Safety is one of the most important factors that people consider when choosing a place to live, work, or visit. Maryland is a state that has a higher than average violent crime rate compared to the national average, but that does not mean that there are no safe cities in the state. In fact, there is one city that stands out as the safest in Maryland, according to a recent report by the National Council for Home Safety and Security.
Ocean Pines: The Safest City in Maryland
The report ranked the safest cities in Maryland based on the FBI crime data from 2020. The report considered both violent crimes (such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault) and property crimes (such as burglary, theft, and arson) in its analysis. The report also adjusted the crime rates by population size to account for the differences in the number of residents among the cities.
According to the report, the safest city in Maryland is Ocean Pines, an affluent resort community of over 12,000 people in Worcester County. Ocean Pines had a violent crime rate of only 0.7 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of only 5.9 per 1,000 residents in 2020. These rates are significantly lower than the state averages of 4.5 and 18.6, respectively, and the national averages of 3.6 and 21.1, respectively.
Ocean Pines is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, about five miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The city offers a variety of amenities and attractions for its residents and visitors, such as a public yacht club, a golf course, a beach club, a marina, a farmers market, and several parks and trails. Ocean Pines is also known for its scenic views of the water and the woods, as well as its wildlife and nature preservation efforts.
Other Safe Cities in Maryland
While Ocean Pines is the safest city in Maryland, there are other cities that also have low crime rates and high quality of life. Some of the other safe cities in Maryland, according to the report, are:
1.) Hampstead, a small town in Carroll County with a population of 6,397. Hampstead had a violent crime rate of 1.1 and a property crime rate of 4.8 in 2020. Hampstead has been named one of the best places to raise children in Maryland, thanks to its low crime rate and high school ratings.
2.) Glenarden, a suburb of Washington, D.C. with a population of 6,234. Glenarden had a violent crime rate of 0.6 and a property crime rate of 8.7 in 2020. Glenarden is a diverse and affluent community that offers easy access to the nation’s capital and its attractions.
3.) Thurmont, a small town in Frederick County with a population of 6,800. Thurmont had a violent crime rate of 1.9 and a property crime rate of 9.4 in 2020. Thurmont is a historic and charming town that hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Catoctin Colorfest and the Thurmont Carnival.
4.) Bowie, a large city in Prince George’s County with a population of 58,859. Bowie had a violent crime rate of 1.0 and a property crime rate of 15.2 in 2020. Bowie is one of the most affluent and educated cities in Maryland, and offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities, such as museums, theaters, parks, and shopping centers.
Conclusion
Maryland is a state that has a lot to offer, from its rich history and culture to its natural beauty and diversity. However, it is also a state that has a higher than average violent crime rate, which may deter some people from living, working, or visiting there. Fortunately, there are some cities in Maryland that have low crime rates and high quality of life, making them safe and desirable places to be.
The safest city in Maryland, according to a recent report, is Ocean Pines, an affluent resort community on the Eastern Shore. Ocean Pines is followed by other safe cities, such as Hampstead, Glenarden, Thurmont, and Bowie, which also provide their residents and visitors with a variety of amenities and attractions. These cities prove that Maryland is not only a state of great potential, but also a state of great safety.