Not every corner of Baltimore tells the same story of violence and crime. Beyond the headlines, you’ll find some safe neighborhoods where families walk after dark, kids play outside, and community ties run deep.
For example, neighborhoods like Cheswolde Area see 75% less crime than the city average, and Fells Point and Inner Harbor see about 60% less crime.
We’ve compiled the top 10 safest Baltimore neighborhoods, along with crime stats and safety tips. Read on to find out which areas are most secure and how to protect yourself.
Is Baltimore Safe? A Quick Snapshot
Overall, Baltimore’s crime situation is serious. According to the 2024 FBI statistics, Baltimore has faced around 327 violent crime incidents. The number is even higher for property crime, with the incidents reaching well over 847 crimes.
Moreover, the chance of a Baltimorean becoming a victim of any kind of crime is about 1 in 17. Based on the reports, violent crime alone yields a 1-in-63 chance and property crime a 1-in-23 chance.
However, not every block is equally dangerous. Some of Baltimore's safest neighborhoods, including Cheswolde Area and Fell Point, see way less crime compared to the rest of the neighborhoods in this city.
How We Ranked the Safest Neighborhoods in Baltimore?
We based our rankings on recent crime data from platforms like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes. AreaVibes explicitly ranks Baltimore neighborhoods by total crimes per 100,000 people (violent and property crimes combined) compared to the city average. The estimates of this platform incorporate FBI reports plus demographic factors.
We cross-checked with NeighborhoodScout, which similarly relies on FBI UCR data. In short, we used official crime stats (FBI/state and Baltimore PD) via trusted platforms. Each neighborhood’s violent and property crime rates were compared to Baltimore’s average to identify the lowest-crime areas.
Top 10 Safest Neighborhoods in Baltimore
Below are Baltimore’s ten neighborhoods with the lowest crime burdens. Each entry includes its crime statistics (incidents per 100k) and why it ranks as the safest Baltimore neighborhood.
| Neighborhood | % of Crime Less than Baltimore | Livability Score out of 100 |
| Cheswolde Area | 75% | 78 |
| Fells Point | 60% | 77 |
| Inner Harbor | 60% | 83 |
| Locust Point | 60% | 80 |
| Downtown | 59% | 79 |
| Guilford | 57% | 83 |
| Upper Northwood | 56% | 72 |
| Highlandtown | 54% | 76 |
| Lower Northwood | 44% | 73 |
| Jonestown | 41% | 72 |
1. Cheswolde Area
With an A crime rating, Cheswolde Area is one of the safest places to live in Baltimore. Its estimated violent crime rate is only 201 per 100,000 people compared to 1,572 citywide. On top of that, this neighborhood has a property crime rate of about 1,252 per 100k, which is far below the rest of the city.
Moreover, Cheswolde’s streets are tree-lined and well-patrolled by community watch groups, keeping crime far below the city norm. In fact, its crime burden is 75% lower than Baltimore’s.
2. Fells Point
Fells Point is a historic waterfront district with an estimated crime rate of about 2,340 per 100k residents. Its violent crime rate reaches about 629 per 100k, and property numbers go up to 1,711 per 100k people. Moreover, the daily crime rate here is just 6.41 per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the citywide average of 16.03.
Fells Point sees relatively fewer home burglaries due to high pedestrian traffic and good lighting along its streets. Other than that, popular spots like Thames Street and the waterfront parks have extra security patrols.
3. Inner Harbor
Inner Harbor is the tourist-heavy downtown waterfront, having a crime rate of about 2,340 per 100k (about 60% below the city average). Its violent crime is similar to Fells Point (629 per 100k), and property crime is 1,711 per 100k residents. Inner Harbor sees far less violent crime per day than the rest of Baltimore (1.72 vs 4.31 per 100,000 people).
Because it’s densely populated, this safest neighborhood in Baltimore has a heavy police presence, which helps deter crime. Most incidents are minor thefts or vandalism, and general areas like the promenade and harbor museum strip are relatively safe.
4. Locust Point
Locust Point has an overall crime rate of about 2,340 per 100k, which is similar to Fells Point and Inner Harbor. The violent and property crime numbers are also identical, reaching 629 and 1,711 per 100k residents. With low crime rates, Locust Point stands out as safer than 85% of cities across Maryland.
Additionally, its heavy industrial and port areas mean much of its crime is non-residential (car break-ins, port thefts). The residential core is quiet and family-friendly, with schools and local shops adding activity.
5. Downtown
Downtown has a crime rate of 2,375 per 100k (59% below the city mean). Violent crime is about 638 per 100k and property 1,737 per 100k, roughly a 1-in-157 violent risk and 1-in-58 property risk. Downtown is well-populated with workers and security guards during the day.
However, in this safest Baltimore neighborhood, parking garages and transit stations can be hotspots for theft and assaults. The good news is that high foot traffic and CCTV make crimes more likely to be reported.
6. Guilford
Guilford is one of the city’s wealthiest districts, with a crime rate much lower than average (57% below Baltimore). Its violent crime rate is only 375 per 100k, and property crime is 2,130 per 100k people. That implies about a 1-in-266 chance of a violent crime and a 1-in-47 chance of property crime.
Major platforms find this area safer than 96% of Maryland cities. Parks like the Wooded Area are well-kept, and Johns Hopkins security covers the Homewood campus.
7. Upper Northwood
Upper Northwood reports about 2,572 crimes per 100k (56% below the city average). Violent crime is around 635 per 100k and property rate of 1,186 per 100k people, roughly a 1-in-158 chance of violent crime and 1-in-84 chance of property crime.
Community cohesion and local watch efforts help keep crime relatively low. This safest neighborhood in Baltimore is rated safer than 91% of Maryland communities.
8. Highlandtown
Highlandtown has a crime rate of about 2,704 per 100k, which is 54% lower than that of Baltimore. Violent crime is about 727 per 100k, with a 1-in-137 chance of being a victim. Highlandtown’s relatively low crime stems from its mixed-use character.
Art galleries and community events increase foot traffic. The safest spots tend to be around the arts district and storefronts, but you have to avoid poorly lit side streets at night.
9. Lower Northwood
While living in Lower Northwood, residents have a 1-in-140 violent risk and 1-in-39 property risk. This neighborhood has more multi-family housing than Upper Northwood, but still benefits from active block watch groups. Residents cite well-lit streets and engaged neighbors as factors keeping crime down.
It has a 1-in-31 chance of any crime, but that’s far better than many Baltimore areas. The quiet residential streets and local parks of this Baltimore’s safest neighborhood are considered the safest spots.
10. Jonestown
Jonestown includes Baltimore’s historic Inner Harbor East area. Crime here is around 3,455 per 100k, which is about 41% lower than in Baltimore. There is about a 1-in-108 chance of violent crime and a 1-in-40 chance of property crime in this city.
Moreover, its safest parts tend to be around busy streets and newer developments. However, it has the highest neighborhood crime risk on this list, with a 1-in-29 chance of any crime.
How to Pick the Safest Place to Live in Baltimore?
To select the safest Baltimore neighborhood, follow these tips:
Analyze Local Crime Data: You need to use tools like AreaVibes or NeighborhoodScout to compare neighborhoods’ crime rates. Look at violent and property crime trends over several years to spot improvements or risks.
Visit in Person at Different Times: Walk the area on foot by day and night. Note street lighting, visibility, and how many people are around. Some of the dark blocks may look peaceful, but they can hide dangers.
Check Community Factors: Good schools, clean parks, and active neighborhood associations often correlate with lower crime. You should choose areas where residents seem engaged (watch signs, clean streets).
Consider Police Presence: Areas near fire and police stations or popular public spaces often have more patrols. These zones tend to deter serious crime.
Which Dangerous Neighborhoods to Avoid While Living in Baltimore?
Based on recent data, these five areas show the highest crime and are generally best avoided:
1. Fairfield Area
This small industrial-residential zone has Baltimore’s highest violent-crime rate, which is 182% above the city average. Crimes often include aggravated assaults and robberies.
2. Federal Hill
Once a popular neighborhood, it now has very high crime, with an overall crime risk of about 1-in-8. Downtown nightlife means plenty of liquor-related disturbances and property thefts.
3. Morrell Park
This residential area has elevated crime, having a chance of any crime of about 1-in-15. Streets here can feel isolated, so strolling alone, especially at night, is risky.
4. Westgate
Westgate suffers heavily (overall crime risk of 1-in-8). Attacks often occur in its few dimly lit blocks. Residents report robberies of bikes and armed assaults.
5. Hopkins
This area around Johns Hopkins Hospital has violent crime 85% above the city average. Walkers and medical staff report frequent muggings and panhandling issues.
How to Stay Safe While Living in High-Crime Areas of Baltimore?
Even in neighborhoods with crime challenges, you can lower your risk:
1. Choose Safer Routes
Walk or drive on major, well-populated streets rather than dark back alleys. At night, stick to routes with streetlights and shops open late. If possible, walk with a friend and trust your instincts if something feels off.
2. Install Cameras for Monitoring
Outdoor security cameras can deter criminals by recording incidents. Consider high-quality cameras from eufy, such as eufyCam 3 or eufyCam 2C, which offer 4K video, night vision, and no monthly fees. Position cameras to cover doors, driveways, and blind spots.
Many eufy models have local storage and AI alerts, so you get instant phone notifications if motion is detected. Monitoring your property with cameras helps catch suspects and provides evidence to police, greatly improving your security.
3. Vigilance in Daily Behavior
Keep car doors locked and valuables hidden. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or using expensive electronics on the street. If you notice suspicious people lingering, stay on the side of caution. Learning de-escalation and basic self-defense moves can also help you stay confident.
4. Install an Advanced Security System
A comprehensive home alarm system gives an extra layer of protection. Consider systems like eufy’s ExpertSecure, which bundle cameras, video doorbells, motion sensors, entry sensors, and a central hub. These systems integrate with your phone and voice assistants (Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant) for instant alerts.
Once you arm the system through the eufy app, you can relax knowing it’s watching over your home. If a door or window opens when it shouldn’t, you’ll get an instant alert. Moving forward, the monitoring team will check the live video feed to see what’s happening.
If it turns out to be a real break-in, they’ll reach out to you right away and notify the authorities. And even if the power goes out, the 24-hour backup battery and dual 4G LTE connection make sure your home stays protected without missing a beat.
5. Build Relationships with Neighbors
A watchful community is a powerful deterrent. Introduce yourself to nearby residents and consider forming a neighborhood watch group. Share alerts about suspicious activity on group chats or social media.
When people look out for each other, criminals have fewer safe targets. Simple actions like keeping porch lights on and checking on each other’s homes create a safer block.
Conclusion
Baltimore has a reputation for high crime, but many residents live peacefully by choosing the right neighborhood and staying vigilant. The safest neighborhoods in Baltimore, like Cheswolde or Roland Park, have far lower crime rates than city norms.
Ultimately, personal safety also depends on precautions. We highly recommend using reliable home security solutions such as eufy’s camera systems and ExpertSecure alarms. With good neighborhood research and the right security tech, you can enjoy living in Baltimore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Baltimore neighborhood is safest for families?
Families often choose Roland Park–Homewood–Guilford for safety. Crime here is very low (1-in-40 chance of any crime), and it has excellent schools and parks. Cheswolde Area is another family-friendly choice with quiet streets and low crime.
Is it safe to walk around downtown Baltimore?
No, walking alone at night is risky, as Downtown has a 1-in-43 chance of crime. It’s generally safe during the daytime with many people around, but walking alone at night is not suggested. Stick to busy areas and transit hubs, and avoid deserted streets after dark.
What’s the nicest neighborhood in Baltimore?
Roland Park is often cited as the “nicest” place for its beautiful homes and green spaces. Federal Hill and Fells Point are also appealing for scenery and amenities, but they have higher crime rates. Roland Park offers both charm and low crime by Baltimore standards.
Which Baltimore neighborhoods are best for young professionals?
Young professionals tend to favor Fells Point and Federal Hill. These areas have restaurants and easy commutes to downtown. However, Federal Hill has about a 1-in-8 crime risk. If you live there, choose well-lit streets and consider using home security cameras.
