Is Pines of Laurel safe?
Odenton, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Pines of Laurel as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Pines of Laurel
“Go. Pines of Laurel and the surrounding Odenton area offer a quiet, stable suburban environment heavily populated by defense personnel, federal workers, and regional commuters. Violent crime is rare, and basic suburban precautions like locking your car doors are sufficient.”
About the area
Pines of Laurel is a residential neighborhood situated along the border of Odenton and Laurel in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Positioned near Fort Meade, it is defined by townhome developments, multi-family apartment communities, and quiet wooded pockets.
- Suburban Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Commuter Hub
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Pines of Laurel
Walk score: 25/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no municipal bike-share stations in the area, but cyclists have direct road access to the scenic WB&A (Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis) Multi-Use Trail nearby.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are consistently below national and state averages.
- Strong local economy and high median household income supported by Fort Meade and NSA contractor hubs.
- Well-maintained residential developments with mature landscaping and dedicated community amenities.
Cons
- Isolated incidents of opportunistic property crimes such as vehicle break-ins in open parking areas.
- Virtually no commercial retail within immediate walking distance, requiring a vehicle for errands.
- Peak-hour traffic congestion on nearby connector roads like MD-198 and Brock Bridge Road.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually non-existent in this suburban residential enclave, with community assistance and shelter services situated in broader Anne Arundel County and Laurel municipal centers.
What Pines of Laurel is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with commuters and school buses heading out toward Fort Meade, Baltimore, or D.C.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet residential atmosphere with minimal foot traffic, occasional delivery vans, and dog walkers.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe, with neighbors returning home and residents exercising along residential sidewalks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and quiet; streets remain safe, though standard caution is advised in secluded parking bays.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is limited in the immediate neighborhood, but the Odenton MARC Station (Penn Line) is roughly 3 miles east, providing high-speed commuter rail to Baltimore Penn Station and Washington Union Station, supported by Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) bus routes.
Parking is abundant and free, utilizing designated townhome parking spots, apartment surface lots, and unrestricted residential street parking.
Things to do in Pines of Laurel
- Hike and birdwatch across the pristine natural landscapes of the nearby Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract.
- Walk, jog, or rollerblade along the paved multi-use WB&A Trail in Odenton.
- Explore military intelligence history and artifacts at the National Cryptologic Museum just north near Fort Meade.
Local favorites
- The Hideaway · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (1850)Popular rustic tavern and smokehouse serving hearty pecan-wood-smoked meats, craft beers, and comfort sides.
- Pho Miss Saigon · Vietnamese Restaurant · 4.4★ (530)Cozy local staple known for rich, traditional beef pho, crispy spring rolls, and noodle bowls.
- The Big Greek Cafe · Greek Restaurant · 4.5★ (410)Casual, vibrant counter-service eatery offering classic gyros, souvlaki platters, and fresh Greek salads.
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.