Is Overbrook safe?
Bowie, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Overbrook as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Overbrook
“Go. Overbrook is a tranquil, established suburban enclave in Bowie with low crime rates, strong civic engagement, and exceptionally stable homeownership. Visitors and residents alike can move about the residential streets with ease and peace of mind.”
About the area
Overbrook is one of Bowie's classic residential 'Levitt' sections, characterized by single-family homes, mature trees, and quiet cul-de-sacs. While almost purely residential with few commercial attractions within its immediate borders, it provides a very safe and relaxed suburban atmosphere close to local parks and shopping centers.
- Quiet Suburb
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in Overbrook
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 42/100
No dedicated bike-share stations exist in the immediate neighborhood, but wide residential roadways connect easily to the WB&A (Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis) Multi-Use Trail a short ride to the north.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to county and national averages
- High household median income exceeding $125,000 and low poverty rates under 5%
- High homeownership rate and well-tended suburban residential properties
- Peaceful, low-traffic neighborhood streets suitable for morning and evening walks
Cons
- Car-dependent with virtually no retail or dining directly inside the residential core
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins
- Limited public transit access requiring a vehicle for most errands and commuting
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in the residential Overbrook neighborhood, with social and shelter services situated in larger regional centers across Prince George's County.
What Overbrook is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and school bus routes moving through the neighborhood.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet with minimal vehicle traffic along interior residential roads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential ambiance as residents return from work; highly safe for neighborhood strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and low-activity residential streets; safe, though street lighting varies across cul-de-sacs.
Transit, parking and getting around
Transit is provided by Prince George's County TheBus and WMATA bus routes operating along nearby perimeter corridors (like MD-197 and MD-450). Rail connections require a short drive to the Bowie State MARC Station (Penn Line) or the New Carrollton Metro Station.
Parking is abundant and free throughout Overbrook, primarily handled via private driveways and unrestricted curbside street parking.
Things to do in Overbrook
- Walk or jog along the neighborhood streets and nearby connector paths to Overbrook Park
- Visit the nearby Belair Mansion and Belair Stable Museum for local Maryland horse racing history
- Enjoy outdoor sports and leisure at the nearby Allen Pond Park, featuring a lake, trails, and an ice rink
Local favorites
- Old Bowie Town Grille · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1250)Historic Old Town Bowie neighborhood restaurant offering comfort food, burgers, and live music.
- Jerry's Seafood · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (2100)Famous regional seafood destination renowned for its signature Crab Bomb dish.
- Rip's Country Inn · Diner / American · 4.2★ (1650)Longstanding local staple serving classic hearty breakfasts, steaks, and homemade desserts.
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.