Is West Annapolis safe?
Annapolis, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates West Annapolis as “Go”.
Gogo's take on West Annapolis
“Go. West Annapolis is an exceptionally charming, affluent, and tranquil enclave offering a relaxed alternative to downtown Annapolis. Violent crime is virtually non-existent, and visitors can explore its boutique commercial corridor and leafy residential streets with high confidence at almost any hour.”
About the area
Situated just north of historic downtown Annapolis along Weems Creek and Severn River inlets, West Annapolis is a picturesque, tree-lined neighborhood filled with maritime cottages, upscale residences, and independent shops. Its cozy commercial strip along Annapolis Street features high-end bakeries, boutiques, and neighborhood dining.
- Charming & Quaint
- Quiet Waterfront
- Family-Friendly
- Historic / Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in West Annapolis
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 58/100
Residential streets are calm and bike-friendly, with easy on-road connections south toward downtown Annapolis and north across the Severn River toward the Baltimore & Annapolis (B&A) Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Very low violent and property crime rates compared to state and national benchmarks
- High median household incomes exceeding $130,000 and minimal poverty
- Peaceful, tight-knit residential ambiance with well-maintained historic homes and waterfront views
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins and package thefts typical of quiet suburbs
- Very limited night-time activity and dining options close relatively early
- Heavy game-day traffic and street congestion during Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium events nearby
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in West Annapolis; support services and unhoused individuals are concentrated closer to central downtown Annapolis or regional corridors.
What West Annapolis is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with locals walking dogs, jogging along tree-lined streets, and grabbing coffee on Annapolis Street in complete safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and welcoming with casual shoppers and neighborhood foot traffic enjoying boutique stores and patio dining.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and dimly lit in residential sectors, with relaxed dining patrons creating a secure and neighborly atmosphere around local eateries.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and safe, though sidewalks are dark and almost completely deserted past 10 PM.
Transit, parking and getting around
Annapolis Transit (Annapolis Department of Transportation) operates the Gold Route bus connecting West Annapolis to Downtown Annapolis and Westfield Mall, though most residents rely on private vehicles.
Street parking along Annapolis Street and side residential avenues is generally free and easy to find, though parking restrictions may apply on Navy football game days.
Things to do in West Annapolis
- Stroll and boutique shop along the quiet Annapolis Street commercial strip
- Enjoy waterfront views and launch a kayak from nearby street-end public access points on Weems Creek
- Walk to a Navy Midshipmen football game at adjacent Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Local favorites
- Flamant · French Bistro · 4.8★ (320)Acclaimed neighborhood bistro serving elevated French-Belgian cuisine in a converted historic house.
- Bean Rush Cafe · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (460)Beloved local gathering spot offering specialty espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh pastries.
- Rutabaga Juicery & Eats · Health Food Restaurant · 4.6★ (110)Vibrant cafe specializing in cold-pressed juices, organic smoothie bowls, and plant-based lunches.
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.