Is Charlene safe?
Gaithersburg, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Charlene as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Charlene
“Go. Charlene is a peaceful suburban residential community in Gaithersburg that is generally safe and welcoming. Violent crime is rare, and while routine suburban property crimes like vehicle tampering can occur, standard situational awareness is all that is needed.”
Montgomery County Police 6th District reports show predominantly low crime in this area, with occasional proactive enforcement focused on regional vehicle theft prevention.
About the area
Charlene is an established suburban neighborhood in Gaithersburg, Maryland, featuring single-family homes, townhomes, and tree-lined residential streets. It offers a calm residential atmosphere with straightforward access to shopping centers, parks, and major Montgomery County thoroughfares like MD-355 and I-270.
- Suburban
- Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Charlene
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Capital Bikeshare stations are located near Gaithersburg Olde Towne, and local streets connect easily to the multi-use recreational paths winding through Bohrer Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low rates of violent crime consistent with suburban Montgomery County averages
- High rates of health insurance coverage, low poverty, and stable economic indicators
- Well-kept residential properties with active community presence
- Convenient driving access to diverse dining and regional retail hubs
Cons
- Periodic opportunistic property offenses such as unlocked car larcenies
- Substantial vehicle dependency for shopping, dining, and daily errands
- Traffic congestion during peak commute hours on neighboring arterial routes
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the Charlene residential streets, with only occasional individuals seen near commercial transit stops along MD-355.
What Charlene is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant with commuters leaving for work and residents walking dogs in a very safe environment.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and low-key with minimal traffic and a calm, secure residential feel.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm atmosphere as residents return home, well-lit along primary residential streets and safe for walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with almost no foot traffic, remaining largely safe though standard late-night vigilance is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Montgomery County Ride On bus routes operate along adjacent thoroughfares, providing direct connections to the Shady Grove Metro Station (Red Line) roughly 3 miles south, as well as the Gaithersburg MARC commuter rail station.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free, with unrestricted free street parking throughout the neighborhood alongside private residential driveways.
Things to do in Charlene
- Walk, fish, or picnic at nearby Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm with its scenic pond and miniature golf course
- Learn about local history at the Gaithersburg Community Museum housed in the historic B&O Railroad station
- Sample diverse international cuisines along the nearby Frederick Avenue (MD-355) dining corridor
Local favorites
- Sardi's Pollo a la Brasa · Peruvian Restaurant · 4.4★ (3200)Lively local favorite renowned for authentic charcoal-broiled Peruvian rotisserie chicken and signature yellow sauce.
- Taco Bar El Guero · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (1450)Celebrated hidden gem serving authentic handmade tacos, tortas, and fresh salsas.
- Roy Rogers Restaurant · Fast Food Restaurant · 4.1★ (890)Nostalgic regional fast-food institution known for roast beef sandwiches, fried chicken, and a fixin's bar.
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.