Is Fairwood safe?
Glenn Dale, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Fairwood as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Fairwood
“Go. Fairwood is an affluent, peaceful master-planned suburban community in Prince George's County that is very safe for visitors. There is virtually no violent crime, though like many quiet suburbs, occasional vehicle break-ins can occur.”
About the area
Fairwood is an upscale, master-planned residential enclave located in Glenn Dale, Maryland, characterized by manicured lawns, large single-family homes, and tree-lined neighborhood trails. It features a central village green and a small neighborhood shopping center serving daily community needs.
- Affluent Suburb
- Family-Friendly
- Master-Planned
- Quiet & Green
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Fairwood
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 38/100
While there is no municipal bike-share system present, the neighborhood features extensive internal paved walking and biking paths, though dedicated bike lanes on surrounding high-speed arterial roads like MD-450 are sparse.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Very low violent and property crime rates compared to county and national averages
- High median household income well exceeding $160,000 with exceptionally low poverty rates
- Well-maintained infrastructure with dedicated community walking loops and green spaces
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with minimal public transit connectivity
- Occasional opportunistic property theft and vehicle break-ins in residential driveways
- Limited nightlife or diverse entertainment options directly within the neighborhood
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Fairwood, and there are no encampments or panhandling clusters in the area.
What Fairwood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents jogging, dog walking, and heading out on morning commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and orderly with light local traffic around the Fairwood Shopping Center and park paths.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential with families walking through the neighborhood and diners picking up food.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet with minimal activity, empty streets, and an overall very safe suburban atmosphere.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by Prince George's County TheBus and WMATA Metrobus (routes like the B21/B22 nearby), but service inside the community is limited; the nearest rail station is the New Carrollton Metro/MARC station, roughly a 15-minute drive away.
Parking is exceptionally easy and free, with ample private driveways, residential street parking, and large surface lots at the Fairwood Shopping Center.
Things to do in Fairwood
- Stroll or jog along the paved multi-use trails weaving through the Fairwood Community Park
- Browse local shops and enjoy a meal at the Fairwood Shopping Center
- Play tennis or soccer at the Fairwood neighborhood recreational courts and fields
Local favorites
- First Watch · Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant · 4.4★ (1120)Popular morning spot in Fairwood Shopping Center known for made-to-order breakfasts and fresh juices.
- Sardi's Pollo A La Brasa · Peruvian Restaurant · 4.3★ (890)Local favorite serving flavorful charcoal-rotisserie chicken and classic Peruvian sides.
- Jersey Mike's Subs · Sandwich Shop · 4.5★ (340)Fast-casual chain counter serving jumbo sliced-to-order sub sandwiches.
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.