Safest and Most Dangerous Places in College Park MD in 2026 Students Must Know

College Park,  Maryland, is a lively college town just outside of Washington, D.C, and is also home to the University of Maryland, UMD, one of the country’s top research universities. With a population of approximately 34,000-35,000, College Park has a charm that sneaks up on you – part buzzing student energy, part quiet suburban calm, and part classic college-town vibe. This place is a perfect blend of urban and suburban comfort. Along with your academic life, you get to explore the local culture, cafes, eateries, and green spaces such as Lake Artemisia.  

But like everywhere else, once the buzzing settles in, then comes the concerning safety conversation, especially if you’re a student moving here for the first time. Somewhere between apartment hunting, checking bus routes, and googling late-night food spots, the question alarmingly pops up: Is College Park Safe? 

 While most of the areas in College Park feel safe, loud, and bustling with locals and students, there are also those areas that get unpredictable– especially after dark. So, it is a smart move to understand the safest and most dangerous places in College Park MD, to navigate the area safely.

This guide is a real, student-friendly look at life in College Park. It will provide an overview of which safest and most dangerous places in College Park MD, and crime statistics, and practical safety tips you can actually use.

Understanding Safety in College Park MD: Things You Should Know

College Park, being a college city, has a notable crime rate, with reports indicating the crime rate in College Park is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America. The overall crime rate is approximately 33.83 total crimes per 1,000 residents, and the chance of becoming a victim: estimated to be around 1 in 23 to 1 in 34 for overall crime, depending on area, and 1 in 140 to 1 in 449 for violent crime specifically. 

Crime in this area is location-specific, and once you know what to expect, you will be able to choose the right neighborhood for you. Here are a few things worth knowing about College Park, Maryland:

1. Low Violent extreme crimes - Serious crimes like assault or robbery are below the national average. Most incidents occur in isolated areas rather than areas near the university, as it is filled with students and locals. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 314. This equates to a rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants.

2. Property crime is more common than violent crime - Property crimes such as car break-ins, bike theft, and package theft are more common in student-filled areas where foot traffic is high. The chance of becoming a victim of such crimes is 1 in 43. 

3. Campus presence improves safety nearby - Living near the campus is the safest area of College Park Maryland. College Park comes with a safety net. Campus police patrol, security cameras, emergency call boxes, and well-lit streets help to avoid run-ins with thieves or other criminal activities.    

4. Awareness matters more than fear - Staying vigilant and following basic safety habits like locking the door, walking in a group at night, can help you stay safe. 

This all explains how areas filled with locals and students have low crime rates. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas, 

Safest Neighborhoods in College Park 

College Park has many areas filled with bustling cafes, art galleries, theaters, and many other things. As a home to the University of Maryland, several safest areas of College Park Maryland are well-connected and student-friendly, making them the ideal choice for off-campus housing in College Park. 

Below are the safest areas of College Park Maryland, explained in detail: 

1. Campus Area 

Safety Index - 9.2/10 (High)

Average Rent - $1,800–$2,500+ / per month

Ideal For - University Students, Students who don’t own a vehicle

Average population - 11,000 – 12,000 (Mostly students, campus residents)

This area is filled with students who want to walk and bike everywhere. With heavy campus security, emergency call stations, and well-lit walkways, this neighborhood is a perfect and safe place. 

2. Knox Road 

Safety Index - 9.0/10 (High)

Average Rent - $1,800–$2,500+ / per month

Ideal For - Social, outgoing students

Average population - 4,000 – 5,000 (Students, young renters)

Knox Rd is a neighborhood in College Park with proximity to the University. It is filled with families, students, and local businesses, making it an ideal and safest areas for students' off-campus housing in College Park.

3. Baltimore Avenue 

Safety Index - 8.2/10 (Moderate to high)

Average Rent - $1,900–$2,600 / per month 

Ideal for - Students who want city life, Professionals working near D.C

Average population - 6,000 – 7,000 (Students, professionals, mixed)

This area is known as the heart of the city's student life. This place is a mix of student housing, cafes, and local markets, creating a lively, walkable, and diverse atmosphere with excellent access to campus and transit. 

4. Old Town

Safety Index - 9.2/10 (High)

Average Rent - $1,900–$2,400 / per month

Ideal for - Families, students prefer quiet

Average population - 4,000 – 4,500 (Families, grad students, faculty)

Old Town is known for its serene neighbourhood, filled with community spirit, gardens, and great connectivity to the market. Old Town is one of the safest areas of College Park Maryland with a friendly and diverse community.

5. 48th Avenue 

Safety Index - 8.2/10 (moderate to high)

Average Rent - $1,500–$2,200  /per month 

Ideal for - students who are looking for shared housing options

Average population - 2000 - 2500 (Students, shared housing)

48th Avenue sits in a dynamic, student-oriented area in College Park, which takes a 5-6 minute drive to reach the University. This area is a good choice for students as it offers a mix of residential areas and student housing. 

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods of College Park MD

Though these areas are not unsafe 24/7, but they have a high crime rate as compared to the other areas of College Park. Here’s a detailed overview of the most dangerous places in College Park MD, and how to steer clear of these crimes. 

1. Berwyn District

Crime Rate - 1 in 25 people (vehicle theft, pick-pockets)

Average Rent - $1,600 - $1800 / per month

Average Population - 1700 - 1900 (Families, long-term residents)

Certain parts of this area have reported thefts like bike theft, car break-ins. The crime rate of the Berwyn District is higher than the rest of the city. Stay cautious of your surroundings and avoid wandering alone at night to ensure your personal safety. 

2. Cherry Hill Rd

Crime Rate - 1 in 35 people (property crime)

Average Rent - $1,800-$2,200 / per month

Average Population -2500 - 3000 (Residential, non-campus focused)

This area is far from the University area, which means no security from campus police patrols. Also, fewer residential security as it's less crowded. Vehicle break-ins, petty thefts, these crimes are common issues in Cherry Hill Rd. 

3. Lakeland 

Crime Rate - 1 in 30 people (vandalism, car break-ins)

Average Rent - $1,800-$2,000 / per month

Average Population - 500 - 600 (Small residential community)

Lakeland has a moderate crime rate, but that doesn’t mean one should not be cautious. 

Property crime and vandalism are reported quite often in this area, making Lakeland a dangerous place in College Park MD.

4. Sunnyside

Crime Rate - 1 in 35 people (Minor thefts)

Average Rent - $1700 - $2000 / per month

Average Population -1000 - 2000 (Residential, low-density)

This area gets quiet after dark, and criminal activity here often occurs around property offenses and minor thefts. Stick to well-lit streets at night to stay safe and avoid these situations. 

Safest and Reliable Student Housing in College Park MD

Finding a safe and comfortable place to stay when moving to a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you’re moving for college. With amber, the process becomes much easier. Here you can explore various student housing options near the University of Maryland in a friendly neighborhood. The platform shows clear prices, amenities, location, and distance from the campus, all in one place. So, pick your choice of stay that matches your vibe and lifestyle. 

Below are some options for student housing in College Park that you can book through amber:

1. Terrapin Row College Park - from $1009 per month

It offers various choices like 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, and studio apartments, and is only an 8-minute drive to campus. 

2. The Tempo College Park - from $1043 per month

This place offers both bedroom apartments and Studio apartments with modern facilities. Located at 8430 Baltimore Ave, College Park, this area is filled with good cafes and restaurants. 

3. Parkside College Park - from $865 per month

Located at 1825 48th Avenue, this area is ideal for students as the University of Maryland is a 4-minute drive and The Catholic University of America is a 25-minute drive. 

4. Mazza Grandmarc College Park - from $1049 per month

This place is a premier location for students looking for modern and comfortable housing options. With proximity to the University, this is the ideal location for off-campus housing

5. Hub College Park College Park - from $1195 per month

Situated at Knox Rd College Park, this place offers various options that suit individual preferences and needs, including en-suites, non-ensuites, studios, and 1-bedroom apartments.

Final Thoughts: Is College Park Safe to Live in?

Here’s the honest takeaway: College Park can be the safest city to live in, but just like any other city, it depends on where you live and how aware you are of your surroundings. Some areas stand out as peaceful, student-friendly, and well-connected, while others call for a bit more caution, especially at dark. 

College Park isn’t a place you can judge with a simple yes or no. Safety here can change from block to block. Once you understand the area, layout of the city, and what lifestyle suits you best, it becomes easy for you to navigate the city. With the right knowledge of the safest and most dangerous places in College Park MD, it will be easier to find a comfortable and reliable housing option that can make your college experience beautiful. 

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