Is Parole safe?
Edgewater, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Parole as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Parole
“Go. Parole is a bustling commercial and residential hub directly west of downtown Annapolis that is very safe for visitors. While retail-related property crime like vehicle break-ins occurs in busy parking lots, violent crime is rare, and the area features upscale shopping, dining, and well-maintained developments.”
About the area
Parole serves as the modern retail and lifestyle core of the Annapolis area, centered around the Annapolis Town Center and Westfield Annapolis Mall. It combines master-planned apartment complexes, corporate offices, and suburban residential streets with extensive shopping and dining options.
- Suburban Commercial
- Upscale Retail
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Parole
Walk score: 54/100 · Bike score: 42/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure within Parole is sparse along major arterials, but the nearby South Shore Trail and Poplar Trail provide separated multi-use path connections toward downtown Annapolis.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than state and national averages.
- Strong local economy with median household incomes exceeding $95,000 and low poverty.
- Abundant upscale dining, retail amenities, and well-lit commercial centers.
- High rates of health insurance coverage and reliable infrastructure throughout the district.
Cons
- Property crime, notably retail theft and parking lot larceny, occurs around large shopping plazas.
- Heavily auto-centric road design with high-volume traffic on West Street, Riva Road, and MD-450.
- Limited walkable connectivity between separate commercial shopping centers.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate, with occasional panhandling observed near major highway intersections and transit stops along MD-450, but large encampments are not prevalent in commercial areas.
What Parole is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with commuters, fitness enthusiasts heading to gyms, and early morning shoppers.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- High-energy commercial buzz around shopping centers and office corridors with excellent overall safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Vibrant and safe around restaurant districts like the Town Center, though suburban side streets become very quiet.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm and quiet with minimal foot traffic; standard safety awareness is recommended around vast parking lots after venues close.
Transit, parking and getting around
Annapolis Transit (Annapolis Department of Transportation) operates regular bus services connecting Parole to Historic Downtown Annapolis via the Gold and Purple routes. Anne Arundel County Transit also serves the Westfield Annapolis bus transfer hub, but there is no direct passenger rail service.
Ample free surface parking and multi-level parking garages are readily available throughout Annapolis Town Center, Westfield Annapolis, and neighboring retail strip malls.
Things to do in Parole
- Shop, dine, and attend seasonal outdoor events at the Annapolis Town Center.
- Browse hundreds of major brand stores and grab a bite at Westfield Annapolis Mall.
- Catch an independent film or blockbuster at the Bow Tie Cinemas / Annapolis Harbor Center.
Local favorites
- True Food Kitchen · New American Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Upscale, health-focused chain serving seasonal plates, craft cocktails, and vegan-friendly dishes in Annapolis Town Center.
- Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant · American Restaurant & Winery · 4.6★ (2300)Popular dining destination featuring modern American cuisine paired with an extensive house-label wine tasting room.
- Giolitti Delicatessen · Italian Deli & Market · 4.7★ (680)Longtime local Italian market and deli offering authentic sandwiches, fresh pasta, and gourmet imported goods.
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.