Is Springfield safe?
Bethesda, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Springfield as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Springfield
“Go. Springfield is an exceptionally safe, affluent residential enclave in Bethesda characterized by quiet streets, manicured lawns, and virtually nonexistent violent crime. Visitors can walk freely and comfortably at any hour, with standard suburban vigilance for occasional vehicle prowling being the only minor concern.”
The ongoing modernization of the nearby Westbard Square mixed-use redevelopment continues to enhance local retail access and pedestrian infrastructure.
About the area
Springfield is an established, picturesque suburban neighborhood in southern Bethesda bordered by Massachusetts Avenue and River Road. It offers peaceful residential streets, mature tree canopies, and direct access to recreational amenities like the Capital Crescent Trail and the updated Westbard commercial district.
- Quiet Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Affluent
- Tree-Lined
- Suburban
Walking and biking in Springfield
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 60/100
Capital Bikeshare stations are located along the River Road and Westbard corridors, providing seamless connectivity to the Capital Crescent Trail multi-use greenway.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Virtually nonexistent violent crime rates well below state and national benchmarks.
- Exceptionally strong economic fundamentals with median household incomes exceeding $200,000 and high homeownership.
- Direct neighborhood access to the paved Capital Crescent Trail for cycling and walking.
- Well-maintained public parks and active neighborhood civic association.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as theft from unlocked vehicles and package theft.
- Car-dependent layout with many interior residential streets lacking sidewalks.
- Limited commercial and dining options within the strictly residential core.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Springfield. There are no encampments or panhandling hot spots in this residential community.
What Springfield is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very peaceful and safe, with residents walking dogs, jogging, and commuting along tree-lined roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and secure, with low traffic volumes on neighborhood side streets and children playing in yards.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential with families walking to local parks; very low risk for pedestrians.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Exceptionally quiet and safe, though residential side streets can be dark due to dense tree cover.
Transit, parking and getting around
Montgomery County Ride On bus routes (such as Route 23) operate along River Road and Massachusetts Avenue, connecting to the Friendship Heights and Bethesda Metro stations on the Red Line approximately 2.5 miles away.
Residential street parking is free, abundant, and generally unrestricted throughout the neighborhood, and nearby retail centers offer ample free surface and garage parking.
Things to do in Springfield
- Walk, jog, or cycle along the scenic Capital Crescent Trail toward Georgetown or downtown Bethesda.
- Enjoy the playground, tennis courts, and open fields at Springfield Local Park.
- Shop and dine at the newly revitalized Westbard Square center adjacent to the neighborhood.
Local favorites
- Giant Food (Westbard Square) · Supermarket · 4.2★ (780)A newly rebuilt anchor grocery store offering extensive fresh produce, deli, and daily essentials.
- Ledo Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.3★ (590)Longstanding local outpost serving Maryland-style square pizzas, subs, and casual Italian fare.
- Piccoli Piatti Pizzeria · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (320)Nearby neighborhood eatery offering wood-fired pizzas, small plates, and craft cocktails.
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.