Is The Preserve safe?
Ocean Pines, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates The Preserve as “Go”.
Gogo's take on The Preserve
“Go. The Preserve in Ocean Pines is an exceptionally safe, quiet residential community characterized by low crime and well-maintained suburban properties. Visitors and residents face virtually no safety concerns beyond standard basic precautions.”
About the area
The Preserve is a peaceful, wooded residential enclave located within the master-planned Ocean Pines community in Worcester County. Tucked away among coastal pine trees and waterways, it offers a tranquil retreat just a short drive from the beaches of Ocean City.
- Quiet / Suburban
- Wooded / Coastal
- Car-Dependent
- Peaceful & Secure
Walking and biking in The Preserve
Walk score: 14/100 · Bike score: 36/100
There are no bike-share stations, but wide residential lanes and low speed limits make neighborhood roads pleasant for recreational cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates are among the lowest in the state of Maryland
- High household incomes and strong homeownership rates reflect economic stability
- Dedicated community policing by the Ocean Pines Police Department ensures rapid response times
- Quiet cul-de-sacs and low-speed streets make for a serene, traffic-calmed environment
Cons
- Completely car-dependent with virtually no walkable retail or dining options
- Heavy summer beach traffic on surrounding corridors like Route 90 and Route 589
- Vulnerable to coastal flooding and wind hazards during major storms and nor'easters
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually non-existent in The Preserve and the broader Ocean Pines development, with no encampments or panhandling present.
What The Preserve is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents walking dogs and exercising safely on quiet neighborhood streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and sunlit, seeing only occasional local residential traffic and delivery vehicles.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Very tranquil as residents return home, remaining safe for sunset walks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Pitch-black and quiet with almost no street activity, maintaining an extremely low risk of crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transportation is minimal in this area; Shore Transit operates regional bus routes along nearby MD-589, but navigating the neighborhood requires a private vehicle.
Parking is abundant and free, primarily on private residential driveways with easy street parking along neighborhood roads.
Things to do in The Preserve
- Play 18 holes at the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed Ocean Pines Golf Club nearby
- Kayak or paddleboard along the protected canals and coastal waterways around the Isle of Wight Bay
- Explore the walking paths, playground, and seasonal farmers market at White Horse Park
Local favorites
- The Yacht Club at Ocean Pines · American Restaurant · 4.2★ (780)Waterfront dining spot featuring fresh seafood, live music on the deck, and bay views.
- Ocean Pines Golf Club · Golf Course · 4.3★ (310)Scenic 18-hole championship course nestled among coastal wetlands and woodlands.
- Plaza Tapatia Ocean Pines · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (460)Casual, vibrant local eatery serving traditional Mexican platters and margaritas.
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.