Is Mount DeSales safe?
Catonsville, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Mount DeSales as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Mount DeSales
“Go. Mount DeSales is a quiet, leafy residential enclave in Catonsville with low violent crime rates and an established neighborhood feel. While its proximity to the Baltimore City line warrants basic awareness against opportunistic property crime, the area is generally very safe for visitors during daylight and evening hours.”
About the area
Mount DeSales is a historic, suburban neighborhood in eastern Catonsville, anchored by the picturesque Mount de Sales Academy. It features mature tree-lined streets, mid-century and historic single-family homes, and easy access to both downtown Catonsville amenities and Patapsco Valley State Park.
- Quiet & Residential
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Mount DeSales
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 45/100
There are no dedicated municipal bike-share hubs in the neighborhood, but cyclists can access local street routes connecting toward the Catonsville Rails to Trails (Short Line Railroad Trail).
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent crime rates compared to adjacent Baltimore City neighborhoods
- High homeownership rate and well-maintained residential properties
- Strong median household income well above the national average
- Close proximity to the charming dining and shopping core of historic Frederick Road
Cons
- Occasional vehicle break-ins and property crime near major transit corridors
- Car-dependent layout with limited walkability for daily errands
- Boundary closeness to the city border means crime rates increase rapidly a few blocks east
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the residential streets of Mount DeSales, though minor panhandling may occasionally be seen at commercial intersections further along Route 40.
What Mount DeSales is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with locals jogging, walking dogs, and school-related morning traffic around the academy.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet suburban vibe where walking and driving are completely unproblematic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Serene and residential, with pleasant neighborhood strolls, though lighting can be somewhat dim on purely residential side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and minimal activity; remains quiet, though standard suburban precautions regarding vehicle security apply.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA Maryland operates local bus routes (such as CityLink Purple and LocalLink 77) along nearby corridors like Frederick Road and Edmondson Avenue. There is no direct rail station within walking distance.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free, with free street parking throughout the neighborhood and private driveways for residences.
Things to do in Mount DeSales
- Admire the historic 19th-century architecture and campus grounds of Mount de Sales Academy
- Stroll through the shaded, tranquil residential streets and admire classic Maryland architecture
- Take a short drive to the nearby trails along the Patapsco Valley State Park
Local favorites
- State Fare · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1650)Lively nearby gastropub serving classic Maryland seafood dishes, brunch, and craft cocktails.
- Atwater's Traditional Food · Bakery & Cafe · 4.6★ (480)Beloved local spot offering artisan sourdough bread, fresh pastries, soups, and local coffee.
- Catonsville Gourmet · Seafood Market & Restaurant · 4.5★ (1120)Casual neighborhood destination for fresh crab cakes, oysters, and specialty grocery items.
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.