Is Riverdale Gardens safe?
Riverdale Park, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Riverdale Gardens as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Riverdale Gardens
“Go with care. Riverdale Gardens is a modest, quiet residential neighborhood, but its proximity to busy commercial corridors like Kenilworth Avenue and Baltimore Avenue brings some spillover property crime and auto theft. Visitors will generally find daylight hours calm and trouble-free, though standard situational awareness is advised after dark.”
About the area
Riverdale Gardens is a predominantly residential section of Riverdale Park in Prince George's County, Maryland, nestled between Hyattsville and College Park. The area features mid-century single-family homes and garden apartments, offering proximity to the University of Maryland and the Anacostia River trail system. It provides a peaceful suburban feel while remaining closely connected to inner-beltway urban amenities.
- Suburban Respite
- Tree-Lined
- Family-Oriented
- Commuter-Friendly
Walking and biking in Riverdale Gardens
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 68/100
Capital Bikeshare docks are available near Riverdale Town Center and the MARC station, with direct, paved connections to the Northeast Branch Trail and the broader Anacostia River Trail network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Stable residential core with relatively low violent crime rates within the immediate residential streets
- Close proximity to the University of Maryland and Hyattsville Arts District amenities
- Direct access to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System for recreation
- Solid broadband connectivity and high rates of essential health insurance coverage
Cons
- Elevated rates of vehicle break-ins, catalytic converter thefts, and package theft along surrounding corridors
- Pockets of lower median income and higher rental density nearby lead to occasional property disputes
- Limited street lighting on some residential cut-through streets and alleyways
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within the interior residential blocks of Riverdale Gardens, though occasional panhandling and unhoused individuals may be seen near major bus stops and strip plazas along Route 1 and Kenilworth Avenue.
What Riverdale Gardens is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, commuters heading out, and school transit; very safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with moderate local traffic and people enjoying the trails.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet throughout the neighborhood streets, though extra caution is sensible around poorly lit corners and transit stops.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally quiet with low foot traffic, but isolated property crimes like car break-ins are most likely during these hours.
Transit, parking and getting around
WMATA Metrorail Green and Yellow Lines serve nearby College Park-U of MD and Hyattsville Crossing stations (approx. 1.5 miles away), complemented by the Riverdale MARC commuter rail station on the Camden Line and Prince George's County TheBus routes 14 and 17.
Street parking in the residential streets is generally free and readily available, though some blocks require municipal residential parking permits; retail centers nearby offer free surface lot parking.
Things to do in Riverdale Gardens
- Explore the historic grounds and exhibits at Riversdale House Museum nearby
- Bike or walk along the scenic Northeast Branch Trail connecting into the Anacostia Tributary system
- Browse local produce and artisanal goods at the seasonal Riverdale Park Farmers Market by the MARC station
Local favorites
- Town Center Market · Beer & Wine Shop / Deli · 4.6★ (460)A popular neighborhood gathering spot featuring craft brews on tap, casual deli bites, and a welcoming patio.
- Riviera Tapas Bar · Spanish / Tapas Restaurant · 4.5★ (380)Cozy dining destination serving authentic Spanish tapas, paella, and sangria in a warm atmosphere.
- Banana Blossom Bistro · Vietnamese Restaurant · 4.7★ (510)A bright and airy eatery known for fragrant pho, fresh summer rolls, and modern Vietnamese comfort food.
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.