Is Montgomery Knolls safe?
Silver Spring, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Montgomery Knolls as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Montgomery Knolls
“Go. Montgomery Knolls is a stable, quiet residential enclave with low violent crime rates within its interior streets. While standard vigilance is sensible near the busy perimeter corridors of University Boulevard and Piney Branch Road, visitors will find a peaceful suburban environment.”
Recent county initiatives have focused on pedestrian safety improvements and transit enhancements along nearby University Boulevard corridor intersections.
About the area
Montgomery Knolls is an established mid-century neighborhood in eastern Silver Spring characterized by brick ramblers, mature tree canopy, and quiet residential streets. It borders the scenic Northwest Branch stream valley, offering direct park access alongside proximity to diverse multicultural dining hubs.
- Quiet / Residential
- Tree-Lined
- Suburban Enclave
- Park-Adjacent
Walking and biking in Montgomery Knolls
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 55/100
Cyclists have direct connectivity to the paved Northwest Branch Trail network, though dedicated on-street bike lanes on surrounding major roads are limited; nearby Capital Bikeshare stations are situated along Piney Branch Road.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low violent crime rates across the residential interior streets
- High rate of owner-occupied single-family homes fostering neighborhood stability
- Direct foot and bike access to the Northwest Branch Stream Valley park system
- Low housing vacancy rates and well-kept residential yards
Cons
- Periodic property crime such as vehicle break-ins and package theft
- Heavier traffic congestion and occasional commercial incidents along bordering arterials
- Limited street lighting along some interior residential cul-de-sacs
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is negligible within Montgomery Knolls' residential streets, with occasional panhandling or unhoused individuals only noted around commercial bus transit stops on nearby University Boulevard.
What Montgomery Knolls is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, morning runners, and school commuters.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and residential with minimal through-traffic and standard neighborhood activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet suburban atmosphere as residents return home, remaining safe for residential walks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and mostly dark; walking is generally safe within interior blocks but caution is warranted near major commercial borders.
Transit, parking and getting around
Montgomery County Ride On buses (such as Routes 15 and 16) and Metrobus routes serve the neighborhood perimeter, connecting to the Silver Spring and Takoma Metrorail stations (Red Line, roughly 2.5 to 3 miles away).
Street parking is free, unrestricted, and easy to find on all residential streets, with ample private driveway space throughout.
Things to do in Montgomery Knolls
- Hike, jog, or birdwatch along the paved Northwest Branch Trail
- Enjoy the playground, soccer field, and tennis courts at Montgomery Knolls Local Park
- Sample diverse international cuisine along nearby Piney Branch Road and University Boulevard
Local favorites
- Sardi's Pollo A La Brasa · Peruvian Restaurant · 4.3★ (2350)Popular local staple serving classic Peruvian rotisserie chicken and hearty South American sides.
- El Golfo Restaurant · Latin American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1220)Community-favorite dining spot offering traditional Latin American cuisine, seafood, and live events.
- Woodmoor Pastry Shop · Bakery · 4.7★ (920)Longstanding neighborhood bakery renowned for traditional donuts, custom cakes, and fresh breads.
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.