Is Sellman Estates safe?
Beltsville, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Sellman Estates as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Sellman Estates
“Go. Sellman Estates is a quiet, established residential neighborhood in Beltsville that is generally very safe for visitors. Violent crime is rare in the immediate enclave, though standard suburban precautions regarding vehicle security should still be observed.”
About the area
Sellman Estates is a peaceful suburban pocket in northern Prince George's County featuring single-family detached homes, mature trees, and cul-de-sacs. It sits just off major thoroughfares like Route 1 and Powder Mill Road, offering easy access to federal research institutions, local parks, and regional dining.
- Suburban Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in Sellman Estates
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 44/100
Capital Bikeshare stations are not present directly inside the subdivision, but cyclists can access the paved Little Paint Branch Trail nearby for off-road recreation and commuting.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent crime levels than urbanized inner-beltway districts
- High homeownership rate and stable middle-income residential community
- Direct proximity to community recreation centers and local trail systems
Cons
- Occasional property crimes such as vehicle break-ins and catalytic converter theft
- Commercial strip along nearby Route 1 experiences elevated retail theft and traffic incidents
- Car dependency requires private vehicle use for most errands and transit connections
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the residential subdivision, with occasional unhoused individuals or panhandling seen along commercial plazas on Route 1.
What Sellman Estates is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe, characterized by residents walking dogs, exercising, and departing for commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and secure with minimal traffic on residential streets, ideal for neighborhood walks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Peaceful atmosphere with well-maintained properties and families returning home.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low activity with dark residential side streets; safe, though basic situational awareness is standard.
Transit, parking and getting around
WMATA Metrobus routes 86 and 89M serve nearby corridors such as Route 1 and Powder Mill Road, connecting directly to the Greenbelt Metro (Green Line) and MARC commuter rail station roughly 3 miles south.
Parking is completely free and widely available on residential streets throughout the neighborhood, and most homes feature private driveways.
Things to do in Sellman Estates
- Enjoy the playgrounds, tennis courts, and athletic fields at the Beltsville Community Center Park
- Hike or jog along the scenic Little Paint Branch Trail nearby
- Tour the agricultural landscapes and exhibits near the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center
Local favorites
- Sardi's Pollo a la Brasa · Peruvian Restaurant · 4.4★ (3250)Popular local staple celebrated for authentic charcoal-broiled Peruvian rotisserie chicken and hearty sides.
- Swahili Village · Kenyan / African Restaurant · 4.2★ (1820)Renowned upscale dining destination serving authentic East African specialties and grilled meats.
- Three Brothers Italian Restaurant · Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria · 4.1★ (640)Longstanding neighborhood eatery offering traditional pizza, subs, and classic pasta dishes.
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.