Is Woodlawn safe?
Landover, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Woodlawn as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Woodlawn
“Go with care. Woodlawn is largely a quiet, residential suburban community, but proximity to busy commercial corridors brings elevated rates of property crime and vehicle theft. Visitors will generally encounter no trouble during the day, though heightened situational awareness is prudent after dark.”
Prince George's County Police have maintained targeted patrols along nearby Landover Road (MD-202) corridors to address recurring regional trends in auto theft and commercial robberies.
About the area
Woodlawn is an unincorporated, primarily residential community in Prince George's County, Maryland, situated just outside Washington, D.C., near Landover and Glenarden. The neighborhood features mid-century single-family homes on generous lots alongside apartment complexes and strip retail along its outer borders. It is predominantly functional and residential rather than a major destination for out-of-town tourists.
- Suburban Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet Neighborhood
- Modest Mid-Century
Walking and biking in Woodlawn
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 41/100
Dedicated bike lanes are scarce on neighborhood streets; cyclists typically use the Anacostia River Trail system or WB&A Trail located a short ride away.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Established residential streets with solid rates of homeownership and modest local traffic
- Close proximity to major transportation routes like the Capital Beltway (I-495) and Route 50
- Convenient access to regional amenities and event venues in neighboring Landover and Largo
Cons
- Property crime, particularly vehicle theft, break-ins, and catalytic converter theft, remains elevated
- Occasional incidents of street-level robbery and assaults near commercial plazas along major arterial borders
- Limited pedestrian infrastructure and poor lighting along several secondary streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal on inner residential streets, but unhoused individuals and occasional panhandling can be observed near shopping centers and major bus interchanges along MD-202 and MD-450.
What Woodlawn is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents walking dogs and commuting, posing minimal safety risk.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere, though vigilance is advised around busy commercial parking lots.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet on interior residential streets, but foot traffic drops sharply and extra caution is recommended near bus stops.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and dark; walking alone is not recommended due to reduced visibility and higher property crime risk.
Transit, parking and getting around
Transit is provided by WMATA Metrobus (routes such as the A12 and F14) and Prince George's County TheBus. The nearest rail hub is the Landover Metro Station (Orange Line), located about 2 to 3 miles away and best reached by car or bus.
Street parking is generally free and accessible along residential avenues, while commercial plazas offer ample dedicated surface lots.
Things to do in Woodlawn
- Enjoy recreational sports, walking paths, and playgrounds at Woodlawn Recreation Center and Park
- Attend major sporting events, concerts, and community games at the nearby Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex
- Explore regional multi-use trails and kayaking access at the nearby Bladensburg Waterfront Park
Local favorites
- Sardis Pollo A La Brasa · Peruvian Restaurant · 4.2★ (1150)A popular regional staple famous for charcoal-rotisserie chicken, fried yucca, and savory dipping sauces.
- Ledo Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.1★ (820)Well-known regional chain serving Maryland-style square thin-crust pizzas with sweet sauce and thick bacon.
- Mid Atlantic Seafood · Seafood Restaurant · 4.3★ (2300)Casual counter-service cafeteria offering fried and steamed fish, crab cakes, and traditional soul food sides.
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.