Is Georgetown / Burleith safe?
Washington, Washington, D.C. · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Georgetown / Burleith as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Georgetown / Burleith
“Go. Georgetown and Burleith are among the safest, wealthiest, and most heavily policed neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. Violent crime is rare, and risks are largely confined to retail theft and vehicle break-ins along busy commercial corridors.”
Occasional retail theft rings targeting luxury stores along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue remain the primary focus of recent local police activity.
About the area
Georgetown and adjacent Burleith combine historic cobblestone streets, federal-style rowhomes, and high-end shopping with the collegiate energy of Georgetown University. It offers a scenic waterfront along the Potomac River, abundant dining, and a quiet, secure residential atmosphere.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Upscale Retail
- College Town Energy
- Waterfront Views
Walking and biking in Georgetown / Burleith
Walk score: 92/100 · Bike score: 78/100
Multiple Capital Bikeshare docks are scattered throughout the neighborhood, offering seamless connections to the Capital Crescent Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than the broader D.C. metropolitan average.
- Exceptionally strong economic profile with median household incomes well over $160,000 and minimal residential vacancy.
- High level of private campus security, business district safety ambassadors, and active MPD patrols.
- Very walkable and well-maintained historic streetscapes with high evening foot traffic.
Cons
- Property crime including vehicle break-ins and retail shoplifting occurs along the main commercial avenues.
- Rowdy crowds and alcohol-related incidents can occur around campus bars on weekend late nights.
- Heavy weekend traffic congestion and lack of a direct Metrorail station inside the neighborhood boundaries.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate, with occasional individuals asking for change along M Street NW or resting near the waterfront, but long-term encampments are not present in this area.
What Georgetown / Burleith is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and extremely safe, populated by joggers along the canal, dog walkers, and commuting professionals.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Vibrant and bustling with shoppers, university students, and tourists, with virtually no safety concerns beyond pickpocketing in crowded shops.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively dining hubs and outdoor patios create a welcoming, safe ambiance throughout the commercial and residential blocks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally safe, though commercial strips thin out and occasional rowdiness or late-night opportunism can occur near bars.
Transit, parking and getting around
There is no direct Metrorail station in Georgetown; the nearest stations are Foggy Bottom-GWU and Rosslyn (Orange/Silver/Blue lines), about a 15-20 minute walk across the Key Bridge or through West End. WMATA bus routes (31, 33, G2, D6) and the DC Circulator connect the area across the city.
Street parking is notoriously difficult and heavily restricted by zoned residential permits; visitors should rely on paid garages along K Street/Water Street or off Wisconsin Avenue, which typically charge $15 to $30 per day.
Things to do in Georgetown / Burleith
- Stroll the historic C&O Canal Towpath and Georgetown Waterfront Park along the Potomac River.
- Explore upscale boutiques, designer retailers, and independent cafes along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
- Visit the historic Dumbarton Oaks gardens and museum in Upper Georgetown.
Local favorites
- Martin's Tavern · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (3200)Historic tavern serving classic American fare where numerous U.S. presidents have dined since 1933.
- Baked & Wired · Bakery & Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (4600)Beloved neighborhood bakery famous for handcrafted cupcakes, artisan breads, and specialty espresso.
- Filomena Ristorante · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (4100)Lively institution known for oversized portions of handmade pasta and elaborate seasonal decor.
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.