Is Ronalee Hills safe?
Damascus, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Ronalee Hills as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Ronalee Hills
“Go. Ronalee Hills is an exceptionally safe, quiet suburban subdivision located in Damascus, Maryland. Violent and property crime rates are among the lowest in the region, supported by high homeownership and strong economic indicators. While you will need a personal vehicle to explore the broader area, personal safety concerns are practically negligible.”
About the area
Ronalee Hills is an established residential neighborhood in northern Montgomery County known for single-family homes on spacious, wooded lots. It provides a peaceful, semi-rural suburban atmosphere within easy driving distance of Damascus's local dining and park amenities.
- Quiet / Peaceful
- Family-Friendly
- Suburban
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Ronalee Hills
Walk score: 16/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There are no municipal bike-share stations, but local roads provide easy access to the nearby paved Magruder Branch Trail for recreation.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates consistently track far below state and national benchmarks
- High homeownership rate and well-maintained properties indicate sustained economic stability
- Quiet, low-traffic residential streets ideal for peaceful neighborhood living
Cons
- Completely car-dependent with no retail or dining within easy walking distance
- Significant distance from regional rail hubs, hospital centers, and major urban amenities
- Limited sidewalk infrastructure along connecting roadways
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Ronalee Hills or the surrounding Damascus community, with no encampments or panhandling in the vicinity.
What Ronalee Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Crisp and serene, with residents walking dogs and low residential traffic making it very safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-oriented, completely safe for children and pedestrians on neighborhood streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and secure, with residents returning home and minimal exterior noise.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark due to sparse street lighting, but the neighborhood remains exceptionally safe and peaceful.
Transit, parking and getting around
Transit service is provided by Montgomery County Ride On (such as Route 90), operating along main Damascus arterials to connect with the Shady Grove Red Line Metro station over 15 miles south.
Parking is completely hassle-free with spacious private driveways and ample unrestricted street parking on residential roads.
Things to do in Ronalee Hills
- Hike, jog, or stroll along the scenic Magruder Branch Trail nearby
- Enjoy playgrounds, open fields, and athletic courts at Damascus Community Park
- Visit Damascus Regional Park for extensive multi-use trails and picnic facilities
Local favorites
- Jimmie Cone · Ice Cream Shop · 4.8★ (1450)Historic, seasonal landmark beloved for classic soft-serve cones, shakes, and dipped treats.
- Hornet's Nest Grille · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (680)Laid-back neighborhood tavern offering hearty burgers, craft beers, and family-friendly dining.
- Tom & Ray's Restaurant · Diner · 4.5★ (520)Enduring local favorite serving traditional all-day country breakfasts and diner comfort classics.
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.