Is North Brentwood safe?
Hyattsville, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates North Brentwood as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on North Brentwood
“Go. North Brentwood is a historic and quiet residential town that is generally safe for visitors exploring the Gateway Arts District. As with most inner-ring DC suburbs, standard situational awareness is advised after dark, especially near major road corridors.”
Recent regional safety efforts in Prince George's County have focused on reducing opportunistic property crimes and vehicle thefts along the Route 1 corridor.
About the area
North Brentwood is a historic African American municipality located in Prince George's County directly adjacent to Hyattsville. It offers a calm residential atmosphere with close proximity to community arts venues, local parks, and the Route 1 commercial corridor.
- Historic
- Quiet Residential
- Arts & Culture
- Close-Knit
Walking and biking in North Brentwood
Walk score: 73/100 · Bike score: 78/100
Capital Bikeshare stations are situated along Rhode Island Avenue, offering direct access to the Anacostia River Trail network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Tight-knit, historic community with active civic engagement and low residential density.
- Convenient access to the Gateway Arts District and Anacostia River multi-use trail networks.
- Relatively low rates of random violent crime compared to denser urban hubs.
Cons
- Property crime, particularly vehicle break-ins and theft from vehicles, is an ongoing local issue.
- Very limited retail and dining within municipal boundaries, requiring travel to adjacent towns.
- Several residential side streets have sparse street lighting at night.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in the residential blocks of North Brentwood, though occasional unhoused individuals or panhandling can be observed along commercial stretches of Rhode Island Avenue.
What North Brentwood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with commuters, dog walkers, and light residential traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe for strolling through town parks and visiting nearby art spaces.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and settled, though visitors should remain attentive along less illuminated residential blocks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued with very little foot traffic; standard caution against property crime and isolation is recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
WMATA Metrobus routes 83 and 86 run along Rhode Island Avenue, and Prince George's County TheBus Route 17 serves the area. The West Hyattsville Metro Station (Green Line) is roughly 1.2 miles away.
Street parking is generally easy to find throughout residential streets, though some blocks require residential permits. Small dedicated parking lots serve community facilities and nearby businesses.
Things to do in North Brentwood
- Explore exhibits at the Prince George's African American Museum and Cultural Center.
- Relax or attend local events at the North Brentwood Community Park.
- Connect to the scenic Anacostia Tributary Trail System for walking or cycling.
Local favorites
- Prince George's African American Museum and Cultural Center · Museum · 4.7★ (95)Historic cultural hub dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black heritage in the county.
- Art Works Now · Art Center · 4.8★ (120)Community art school and gallery space hosting creative workshops and exhibits.
- Shortcake Bakery · Bakery · 4.6★ (210)Cozy nearby neighborhood spot serving fresh pastries, cakes, and coffee drinks.
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.