Is Worthington safe?
Ellicott City, Maryland · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Worthington as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Worthington
“Go. Worthington is an extremely safe, affluent, and peaceful suburban community in Howard County. Visitors have virtually no safety concerns, though you will need a personal vehicle to get around easily.”
About the area
Worthington is a quiet, leafy residential enclave within Ellicott City, characterized by well-manicured single-family homes and wooded lots. It offers a tranquil retreat just minutes away from historic downtown Ellicott City and expansive county parks.
- Suburban
- Affluent
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Worthington
Walk score: 14/100 · Bike score: 26/100
There are no dedicated municipal bike-share stations, but local cyclists use neighborhood streets and connect to paved multi-use loops at nearby Centennial Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Exceptionally low rates of violent and property crime compared to national averages
- High household median income and low poverty rates in one of the wealthiest counties in the US
- Well-maintained properties with high owner-occupancy rates and manicured surroundings
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with virtually no walkable retail within the residential core
- Occasional isolated reports of unlocked vehicle theft or property trespass
- Limited street lighting along residential cul-de-sacs and side roads
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and street encampments are not a presence in this residential neighborhood, with county outreach services centered in broader metropolitan hubs.
What Worthington is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with neighbors walking dogs, jogging, and children waiting for school buses.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and safe with light local traffic and standard suburban delivery services.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential with families returning home; streets remain exceptionally safe for evening strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with no nightlife activity, requiring basic awareness due to limited street illumination.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited; Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA) operates commuter and local bus routes along major corridors, but rail service requires driving to the Dorsey or Camden MARC train stations.
Driveways and residential street parking are abundant and completely free with no metered zones or permits required.
Things to do in Worthington
- Explore the nearby walking trails and lake at Centennial Park
- Visit the historic shops, boutiques, and riverside dining along Main Street in Old Town Ellicott City
- Hike and view natural scenery at nearby Patapsco Valley State Park
Local favorites
- Manor Hill Tavern · American Restaurant & Brewery · 4.5★ (1280)Rustic-chic spot serving craft beer, brick-oven pizzas, and seasonal American comfort food.
- White Oak Tavern · Gastropub · 4.4★ (970)Farm-to-table pub offering craft brews, burgers, and upscale pub fare in an open, relaxed venue.
- Georgia Grace Cafe · Cafe & Bakery · 4.7★ (750)Charming local breakfast and brunch destination with Greek-inspired dishes and specialty coffee.
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.