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Is Greenbelt safe?

Greenbelt, Maryland · safety score updated nightly

70out of 100

Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.

VibeLoco rates Greenbelt as “Go, stay aware”.

Gogo's take on Greenbelt

“Go. Greenbelt is a historic planned community with a welcoming atmosphere, abundant green spaces, and cooperative spirit. While the historic core is exceptionally calm and safe, standard suburban situational awareness is advised around busy commercial strips like Beltway Plaza and transit hubs after dark.”

Local coverage frequently centers on transit-oriented development around the Greenbelt Metro station and ongoing regional planning discussions.

About the area

Designed in the 1930s as a New Deal planned garden suburb, Greenbelt features pedestrian walkways, extensive parkland, and distinct Art Deco architecture. It serves as home to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center visitors, federal workers, and university affiliates.

  • Historic / Tree-Lined
  • Family-Friendly
  • Suburban
  • Parks & Nature

Walking and biking in Greenbelt

Walk score: 53/100 · Bike score: 58/100

Cyclists can connect to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System and local paths, with Capital Bikeshare stations available near the Metro station and key civic hubs.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

  • Historic core maintains very low violent crime rates and an active cooperative community
  • Close proximity to federal research institutions like NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
  • Abundant connected parklands, pedestrian underpasses, and Buddy Attick Lake Park
  • Direct regional transit access via Greenbelt Station (Metrorail Green Line and MARC)

Cons

  • Elevated property crime and retail theft concentrated near Beltway Plaza Mall and shopping centers
  • Pockets of vehicle break-ins along apartment complexes and commuter parking lots
  • Suburban sprawl along MD-193 creates pedestrian and vehicle friction

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is relatively low, with occasional individuals near transit hubs or commercial shopping centers along MD-193; Prince George's County social services manage regional shelter resources.

What Greenbelt is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a
Peaceful and safe, with dog walkers, joggers around the lake, and commuters heading toward the Metro.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p
Active and generally very safe, with families in parks and steady patronage at Roosevelt Center shops.
Evening · 5p – 10p
Pleasant in Old Greenbelt and around dining spots; exercise normal caution in large commercial parking plazas.
Late night · 10p – 5a
Quiet across residential neighborhoods, though transit park-and-rides and highway corridors require heightened vigilance.

Transit, parking and getting around

Greenbelt Station on the WMATA Green Line and MARC Camden Line anchors the western edge, supported by WMATA Metrobus routes (such as G12, G14, and C2) and Prince George's County TheBus.

Parking is generally ample and free in surface lots across Roosevelt Center, apartment complexes, and parks; standard commuter parking fees apply at the Greenbelt Metro station lot.

Things to do in Greenbelt

  • Walk or jog the scenic trail surrounding Buddy Attick Lake Park
  • Explore the New Deal architectural heritage and exhibits at the Greenbelt Museum
  • Catch an independent film or community performance at the historic Old Greenbelt Theatre

Local favorites

  • New Deal Cafe · Cafe & Live Music Venue · 4.6★ (840)
    A community-owned cooperative cafe featuring plant-based Mediterranean fare, local art, and live music.
  • Old Greenbelt Theatre · Movie Theater · 4.8★ (620)
    A restored 1938 Art Deco cinema showcasing contemporary independent films, classics, and community events.
  • Generous Joe's Deli · Deli & Pizzeria · 4.4★ (710)
    A longstanding local staple known for classic sub sandwiches, pizza, and casual comfort food.

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.