Is Montebello safe?
Baltimore, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Montebello as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Montebello
“Go with care. Lake Montebello offers a pleasant daytime recreational setting for walking and running, but visitors should stay vigilant given elevated property and violent crime rates in the surrounding Northeast Baltimore districts. It is best enjoyed during daylight hours while sticking to populated pathways.”
City infrastructure projects have continued around Lake Montebello's water filtration facilities, alongside targeted Baltimore Police patrols to curb recurring vehicle break-ins along perimeter parking zones.
About the area
Montebello is a Northeast Baltimore neighborhood centered around Lake Montebello, a decommissioned reservoir that now serves as a popular public walking and running loop. The area features a mix of historic municipal waterworks architecture, mid-century rowhomes, and tree-lined residential streets bordered by Harford Road and 33rd Street.
- Recreational
- Historic Reservoir
- Residential
- Quiet Green Space
Walking and biking in Montebello
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 68/100
The lake perimeter features a flat, multi-use paved path suitable for casual cycling, connecting smoothly via 33rd Street's designated bike lanes westward toward Charles Village.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Scenic and actively utilized 1.3-mile paved walking and jogging loop around Lake Montebello
- Active neighborhood associations working in tandem with adjacent Ednor Gardens-Lakeside and Mayfield communities
- Close proximity to major academic and cultural centers including Morgan State University and Johns Hopkins Homewood
- Abundant open green space and tree canopy compared to denser inner-city districts
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates remain significantly above national averages in adjacent corridors
- Elevated risk of vehicle theft, break-ins, and catalytic converter thefts along street parking spots
- Surrounding blocks feature pockets of elevated residential vacancy and economic distress
- Limited commercial and dining amenities directly within the neighborhood boundaries
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is relatively low directly around the lake loop, though occasional panhandling and individuals experiencing homelessness can be observed along commercial thoroughfares like Harford Road and near 33rd Street bus stops.
What Montebello is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and calm as early-morning runners, dog walkers, and commuters populate the lake perimeter.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally pleasant with moderate foot traffic around the water, though standard urban vigilance is advised.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity thins out quickly after sunset, and walking along quiet side streets requires heightened awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Not recommended for foot travel due to low visibility, isolated pockets around the lake, and heightened crime risk.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA Maryland operates several bus lines serving the perimeter, including CityLink Green (GR) along Harford Road and LocalLink 22 on 33rd Street. There is no direct rail station within walking distance; the nearest Metro SubwayLink or Light Rail stations require a 10-to-15-minute bus connection.
Free parallel street parking is readily available along Whitman Drive and adjacent residential side streets, though visitors should lock doors and remove all valuables to prevent opportunistic break-ins.
Things to do in Montebello
- Walk, jog, or rollerblade the 1.3-mile paved fitness loop encircling Lake Montebello.
- View the historic Victorian-Gothic architecture of the Montebello Water Filtration Plant.
- Birdwatch around the reservoir, a noted local urban stopping point for migratory waterfowl.
Local favorites
- Peabody Heights Brewery · Brewery · 4.7★ (820)A historic-stadium-site craft brewery and arcade serving artisanal beers and hosting food trucks just west of the neighborhood.
- Pete's Grille · Diner · 4.6★ (1150)A classic counter-serve breakfast and lunch diner known for hearty pancakes and comfort staples near Greenmount.
- Maggie's Farm · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (510)A cozy, farm-to-table tavern serving seasonal New American dishes and craft cocktails along nearby Harford Road.
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.