Is High Ridge safe?
Laurel, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates High Ridge as “Go”.
Gogo's take on High Ridge
“Go. High Ridge is a safe, peaceful, and affluent suburban community situated in the Howard County portion of Laurel. Visitors and residents experience very low violent crime and excellent community upkeep, making it an easy and secure place to stay or explore.”
About the area
High Ridge is an established residential neighborhood in North Laurel characterized by quiet subdivisions, mature tree cover, and well-maintained single-family homes and townhouses. Located in southern Howard County, it offers immediate access to the Rocky Gorge Reservoir and Patuxent River parklands while providing an easy commute between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in High Ridge
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 34/100
Dedicated bike lanes are scarce along major thoroughfares like Gorman Road, but residential streets are low-stress for cycling, and the nearby Patuxent Branch Trail provides off-road paved connectivity north toward Columbia.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent crime and property crime rates compared to regional urban averages, backed by Howard County public safety services.
- High median household incomes (exceeding $125,000) and low poverty rates contributing to stable neighborhood conditions.
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained properties across residential subdivisions.
- Convenient access to extensive outdoor recreation along the Rocky Gorge Reservoir and Patuxent River.
Cons
- Car-dependent infrastructure with few commercial amenities within comfortable walking distance.
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes, primarily unlocked vehicle theft common to suburban corridors.
- Heavy commuter congestion on surrounding arteries like Gorman Road, Whiskey Bottom Road, and nearby I-95.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in High Ridge; any transient activity in the wider area is generally confined to commercial highway corridors further east along Route 1.
What High Ridge is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, morning joggers, and standard commuter and school traffic across residential roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very safe and calm, with quiet residential cul-de-sacs and neighborhood parks hosting families.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and secure, with residents unwinding at home and low traffic volume throughout the subdivisions.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet with minimal activity; very safe to navigate, though standard suburban lighting makes a flashlight helpful on some side streets.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA), which runs Route 409 along Gorman Road; the Laurel MARC commuter rail station (Camden Line) is roughly a 7-minute drive away.
Parking is exceptionally easy with abundant free residential street parking, private driveways, and ample free parking lots at local parks and shopping centers.
Things to do in High Ridge
- Enjoy the playgrounds, walking loops, and athletic fields at High Ridge Park.
- Hike, kayak, or fish along the scenic shores at the Supplee Lane Recreation Area on Rocky Gorge Reservoir.
- Explore the historic shops, galleries, and scenic river trails at nearby Historic Savage Mill.
Local favorites
- Morelos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (850)A popular neighborhood spot serving authentic Mexican dishes, fajitas, and margaritas in a relaxed setting.
- Decanter Fine Wines · Wine & Spirits Store · 4.6★ (160)A well-stocked local shop offering craft beers, boutique wines, and knowledgeable customer service.
- Rams Head Tavern Savage Mill · American Restaurant & Pub · 4.4★ (2450)A nearby historic tavern located in the mill complex featuring craft ales, pub classics, and patio dining.
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.