Is Southland Hills safe?
Towson, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Southland Hills as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Southland Hills
“Go. Southland Hills is an established, affluent, and exceptionally safe residential neighborhood located just steps from downtown Towson. Visitors can walk the quiet tree-lined streets with ease and minimal security concerns.”
About the area
Southland Hills is a charming historic neighborhood characterized by 1920s-1940s single-family homes, leafy sidewalks, and active community pride. Situated immediately southwest of Towson's commercial core, it balances suburban tranquility with convenient access to dining and retail.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet Residential
- Walkable to Dining
Walking and biking in Southland Hills
Walk score: 76/100 · Bike score: 62/100
Streets are low-speed and bike-friendly, though dedicated bike lanes are limited within the neighborhood; connection to regional trails like the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail requires a short drive or ride north.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are remarkably low compared to both regional and national averages
- High homeownership rate and strong household median income exceeding $120,000
- Quiet residential atmosphere immediately adjacent to central Towson dining and retail
- Active neighborhood association maintaining strong community oversight
Cons
- Occasional vehicle break-ins and package thefts typical of dense suburban areas
- Spillover cut-through traffic during Towson rush hours and university commutes
- Street parking can be restricted by residential permit zones
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the residential interior of Southland Hills, with occasional individuals asking for assistance closer to major commercial intersections along York Road.
What Southland Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and residents heading to work or school.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet residential vibe with light local traffic and standard delivery activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pleasant and well-lit along primary paths, ideal for walking to and from nearby downtown Towson restaurants.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and generally quiet; exercise standard awareness near major perimeter avenues like Bosley.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA Maryland operates several bus lines nearby, including CityLink Red and LocalLink 51/93, connecting to Baltimore and Towson University. The nearest light rail stop is Lutherville or Falls Road (approx. 3-4 miles away), requiring a short bus or rideshare trip.
Residential street parking is common but often regulated by neighborhood permits during peak hours; public parking garages and metered spaces are readily available a few blocks away in downtown Towson.
Things to do in Southland Hills
- Stroll along Highland and Pennsylvania Avenues to admire vintage early-20th-century architecture
- Walk to nearby Olympic Park and downtown Towson for shopping and dining
- Explore the historic grounds of the nearby Hampton National Historic Site just a short drive away
Local favorites
- THB Bagelry & Deli of Towson · Bagel Shop / Deli · 4.5★ (1150)Popular local stop serving freshly baked NY-style bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and specialty coffee.
- The Point in Towson · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (820)Lively neighborhood gastropub offering craft cocktails, burgers, and weekend brunch within walking distance.
- 7 West Bistro · Mediterranean Bistro · 4.4★ (980)Relaxed eatery nearby offering Mediterranean tapas, seafood entrees, and a generous happy hour.
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.