Is Driver safe?
Ellicott City, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Driver as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Driver
“Go. The Driver area of Ellicott City is an exceptionally safe, quiet, and affluent residential neighborhood with virtually no violent crime. While a personal vehicle is required for almost all activities, visitors can feel completely secure at any hour.”
About the area
Situated in the western suburban reaches of Ellicott City, Driver features leafy residential subdivisions, expansive single-family lots, and rolling terrain. It serves as a peaceful bedroom community with fast access to outdoor recreation, golf clubs, and historic Main Street.
- Affluent Suburb
- Peaceful & Wooded
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Driver
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 22/100
There are no public bike-share stations, and road cycling along Driver Road or Route 144 requires caution due to blind curves, rolling hills, and lack of dedicated bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates are among the lowest in the state of Maryland
- High median household incomes well above $150,000 paired with high homeownership rates
- Pristine, well-maintained residential properties and mature tree-lined streets
- Convenient driving access to regional parks, golf courses, and Howard County amenities
Cons
- Virtually no walkability, requiring a car for all dining and shopping needs
- Limited street lighting and lack of sidewalks along major arterial roads
- Minimal public transit connections to Baltimore or Washington, D.C.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a factor in this low-density residential district, with comprehensive county support services located farther east in Columbia and urban centers.
What Driver is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe, characterized by early morning dog walkers, joggers, and standard school and work commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and secure, with local children playing outside in cul-de-sacs and minimal traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Serene and exceptionally safe, though side roads can become very dark after sunset.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Dead quiet with almost zero pedestrian activity, posing no notable safety risks beyond deer on rural roadways.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit coverage is extremely sparse; the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA) operates limited bus routes in Howard County, and the nearest commuter rail options are the MARC stations in Dorsey or Laurel.
Parking is free and effortless, consisting of private driveways, large commercial parking lots at shopping centers, and easy neighborhood curb parking.
Things to do in Driver
- Explore the hiking trails and river views at Patapsco Valley State Park McKeldin Area
- Play 18 holes on the championship greens at Waverly Woods Golf Club
- Tour the historic buildings, boutiques, and cafes in nearby Historic Ellicott City
Local favorites
- Manor Hill Brewing · Brewery · 4.7★ (560)Destination farm brewery producing craft ales alongside wood-fired pizzas in a scenic country setting.
- Alexandra's American Fusion · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (1100)Upscale dining spot overlooking scenic fairways serving seasonal American dishes and cocktails.
- E.W. Beck's Restaurant & Pub · Pub / American · 4.6★ (1450)Nearby neighborhood favorite known for hearty American pub classics, crab cakes, and cold beers.
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.