Is Pimlico Good Neighbors safe?
Baltimore, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Pimlico Good Neighbors as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Pimlico Good Neighbors
“Go with care. While Pimlico Good Neighbors features dedicated community stakeholders and close proximity to the historic Pimlico Race Course, violent and property crime rates in the broader Park Heights corridor are well above national averages. Visitors should remain alert, visit during daylight hours, and stick to familiar routes.”
Long-term state and municipal redevelopment initiatives for the Pimlico Race Course and the surrounding Park Heights corridor continue to focus on blight reduction and community safety improvements.
About the area
Pimlico Good Neighbors is a small, predominantly residential urban neighborhood in Northwest Baltimore situated immediately south of the historic Pimlico Race Course. Characterized by traditional brick rowhomes and porch-front houses, the area is actively engaged in long-term community revitalization and redevelopment efforts.
- Residential
- Historic Horse Racing
- Urban Rowhomes
- Evolving
Walking and biking in Pimlico Good Neighbors
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 48/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure within the neighborhood is limited to standard road sharing, with no docked bike-share stations; the Jones Falls Trail is reachable a couple of miles east near Cylburn.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Close proximity to the historic Pimlico Race Course and major annual events like the Preakness Stakes.
- Strong local neighborhood association advocacy and ongoing community reinvestment initiatives.
- Convenient access to major transit lines and healthcare hubs like Sinai Hospital just north.
Cons
- Violent crime and robbery rates in the surrounding Park Heights district exceed national and state averages.
- Elevated vacancy rates and visible housing blight on select residential blocks.
- Limited retail, sit-down dining, and visitor-focused amenities within the immediate neighborhood borders.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is relatively modest within strictly residential blocks, though individuals experiencing homelessness or asking for assistance may occasionally be seen near major commercial corridors along Park Heights Avenue and Northern Parkway.
What Pimlico Good Neighbors is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Relatively quiet with residents commuting and local bus routes active, offering the safest window for daylight visits.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderate foot and vehicle traffic with regular community movement, generally fine if staying aware of your surroundings.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity tapers off quickly on residential blocks, requiring increased vigilance due to reduced lighting and elevated street crime risks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Walking alone is not recommended late at night due to higher rates of violent crime and low pedestrian presence.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). The Rogers Avenue Metro SubwayLink station is roughly a 15- to 20-minute walk southwest, and frequent service is provided by LocalLink bus routes 82, 83, and CityLink Yellow along Park Heights and Belvedere Avenues.
Street parking along residential blocks is mostly unmetered and readily available, though visitors should lock vehicles and avoid leaving valuables visible. There are no structured public parking garages within the immediate neighborhood.
Things to do in Pimlico Good Neighbors
- Tour the exterior and historic grounds of Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes.
- Explore community gardens and local neighborhood green spaces maintained by local community coalitions.
- Visit the nearby Cylburn Arboretum just a short drive east for extensive botanical gardens and walking trails.
Local favorites
- Taste This · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.4★ (380)A popular nearby carryout known for generous portions of fried fish, mac and cheese, and smothered pork chops.
- Tov Pizza · Kosher Pizzeria · 4.3★ (460)A long-running community staple serving kosher pizza, falafel, and classic comfort fare just north on Reisterstown Road.
- Goldberg's New York Bagels · Bagel Shop & Deli · 4.5★ (750)Traditional water-boiled New York-style bagels and spreads located a quick drive northwest.
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.