Is Chillum safe?
Hyattsville, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Chillum as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Chillum
“Go with care. Chillum is an established, predominantly working-class residential and commercial corridor right on the DC border with great authentic dining spots. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly around busy strip malls, transit stops, and multi-family apartment complexes after dark.”
Local police have stepped up patrols along the Riggs Road and East-West Highway commercial corridors in response to periodic auto theft and commercial robberies.
About the area
Chillum is a diverse, inner-ring suburban community in Prince George's County bordering northeast Washington, D.C. It is characterized by brick ramblers, multi-family garden apartments, and vibrant shopping centers offering international grocery stores and casual eateries.
- Suburban
- Multicultural
- Commuter Corridor
- Residential
Walking and biking in Chillum
Walk score: 63/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Capital Bikeshare has docks nearby across the DC border and near Metro stations, connecting riders to the regional Northwest Branch and Sligo Creek Trail networks.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Established, relatively quiet pockets of single-family residential streets
- Rich array of authentic Central American, Caribbean, and West African restaurants
- Close proximity to Washington, D.C., Takoma Park, and major Metro transit hubs
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime including motor vehicle theft and vehicle break-ins
- Occasional street robberies and sporadic violent incidents near high-density retail strips and bus corridors
- Substantial commercial corridor traffic and pedestrian hazards along Riggs Road and Chillum Road
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in residential subdivisions, with occasional individuals experiencing homelessness or panhandling near major commercial intersections and shopping center bus shelters along Riggs Road.
What Chillum is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and generally safe, with commuters heading to Metro stations and local workers patronizing bakeries and corner stores.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy and functional as shoppers and students frequent neighborhood commercial strips and plazas.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Commercial parking lots remain lively, but foot traffic declines and caution is advised along dimly lit secondary streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet on residential side streets but heightened risk for street crime and loitering around arterial convenience hubs and bus stops; walking alone is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
Transit is provided by WMATA Metrobus (routes F4, K6, R1, and R2) and Prince George's County TheBus; the nearest rail stations are West Hyattsville and Fort Totten (Green/Red Lines), located roughly 1 to 2 miles away.
Parking is generally easy and free in dedicated retail plaza lots and on most residential side streets, though apartment complexes often enforce strict resident-only permits.
Things to do in Chillum
- Shop and sample global foods at the International Mall and surrounding plazas
- Explore the nearby Sligo Creek Trail or Northwest Branch Trail for scenic outdoor walking
- Visit neighboring historic Hyattsville and the Gateway Arts District just a short drive away
Local favorites
- Taqueria Tres Reyes · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (320)Authentic, no-frills taqueria beloved locally for handmade tortillas and flavorful street tacos.
- El Rodeo Restaurant · Salvadoran & Latin American Restaurant · 4.3★ (460)Popular neighborhood destination serving traditional pupusas, grilled meats, and seafood specialties.
- Chillum Bakery · Bakery · 4.4★ (110)Local community bakery offering freshly baked Hispanic pastries, custom cakes, and savory snacks.
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.