Is West Laurel safe?
Laurel, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates West Laurel as “Go”.
Gogo's take on West Laurel
“Go. West Laurel is an established, affluent suburban residential community with significantly lower crime rates than neighboring commercial corridors along Route 1. It offers tranquil parks and reservoir recreation, though visitors will need a personal vehicle to get around efficiently.”
About the area
West Laurel is a sprawling, peaceful suburban neighborhood in Prince George's County, characterized by mature tree-lined streets, spacious single-family homes, and proximity to the Patuxent River. It functions primarily as a quiet bedroom community for professionals commuting to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and nearby Fort Meade.
- Suburban / Residential
- Quiet / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in West Laurel
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 27/100
There are no public bike-share stations; road cycling is popular along scenic rural/suburban routes near the Patuxent River, though dedicated bike lanes are scarce.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to adjacent transit corridors
- High median household income well exceeding $130,000 with very low poverty levels
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained residential properties
- Immediate access to nature preserves, parks, and the Rocky Gorge Reservoir
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with virtually no walkable retail or dining nodes
- Occasional property crimes of opportunity such as unlocked vehicle break-ins
- Limited street lighting and sidewalks along secondary residential roads
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in West Laurel, with social support services and visible encampments concentrated along commercial stretches of Route 1 outside the neighborhood.
What West Laurel is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with residents jogging, walking dogs, and commuting out to local highways.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and secure throughout the residential subdivisions and community parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe, though interior streets can be dark due to sparse municipal street lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low activity with minimal foot traffic; overall very safe from serious street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by Prince George's County TheBus and WMATA Metrobus with limited feeder routes, while the Laurel MARC commuter rail station is roughly a 10-minute drive east.
Parking is completely free, abundant, and straightforward, primarily consisting of private driveways and unrestricted suburban street parking.
Things to do in West Laurel
- Hike, kayak, or fish along the scenic Patuxent River at Rocky Gorge Reservoir
- Explore the sports fields, picnic shelters, and playgrounds at West Laurel Park
- Visit the historic Supplee Lane Recreation Area for waterfront birdwatching
Local favorites
- Amber Sunset Wine & Spirits · Beverage Store · 4.5★ (110)Neighborhood shop offering a wide selection of craft beer, regional wines, and spirits.
- Pasta Plus Restaurant & Market · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (1420)Renowned longstanding nearby market and eatery celebrated for classic pastas and fresh bakery items.
- Oliver's Old Town Saloon · American Pub · 4.3★ (890)Cozy, nearby traditional tavern serving pub fare, draft beers, and hearty sandwiches.
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.