Penn Line, and Amtrak), situated about a 10-minute drive away.
Parking is completely hassle-free with ample private driveways and unrestricted, free curbside parking along residential streets.
Things to do in Brookland
- Walk, run, or cycle along sections of the scenic WB&A (Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis) Trail.
- Tour the historic Marietta House Museum to learn about 19th-century Prince George's County heritage.
- Enjoy community sports, open green space, and playground facilities at the Glenn Dale Community Center.
Local favorites
- Marietta House Museum · Historical Landmark · 4.7★ (140)A preserved 19th-century brick manor and park offering guided interpretive history tours and community events.
- Ledo Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.2★ (620)A Maryland-classic staple serving square, flaky-crust pizzas, subs, and Italian-American comfort dishes.
- Old Line Fine Wine, Spirits & Bistro · Bistro · 4.5★ (1250)A popular regional destination pairing an extensive beverage retail market with an upscale casual American bistro.
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.