Is Montpelier Forest safe?
Laurel, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Montpelier Forest as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Montpelier Forest
“Go. Montpelier Forest is a peaceful, established suburban enclave in southern Laurel with relatively low violent crime and well-maintained single-family homes. While standard precautions against opportunistic property crime like vehicle break-ins apply, visitors will find the residential streets calm and welcoming.”
About the area
Montpelier Forest is a quiet, leafy residential subdivision situated just south of historic Laurel in Prince George's County. Known for its mid-century to late-20th-century homes, cul-de-sacs, and mature tree canopy, it serves primarily as a tranquil bedroom community for commuters across the Washington-Baltimore corridor.
- Quiet Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Montpelier Forest
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 32/100
There are no municipal bike-share docking stations in the neighborhood; recreational cycling is pleasant within the subdivision streets, but protected connections to major multi-use trails like the WB&A Trail require riding along higher-speed roads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to adjacent commercial transit corridors
- High rate of owner-occupied housing and stable household incomes above regional median levels
- Close proximity to historic and natural regional amenities like Montpelier Mansion and the Patuxent Research Refuge
Cons
- Periodic incidents of property crime such as unlocked vehicle trespassing and package theft
- Nearly completely car-dependent with minimal retail or dining within immediate walking distance
- Pedestrian connectivity is limited outside of the core subdivision loop
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually nonexistent within Montpelier Forest proper, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen near major retail centers along Route 1 and Contee Road a short drive to the north.
What Montpelier Forest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with neighborhood residents walking dogs, jogging, and heading out for morning commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with minimal traffic and safe, quiet neighborhood streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Subdued suburban setting where families and homeowners unwind; generally safe for an evening stroll.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and sparsely lit along some stretches; safe overall, but situational awareness is advised regarding parked cars and dark side streets.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit service is provided by Prince George's County TheBus and WMATA bus lines along nearby arterial corridors like MD-197. The nearest rail transit is the Muirkirk MARC commuter train station, roughly a 5-to-10-minute drive away, while the Greenbelt Metro station is about 15 minutes by car.
Street parking is straightforward and free throughout the residential subdivision, and most homes feature dedicated driveways and garages.
Things to do in Montpelier Forest
- Tour the historic 18th-century Montpelier Mansion grounds and gardens nearby
- Explore art galleries and take classes at the adjacent Montpelier Arts Center
- Hike and birdwatch through the trails at the nearby Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract
Local favorites
- Montpelier Arts Center · Art Center · 4.7★ (110)A vibrant community arts facility hosting rotating exhibitions, visual art classes, and live performances.
- Kloby's Smokehouse · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (1420)Popular nearby roadside spot serving slow-smoked ribs, brisket, and Southern-style sides.
- Amber Spice · Indian Restaurant · 4.4★ (750)Well-regarded nearby dining room offering classic North and South Indian curries and tandoori dishes.
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.