Is Running Brook safe?
Columbia, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Running Brook as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Running Brook
“Go. Running Brook is a tranquil, planned residential neighborhood within the Village of Wilde Lake in Columbia, offering an exceptionally secure suburban setting. Crime rates are very low and predominantly limited to minor property theft such as unlocked vehicle break-ins. Visitors can comfortably stroll the tree-lined streets and extensive paved pathway networks at almost any hour.”
About the area
Running Brook is an established, master-planned village neighborhood featuring single-family homes, townhouses, and dense tree cover. It is closely connected to Columbia's extensive network of walking trails, neighborhood parks, and community pools.
- Suburban Oasis
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined Trails
- Quiet & Residential
Walking and biking in Running Brook
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 58/100
The neighborhood connects directly to the Columbia Association's 95+ miles of paved multi-use pathway network, though dedicated bike-share docks are not present.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are remarkably low, supported by Howard County's strong public safety infrastructure.
- Affluent economic profile with high median household incomes well above the national average and low poverty.
- Direct access to Columbia Association's interconnected multi-use trail system and well-kept open green spaces.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic theft from motor vehicles parked on residential streets or in common lots.
- Largely car-dependent for retail, dining, and major commercial services.
- Navigating the winding, looped suburban street layout can be confusing without GPS.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and street encampments are essentially non-existent in Running Brook, with county support services located further away in commercial corridors.
What Running Brook is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and school-bound families along the shaded pathways.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet residential setting with minimal vehicular traffic and a very safe, relaxed atmosphere.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and well-settled as residents return home, remaining safe for evening walks along lighted trail segments.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with virtually no foot traffic; standard suburban vigilance applies regarding unlocked cars.
Transit, parking and getting around
Local transit is provided by the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA), with routes connecting to the Columbia Mall and Howard Community College; the nearest regional rail is the Dorsey or Savage MARC station about 15 minutes away by car.
Residential parking is abundant and free along neighborhood streets and in designated townhouse lot spaces, with no paid meters or parking decks required.
Things to do in Running Brook
- Walk or jog along the wooded pathways connecting Running Brook to nearby Lake Kittamaqundi and Wilde Lake.
- Relax or picnic at the Running Brook Neighborhood Center and adjacent community green spaces.
- Visit the nearby Columbia Art Center in Wilde Lake Village Center for local exhibitions and pottery workshops.
Local favorites
- The Bagel Bin & Deli · Deli & Bagel Shop · 4.6★ (820)A beloved longtime local staple serving fresh-baked kettle bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and deli fare.
- Today's Catch Seafood · Seafood Market & Eatery · 4.5★ (310)Casual spot in Wilde Lake offering fresh Maryland blue crabs, fried fish platters, and seafood classics.
- Curry & Kabob · Indian & Pakistani Restaurant · 4.4★ (460)Relaxed eatery nearby offering traditional tandoori dishes, flavorful curries, and warm naan.
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.