Is Westgate safe?
Chevy Chase, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Westgate as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Westgate
“Go. Westgate in Chevy Chase is an exceptionally safe, affluent, and peaceful residential enclave along the Washington, D.C. border. Visitors will find virtually nonexistent violent crime, quiet tree-lined streets, and well-maintained historic and mid-century homes. Normal personal awareness is all that is required.”
About the area
Westgate is an upscale, leafy neighborhood in Chevy Chase, Maryland, nestled against Western Avenue on the border with Northwest D.C. Characterized by manicured lawns, single-family homes, and strong community engagement, it offers a serene suburban retreat within moments of regional parklands and urban amenities.
- Affluent & Leafy
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet Residential
- Suburban Oasis
Walking and biking in Westgate
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 58/100
Capital Bikeshare docks are available near major intersections along Western Avenue, offering seamless connection to the nearby Capital Crescent Trail network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are extraordinarily low compared to both state and national averages
- Extremely high median household income exceeding $200,000 with high rates of homeownership and civic investment
- Close proximity to the scenic Capital Crescent Trail and Little Falls Stream Valley Park
Cons
- Primarily residential with very few commercial dining or shopping options inside the neighborhood boundaries
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins or package thefts
- Limited rapid transit access within direct walking distance, requiring a bus or short drive to Metrorail
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually non-existent within Westgate due to its strictly residential layout, with support services centered primarily in downtown Silver Spring and Washington, D.C.
What Westgate is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents walking dogs, jogging along tree-lined streets, and commuting.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet, sunlit residential lanes with low vehicle traffic and high feelings of security.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and ambient, ideal for a relaxed neighborhood walk under residential streetlights.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely tranquil with negligible foot traffic and very safe conditions throughout the night.
Transit, parking and getting around
Montgomery County Ride On buses (such as Route 29) and Metrobus lines connect the area to the Friendship Heights Metro Station (Red Line), located about 1.5 miles away.
Street parking on residential roads is abundant, easy, and generally free, though some streets near commuter corridors may have posted residential permit hours.
Things to do in Westgate
- Walk, jog, or cycle along the nearby paved Capital Crescent Trail heading toward Georgetown or Bethesda
- Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the verdant paths of Little Falls Stream Valley Park
- Explore the nearby boutique shops and dining options along the Westbard and Friendship Heights corridors
Local favorites
- Pizzeria Da Marco · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (680)Upscale neighborhood trattoria serving authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian fare.
- The Little Beet Table · New American Restaurant · 4.4★ (510)Bright and airy neighborhood eatery offering a vegetable-forward, 100% gluten-free menu.
- Clyde's of Chevy Chase · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (1820)Beloved local institution known for classic American comfort food, fresh seafood, and distinctive decor.
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.