Is Norwood Estates safe?
Colesville, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Norwood Estates as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Norwood Estates
“Go. Norwood Estates is a peaceful, affluent suburban enclave in Montgomery County characterized by well-kept single-family homes and mature greenery. Violent crime is extremely rare, making it exceptionally safe for residents and visitors alike.”
About the area
Norwood Estates is an established, quiet residential community located within the greater Colesville area of Montgomery County, Maryland. Surrounded by rolling parks and suburban neighborhoods, it offers a tranquil environment primarily composed of owner-occupied single-family residences. Visitors typically come to enjoy the nearby regional parks, stream valley trails, and local community amenities.
- Quiet Suburb
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Norwood Estates
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 36/100
Capital Bikeshare stations are rare in the immediate neighborhood, but road cyclists have direct access to multi-use trails within the Northwest Branch and Sligo Creek trail networks.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both state and national averages.
- Strong socioeconomic stability with high homeownership rates and median household incomes well exceeding $130,000.
- Immediate access to Montgomery County's expansive park system and open green spaces.
Cons
- Car dependency requires a vehicle for virtually all dining, retail, and entertainment needs.
- Suburban street layouts have limited sidewalk networks and minimal street lighting at night.
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like unlocked vehicle break-ins along residential driveways.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually non-existent in Norwood Estates; any regional social services and shelters are situated in larger commercial centers like Silver Spring or Wheaton.
What Norwood Estates is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with neighbors walking dogs and commuters heading to work.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet with light neighborhood traffic and children playing in yards or nearby parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Very safe and relaxing, though streets become dark quickly due to limited municipal street lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low activity and exceptionally safe, though quiet suburban darkness warrants a flashlight when walking.
Transit, parking and getting around
Montgomery County Ride On buses (such as Route 10) operate along nearby thoroughfares connecting to the Glenmont Metro Station (Red Line), located about 3 to 4 miles away.
Parking is exceptionally easy with abundant, free curbside space on residential streets alongside private driveways.
Things to do in Norwood Estates
- Walk or jog the scenic natural paths in the adjacent Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park.
- Play tennis, basketball, or take children to the playground at Norwood Local Park.
- Explore the nearby nature trails and botanical gardens at Brookside Gardens in neighboring Wheaton.
Local favorites
- Full Key Restaurant · Chinese Restaurant · 4.4★ (820)Renowned local spot in nearby Wheaton serving authentic Cantonese dishes, dim sum, and roast meats.
- The Limerick Pub · Irish Pub · 4.5★ (640)Cozy neighborhood tavern in nearby Wheaton offering classic pub fare, craft beers, and live traditional music.
- El Golfo Restaurant · Latin American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1100)Vibrant nearby eatery featuring authentic Mexican and Central American specialties with frequent live music.
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.