Is Marlton safe?
Upper Marlboro, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Marlton as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Marlton
“Go. Marlton is a calm, established residential community in southern Prince George's County that offers a safe, family-oriented environment. Visitors will encounter minimal safety risks, with crime levels well below national and regional metro averages. You will need a car to navigate the area comfortably.”
About the area
Marlton is a master-planned suburban enclave nestled in Upper Marlboro, characterized by quiet cul-de-sacs, detached homes, and townhome communities. It serves predominantly as a bedroom community for commuters working across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and nearby military bases.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Marlton
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There are no bike-share hubs and arterial roads lack dedicated bike lanes, but nearby Rosaryville State Park offers extensive multi-use nature trails for recreational cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low violent crime rates and an overall peaceful, family-oriented residential setting
- Strong economic foundation with median household incomes exceeding $120,000 and a poverty rate under 5%
- High homeownership rate with well-maintained single-family properties and community green spaces
- Direct proximity to expansive natural parks and trails like Rosaryville State Park
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent layout requiring driving for all dining, shopping, and entertainment
- Isolated from high-frequency rail transit and urban infrastructure
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually nonexistent in Marlton due to its low-density suburban nature and lack of commercial transit hubs or major support facilities.
What Marlton is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents walking dogs, jogging, and heading out on suburban commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and safe with minimal vehicular or foot traffic through neighborhood streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential with families relaxing at home and well-lit neighborhood streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with virtually no pedestrian activity, maintaining low incident rates.
Transit, parking and getting around
Prince George's County TheBus and limited commuter routes provide service along major corridors, but rail transit is distant; the nearest Metrorail station is Branch Ave (Green Line), roughly 12 miles northwest.
Parking is free and plentiful throughout the community, featuring residential driveways, open street parking, and spacious surface lots at local retail centers.
Things to do in Marlton
- Hike, run, or mountain bike the scenic wooded loops at adjacent Rosaryville State Park
- Explore regional heritage and archaeology exhibits at the nearby Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park
- Play tennis, basketball, or take a peaceful walk through Marlton Recreation Park
Local favorites
- Babes Boys Tavern · American Restaurant & Pub · 4.4★ (1420)A cozy neighborhood gathering spot in Upper Marlboro serving classic tavern fare, seafood, and craft drinks.
- Mexico Lindo · Mexican Restaurant · 4.2★ (960)Local favorite offering authentic Mexican staples, generous combo platters, and margaritas.
- Marlboro Country Cafe · Diner · 4.3★ (380)Down-home diner known for hearty breakfast platters, sandwiches, and friendly service.
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.