Is Upper Falls safe?
Perry Hall, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Upper Falls as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Upper Falls
“Go. Upper Falls is an exceptionally safe, serene, and semi-rural residential community in northeastern Baltimore County. Visitors will encounter minimal crime and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a very low-risk destination, provided you have a personal vehicle.”
About the area
Upper Falls is an unincorporated, picturesque community bordering Perry Hall and Kingsville, characterized by large wooded lots, rolling hills, and historic charm. It serves as a quiet residential enclave with immediate access to outdoor recreation along the Gunpowder Falls corridor.
- Semi-Rural
- Quiet & Peaceful
- Wooded Enclave
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Upper Falls
Walk score: 14/100 · Bike score: 20/100
There is no bike-share infrastructure in the area; while recreational road cyclists use the country lanes, roads are narrow with minimal shoulders and no dedicated bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates are among the lowest in the greater Baltimore metropolitan area.
- Strong socioeconomic stability with high homeownership rates above 85% and median household incomes well over $115,000.
- Immediate proximity to pristine natural areas and state park hiking trails.
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with narrow, winding rural roads lacking sidewalks and shoulders.
- Sparse streetlighting creates very low visibility on back roads after dark.
- Occasional opportunistic property theft or vehicle rummaging in neighboring commercial corridors.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Upper Falls, with no encampments or panhandling observed in the immediate community.
What Upper Falls is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Crisp, quiet, and very safe, with light commuter traffic and occasional runners along scenic back roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-oriented, with visitors heading to nearby parklands and local farm stands.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Extremely tranquil as neighborhood roads clear and families settle in, remaining very secure.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Pitch-black on unlit rural corridors but entirely peaceful, with nearly non-existent street foot traffic and low risk.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is virtually non-existent in Upper Falls itself; the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates LocalLink and Express BusLink routes several miles south along Belair Road in Perry Hall and White Marsh.
Parking is abundant and universally free, available via private driveways, dedicated business parking lots, and state park trailheads.
Things to do in Upper Falls
- Explore the historic gristmill, blacksmith shop, and covered bridge at nearby Jerusalem Mill Historic Village.
- Hike, fish, or trail run along the scenic Big Gunpowder Falls within Gunpowder Falls State Park.
- Enjoy fresh cider, seasonal apple picking, and baked goods at nearby local orchards and farm markets.
Local favorites
- The Gunpowder Lodge · American / Pub · 4.5★ (1420)A rustic, historic tavern serving smoked meats, seafood, and regional craft beers near the Gunpowder River.
- Sunshine Grille · Breakfast & Brunch · 4.5★ (1280)Beloved local diner known for hearty breakfast skillets, specialty eggs Benedict, and Maryland crab cakes.
- Liberatore's Ristorante & Catering · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (920)Longstanding neighborhood venue offering traditional pasta dishes, seafood, and a full wine bar.
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.