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Is Maplewood safe?

Kensington, Maryland · safety score updated nightly

93out of 100

Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.

VibeLoco rates Maplewood as “Go”.

Gogo's take on Maplewood

“Go. Maplewood (also associated with the Bethesda/Kensington border near Alta Vista and North Chevy Chase) is an exceptionally safe, affluent suburban residential neighborhood in Montgomery County. Violent crime is extremely rare, with minor property crimes such as unlocked vehicle rummaging being the primary concern. Visitors can explore the peaceful residential streets and nearby parks with complete confidence.”

About the area

Maplewood is a quiet, tree-canopied enclave featuring well-kept single-family homes, manicured lawns, and community parks nestled just north of Bethesda and west of historic Kensington. It offers a classic suburban retreat close to the Capital Beltway, NIH, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Visitors come primarily to enjoy local neighborhood parks, quiet residential walking routes, and nearby dining options in Bethesda and Kensington.

  • Family-Friendly
  • Suburban / Peaceful
  • Tree-Lined
  • Affluent

Walking and biking in Maplewood

Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 45/100

Capital Bikeshare stations are located at nearby transit hubs and parks, with straightforward street connections to the Rock Creek Stream Valley Trail and Bethesda Trolley Trail.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

  • Violent crime rates are near zero with strong neighborhood cohesion and responsive county policing.
  • Exceptionally strong socioeconomic profile with high median household incomes and very low poverty.
  • High rate of homeownership with well-maintained properties and stable residential occupancy.
  • Immediate proximity to major medical centers (NIH, Walter Reed) and regional green spaces.

Cons

  • Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as vehicle break-ins or package theft.
  • Car-dependent enclave with limited direct commercial amenities inside the residential borders.
  • Close proximity to the I-495 Beltway can generate traffic congestion and ambient highway noise on perimeter streets.

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Maplewood; encampments and panhandling are virtually non-existent in this purely residential suburban enclave.

What Maplewood is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a
Very calm and safe, filled with residents walking dogs, jogging, and heading to work or school.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p
Quiet and tranquil with school buses, children playing in yards, and park activity.
Evening · 5p – 10p
Peaceful neighborhood atmosphere with residents on evening walks; perfectly safe along well-lit streets.
Late night · 10p – 5a
Exceptionally quiet with minimal foot or vehicle traffic; standard low-level awareness is sufficient.

Transit, parking and getting around

Public transit is managed by Montgomery County Ride On buses (such as Route 34) connecting to the Washington Metro Red Line at Medical Center or Grosvenor-Strathmore stations, which are roughly a 5-10 minute drive away.

Street parking is free, ample, and easy to find throughout residential streets, with free dedicated parking lots available at Maplewood-Alta Vista Local Park.

Things to do in Maplewood

  • Enjoy outdoor sports, playground facilities, and tennis courts at Maplewood-Alta Vista Local Park.
  • Stroll the shaded, quiet residential streets admiring mid-century and custom renovated homes.
  • Take a short trip into historic Kensington Antique Row for vintage shopping and local dining.

Local favorites

  • Dish & Dram · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (320)
    A cozy, neighborhood bistro nearby serving seasonal American comfort food, local craft beer, and cocktails.
  • Kensington Natural Food Market · Grocery Store · 4.6★ (140)
    A long-standing local health food shop and deli providing organic groceries, supplements, and made-to-order sandwiches.
  • BabyCat Brewery · Brewery · 4.8★ (210)
    A vibrant community craft brewery nearby featuring rotating draft beers and a family-friendly outdoor patio.

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.