Is Oak Crest safe?
Laurel, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Oak Crest as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Oak Crest
“Go. Oak Crest is a quiet, predominantly residential suburban community in Laurel with relatively low violent crime rates. Visitors can comfortably explore local parks and neighborhood amenities during the day and evening, though standard suburban caution regarding vehicle security is advised.”
About the area
Oak Crest is an established residential neighborhood in Laurel, Maryland, characterized by single-family homes, townhouses, and mature tree-lined streets. It offers convenient proximity to major commuter routes, local shopping plazas, and green spaces along the Patuxent River corridor.
- Suburban Enclave
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet Streets
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Oak Crest
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 44/100
No dedicated bike-share system operates here; cycling is mainly on local residential roads with connections to the Patuxent River Trail accessible via nearby collector streets.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low rate of violent crime compared to Prince George's County and regional averages
- Solid middle-income economic base with high rates of health insurance and vehicle access
- Well-maintained residential housing stock with low residential vacancy
- Close proximity to recreation at Granville Gude Park and Laurel Lakes
Cons
- Periodic incidents of property crime, such as vehicle break-ins and theft from yards
- Pockets of pedestrian unfriendliness along adjacent high-speed arterial roads
- Moderate commercial corridor spillover activity from Route 198
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a significant factor within the residential blocks of Oak Crest, though occasional panhandling occurs along major shopping plazas on Route 1 and Route 198.
What Oak Crest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents walking dogs and commuting; very safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with standard neighborhood traffic and school dismissals.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential setting where walking remains comfortable, though side streets have variable lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and generally safe, though foot traffic is virtually nonexistent and caution around parked cars is recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
Transit is served by the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA) and WMATA Metrobus routes along Route 198 and Route 1, with the Laurel MARC commuter rail station located roughly two miles to the east.
Parking is readily available on residential neighborhood streets and in dedicated driveways and shopping plaza surface lots at no cost.
Things to do in Oak Crest
- Stroll the lakeside paved loop and enjoy open recreation at Granville Gude Park.
- Catch a movie or shop at the nearby Towne Centre at Laurel.
- Explore the historic Laurel Museum and the scenic Patuxent River trails just minutes away.
Local favorites
- Toucan Taco · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (820)Longstanding local staple serving hard-shell tacos and classic Tex-Mex comfort food in a relaxed setting.
- More Than Java Cafe · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (360)Welcoming community cafe featuring specialty coffees, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods.
- Tampico Grill · Latin American Restaurant · 4.3★ (740)Popular neighborhood dining spot known for hearty fajitas, fresh guacamole, and margaritas.
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.