How safe is D.C. and surrounding areas?

[brasileira]

Is it safe to walk around at night? Are there some areas I should avoid staying in? And how does it compare to nearby Baltimore? Is there any spillover crime from there?

Thank you!

[Rusty_Shackleford1]

The general rule for DC proper is west is ok, stay out of the east. Prince George County Maryland seems pretty crazy, which makes sense since it borders east DC. Montgomery County, or at least Bethesda, is really cool and felt pretty safe. I live in Virginia, Fairfax county is pretty nice I really like it here. Alexandria is pretty cool too, and I hear Arlington is nice. Have only lived here a few months myself though.

[Greg_Staub]

Northwest DC and the Capitol area are perfectly safe. Typically, locals recommend avoiding Southeast DC.

Likewise, many places around the harbor in Baltimore are perfectly safe. The locals will tell you to avoid areas outside of the immediate Harbor area.

There are many bedroom communities between the two cities. These communities typically have low crime and mass transit into either city available.

[Matthew_Pearson]

Hi Bianca! DC is a very diverse city with a lot of differences between different areas. Certain neighborhoods, like Dupont Circle or Georgetown will have more active night life and so will be busier with people, which can be safer, but may also attract more petty theft because of that. Other areas, like Capitol Hill or the SW Waterfront are more quiet neighborhoods and so will have fewer people late at night but will also be less rowdy! It is wise to pay attention to your gut and call an Uber if you feel uncomfortable in a neighborhood. In large though, DC feels safe and friendly in most places!

Baltimore is quite far from DC when it comes to crime and I have never felt like Baltimore crime affects DC directly in any way.

[Liz_Marie]

When traveling, especially as a female, use common sense. Don't walk alone at night, be aware of your surroundings, and don't go anywhere with strangers!

I would avoid Southeast at night, same goes for the green line. Other than that, DC is perfectly safe.

Baltimore is another story....I do not go there often at all and cannot give a recommendation one way or the other.