The Safest Neighborhoods in Baltimore for 2025

Home to more than 565,000 residents, Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland and the 30th largest city in the U.S. As a whole, the Greater Baltimore region has a population of close to 2.4 million and accounts for almost 40 percent of Maryland’s entire population. A city of rich history, beautiful neighborhoods, and unique museums, Baltimore is a great place to live — full of opportunities to thrive! It’s no wonder you’re considering a move to Charm City. But as with many large cities, Baltimore has had challenges with crime. If you’re planning a move to the area, you’re going to want to know the safest neighborhoods in Baltimore. And that’s where we come in.

Unfortunately, Baltimore has been considered one of the most dangerous cities in America. But the majority of crime has generally been focused downtown in some high-poverty regions, such as Cherry Hill and Greenmount East. Thanks to more community involvement and police initiatives, though, those numbers are on the decline. One victim of violent crime is too many, of course, but the numbers are dropping. In fact, from 2023 to 2024, homicides were down by 34 percent, and the number of juvenile victims of gun violence decreased by 41 percent.

So where are the safest neighborhoods in Baltimore? And is it possible to thrive there? As you’ll see in the Baltimore neighborhoods we explore here, the Maryland capital lives up to its nickname as “The Greatest City in America.”

The Safety of Baltimore Neighborhoods — FAQs

To get a better perspective of the safety of Baltimore neighborhoods, check out these answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q: What is the Safest Part of Baltimore City?

A: Tourist-friendly spots that are well patrolled are among the safest parts of Baltimore, such as Inner Harbor, Little Italy, and Federal Hill. They’re fun destinations to boot — and definitely worth checking out. 

Q: Is It Safe To Walk in Downtown Baltimore?

A: Despite the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Baltimore, crimes such as theft, drug dealing, and muggings are frequent in the area — particularly in East Baltimore. Although spots like the Lexington Market are a must-visit during the day, it's best to avoid this area after dark. If you're staying in a hotel in Downtown Baltimore, you should ask the staff members about the best (and safest) locations to eat, drink, and shop.

Q: Is It Safe To Walk in Baltimore at Night?

A: Just like in any big city, Baltimore neighborhoods have some tough spots — so use common sense and figure out what your comfort level is. Although not every area of Baltimore is safe to walk at night, it is still possible to walk around at night in the city's most popular tourist areas. This is because many of the attractions are located in heavily populated areas in the best neighborhoods in Baltimore. However, you should always remain alert, pay attention to your surroundings, and try to travel with a group, when possible. If you're ever unsure about where you are in the city, grab a ride-sharing car or a taxi, so you can safely get back to a familiar area.

Q: Is Fells Point, Baltimore, a Safe Place To Live? 

A: Unfortunately, the historic district has an F rating from Crime Grade. But that figure may unfairly characterize Fells Point as a whole — which many residents and business owners maintain is one of the best neighborhoods to live in Baltimore. As with all big cities, though, Baltimore has pockets where you might not want to venture alone. Staying in well-traveled, well-lit areas, including much of Fells Point, means you’re less likely to encounter an unfortunate situation. 

10 Safest Neighborhoods in Baltimore

Baltimore is a great place to live — its location, employment opportunities, and vibrant neighborhoods make it a desirable city to call home. And as a bonus? The cost of living in the city is only slightly higher than the national average. As for housing, the average home value in Baltimore is around $184,400, and the average rent is around $1,600 per month — across most of the safe neighborhoods in Baltimore, as well. 

You’ll see 250 distinctive districts on a Baltimore neighborhoods map, which gives you plenty of options to find where you fit in best. But when it comes to the best neighborhoods in Baltimore to consider, here are a few of the safest.

1. Guilford

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
• Average home value: $646,300
• Great for: Families, young professionals, nightlife, commute, schools, restaurants, culture 

Guilford, a prestigious North Baltimore neighborhood designed in the 1920s by the renowned Olmsted Brothers, is a lovely area featuring large, single-family houses and stately mansions set among mature trees. It’s also rated No. 1 among the safest neighborhoods in Baltimore by Neighborhood Scout. Residents enjoy its suburban feel just minutes away from schools including the prestigious Johns Hopkins University. Restaurants and cultural centers are plentiful here, too, like Guilford Hall Brewery, a popular brew pub built in the original 1898 Crown Cork & Seal factory. 

The neighborhood, one of the best areas to live in Baltimore, is primarily residential, with professionals and families calling Guilford home for generations. But it’s not far from modern conveniences. The Avenue at White Marsh, with retail, dining, and entertainment, is just a short drive northeast, and shopping at Belvedere Square is nearby, as well. 

2. Roland Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Average home value: $654,700
• Great for: Families, young professionals, nightlife, diversity, commute, restaurants, shopping 

Roland Park is a historic neighborhood in North Baltimore that was established as one of the first planned communities in the U.S. Today, it is a great place to call home, with designs in the area varying from late Victorians to modern Craftsman style.

With a reputation as one of the safest neighborhoods in Baltimore City, the neighborhood is home primarily to professionals who commute to Downtown Baltimore and families, drawn by the quiet atmosphere and close-knit community vibe. Leafy streets and spacious lots are just part of the charm, along with top-rated schools including The Bryn Mawr School, a private all-girls academy rated the No. 2 best private high school in the state of Maryland. And foodies won’t be disappointed, either: Eddie’s of Roland Park, a gourmet market with fresh produce and baked goodies, is a beloved local favorite.

3. Federal Hill

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
• Average home value: $328,600
• Great for: Families, nightlife, outdoor activities, commute

The Federal Hill neighborhood, a national historic district in South Baltimore, is known for its beautiful homes and diverse communities of luxury condominiums, historic row homes, and new-construction apartments. Residents enjoy easy access to the nearby Inner Harbor — but fun events are always happening in this lively area, as well, including the Fed Hill Frosty Fest, a festive holiday celebration in the heart of the historic district.

As for dining, plentiful options include Cross Street Market, an 1850s-era open-air shed for local farmers to sell their wares and now a hub with a dozen-plus destinations for casual bites, cocktails, and retail seafood. Also notable: Blue Moon Cafe, known for delicious brunch options.  

4. Canton

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,150
• Average home value: $352,500
• Great for: Families, young professionals, nightlife, outdoor activities, restaurants, shopping

Located in Southeast Baltimore, Canton is a vibrant waterfront area. Like many Baltimore neighborhoods, it began as an industrial hub and now features fully restored row houses and contemporary condos. Popular with young professionals and first-time home buyers, this community is surrounded by parks, including the eight-acre Canton Waterfront Park with a promenade and beautiful harbor views. The Baltimore Seafood Fest, held here every year, is a must-do.

Take a walk through the quaint streets of Canton around Brewers Hill for shopping and lively dining, and stop by Gunther & Co. for some of the most delicious tastes in the city. Another Canton notable: Mama’s on the Half Shell — seafood, of course. 

5. Locust Point

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
• Average home value: $413,000
• Great for: Nightlife, outdoor activities, commute, culture, restaurants

Locust Point is known for its vibrant multicultural atmosphere — and as the home of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, where Francis Scott Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner! With its industrial and maritime vibe still tangible, Locust Point has evolved into a blend of classic row homes and new luxury townhouses and apartments. 

This East Coast neighborhood has plenty of things to do, with dining focused on fresh, local seafood — must have: Steamers, a beloved neighborhood “crab shack” in a corner row house. As for arts and culture, the Baltimore Immigration Museum and The Baltimore Museum of Industry chronicle the rich history of this Charm City neighborhood.

6. Inner Harbor

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,975
• Average home value: $463,500
• Great for: Young professionals, singles, nightlife, outdoor activities, commute, restaurants

Just five minutes from Downtown Baltimore, the city's Inner Harbor district overlooks the Patapsco River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. Once a bustling seaport, the harbor fell into decline until the 1970s when revitalization brought it back to life as a tourist destination. Today, cultural landmarks like the National Aquarium and The Maryland Science Center share the area with dining mainstays like Phillips Seafood, a local chain with the most delicious hardshell crabs you’ll ever find. 

The area is ideal for young professionals and singles looking for a vibrant urban district, among the safest neighborhoods in Baltimore, with plenty to do. Housing options in Inner Harbor are primarily contemporary condos and apartments — some with over-the-top luxury amenities and views of the harbor. And residents can easily access the Charm City Circulator — part of Baltimore’s public transportation system — and light rail to catch the next flight out from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

The city park that gives the district its name is a 140-acre green space, featuring the historic (and iconic) Patterson Park Observatory, known to locals as the “pagoda.”
(Source: Friends of Patterson Park via Facebook)

7. Patterson Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,150
• Average home value: $257,000
• Great for: Nightlife, diversity, commute, outdoor activities, restaurants, culture

The Southeast Baltimore neighborhood of Patterson Park is a historic district close to some of the city's most popular restaurants and cultural centers, like the Highlandtown Arts District. The neighborhood offers a mix of bygone-era charm and modern convenience, dominated by row houses featuring classic brick facades and original details. The city park that gives the district its name is a 140-acre green space perfect for recreation and relaxation. Check out the observatory — known to locals as the “pagoda” — an iconic historic tower offering stunning views of the city. You’ll also find trails, sports fields, a lake for casual boating, and an ice-skating rink.

Dining in Patterson Park is an eclectic mix of global specialties and traditional American comfort food. Try La Barrita Restobar, a neighborhood favorite serving up the best empanadas and chimichurri steak you’ll find in the city. 

8. Evergreen

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Average home value: $415,500
• Great for: Families, students, outdoor activities, commute, schools

The neighborhood of Evergreen in North Baltimore is convenient to the University of Maryland, Loyola University Maryland, and Johns Hopkins University, so you’ll find plenty of professors, staff, and families in this neighborhood of various housing styles. Victorian and Queen Anne homes, row houses, and single-family detached designs are the hallmarks of Evergreen, but residents can also choose from a selection of apartments and condominiums, many with small front porches. 

Known for its tree-lined streets and spacious parks, Evergreen is one of the safest neighborhoods in Baltimore, and it certainly lives up to its name — Stony Run Park, a three-mile trail alongside the Stony Run stream, offers a calm retreat within the city. And Sherwood Gardens is a popular destination in spring when its 50,000 tulips are in bloom. For dining, Namaste Baltimore welcomes guests for top-tier Indian cuisine in a comfortable family-owned setting. 

9. Riverside

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
• Average home value: $357,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, nightlife, outdoor activities, commute, restaurants, shopping

Like many Baltimore neighborhoods, Riverside features a mix of apartment buildings and row house styles. It's a popular area for young professionals moving into the area, but is also home to families who have been in Baltimore for generations. Although many of the row houses were built during the design’s heyday in the 1900s to 1920s, most have been renovated and updated. 

Riverside residents enjoy easy access to shopping and dining, including the Riverside Taphouse (try the duck-fried donut holes) and The Outpost, a family-friendly spot for seafood and craft cocktails.

10. Mount Washington

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,475
• Average home value: $445,500
• Great for: Families, diversity, outdoor activities, health and fitness

Rated one of the safest neighborhoods in Baltimore City, Mount Washington is located in the northwestern area, with a quiet, country feel complemented by plenty of green space and family-friendly recreation. Northwest Park, for instance, is home to acres of sports fields, a neighborhood playground, and the Eric Waller Mt. Washington Community Vegetable Garden. Home styles in this suburban enclave include Tudor, Colonial, and Craftsman ranch houses, many with spacious yards and shaded streets. 

Residents have easy access to all the hubbub of the downtown Baltimore neighborhoods, but staying close to home is fine, too. Options include Mt. Washington Village, an eclectic collection of shops, and for a delicious dinner, Ethel’s Creole Kitchen, where the chefs serve up classic dishes with New Orleans flavors.  

Getting Around Baltimore Safely

Baltimore is a convenient stop for travelers from New York City; Philadelphia; and Washington, D.C. It is also a center for the Mid-Atlantic region and Northeast Corridor. So naturally, its transportation options are safely used by many people every day.

The city is easily accessible by planes, trains, and automobiles. Public transportation is also available, along with the MARC (Maryland Area Regional Commuter) and Amtrak rail lines. The MetroLink Subway connects the northwest suburbs of Baltimore to Johns Hopkins University. And finally, you can always hop on the Baltimore Water Taxi or Charm City Circulator. 

Which One of the Safest Neighborhoods in Baltimore Stands Out to You?

As you can see, there are a host of safe neighborhoods in Baltimore. If you need any assistance with the moving process, make sure to take advantage of the flexibility that PODS portable moving and storage containers can offer. And for more tips on moving (and what to do when it’s all said and done), visit the PODS Blog.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.