Is Brandywine Safe, Pros and cons of living in Brandywine
Brandywine, Maryland, offers a unique blend of suburban convenience and a more rural atmosphere, making it an appealing location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within reach of major metropolitan areas. This Census-Designated Place (CDP) in Prince George’s County provides a setting where many residents own their homes, contributing to a stable community feel.
The area is characterized by its natural surroundings, with numerous parks and open spaces, fostering an environment conducive to outdoor activities. While it offers a sense of escape, its proximity to Washington, D.C., ensures access to urban amenities and employment opportunities. This balance is a significant draw for individuals and families looking for a place to settle down.
Is it Safe to Live in Brandywine?
Brandywine’s overall crime rate is considered slightly lower than the average for U.S. cities, earning it a “B” safety grade (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). In a typical year, the crime rate stands at 20.28 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents often perceive the western part of Brandywine as the safest, with chances of being a victim of crime varying significantly by neighborhood.
The chance of being a victim of crime in Brandywine ranges from 1 in 22 in the southern neighborhoods to a much lower 1 in 79 in the west (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The total projected cost of crime in Brandywine for 2025 is estimated at $7,939,596, which translates to about $492 per resident (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). These figures suggest that while Brandywine is generally safe, localized variations in crime rates exist.
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Brandywine presents a median home value of approximately $551,000 (according to Niche). Recent data from March 2026 indicates that homes in Brandywine were selling for a median price of $465,000, a decrease of 6.6% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). The median listing home price was around $479,995 in February 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com).
Rental prices in Brandywine are notably higher than the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,145, with two-bedroom apartments averaging $2,698 and three-bedroom rentals around $3,356 (as reported by Apartments.com). Another source indicates the average rent in Brandywine is $3,200, which is 60% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow).
Cost of Living
Brandywine’s overall cost of living is significantly higher than the U.S. national average, by about 43% (as reported by Salary.com). This is also substantially higher than Maryland’s state average, by approximately 152% (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs are a primary contributor to this elevated expense, being 37.1% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).
The cost of living for a single person in Brandywine is estimated at $3,537 per month, and for a family of four, it’s around $7,788 per month (as reported by Salary.com). These figures reflect an increase of 1% from the previous year, driven by housing, transportation, and food prices.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Several companies operate in Brandywine, MD, contributing to its local economy. Major employers include retail giants like Costco Wholesale and Target, as well as service providers such as McDonald’s, FedEx, and the United States Postal Service (as reported by Indeed.com). Other notable companies include ALDI, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Sam’s Club, and Lowe’s Home Improvement (as reported by Indeed.com).
Beyond retail and service, other companies such as Regency Furniture, SOUTHERN MARYLAND VOCATIONAL INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED, and Brandywine Auto Parts are also significant employers in the area (as reported by Zippia). Johns Hopkins Medicine, though headquartered in Baltimore, has a presence that impacts the wider region’s employment landscape.
Salaries and Unemployment
The average annual salary in Brandywine is approximately $51,099, which breaks down to about $24.57 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, this figure can vary widely, with most salaries ranging between $36,250 and $62,324 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). For government positions specifically, the average annual pay in Brandywine is around $112,692 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in Brandywine is reported at 3.9% (as reported by Niche). For those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, the unemployment rate is notably lower, at 1% (as reported by Joblist). The median household income in Brandywine is substantial, reported at $157,587 (as reported by Point2Homes), which is considerably higher than the national average.
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Seasons
Brandywine experiences warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters, with partly cloudy conditions throughout the year. The hot season typically runs from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 78°F. July is the hottest month, with highs averaging 87°F and lows around 69°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Conversely, the cold season lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 52°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 29°F and highs of 43°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 28°F to 87°F, rarely dropping below 15°F or exceeding 95°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Precipitation and Weather Patterns
Rainfall is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year in Brandywine. May typically sees the most rain, with an average of 3.5 inches, while January receives the least, averaging 2.1 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The period from late April to late August experiences a higher chance of wet days, with July having the most, averaging 11.8 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.
Annual precipitation averages around 44 inches (as reported by Livability.com) to 47 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages about 16 inches annually (as reported by Livability.com; myPerfectWeather).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Public schools in Brandywine, MD, have an average math proficiency score of 7% and a reading proficiency score of 28% (as reported by Niche). These scores are below the state averages for Maryland. Schools in Brandywine have an average ranking of 1 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Maryland public schools (as reported by Niche).
Baden Elementary School, Brandywine Elementary School, and Gwynn Park High School are among the top-ranked public schools in Brandywine (as reported by Niche). Brandywine Elementary School, serving grades K-5, has a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 and a math proficiency of 12% (as reported by Homes.com).
Demographics
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Brandywine had a population of 10,550. Recent estimates place the population around 12,160 (as reported by Niche) to 13,196 (as reported by Livability.com). The population is projected to reach 11,974 in 2026, with an annual growth rate of 2.82% (as reported by World Population Review).
The racial makeup of Brandywine includes a significant African American population, estimated at 78.84% (as reported by World Population Review), followed by White residents at 11.12% (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Brandywine is 44 years (as reported by World Population Review).
Pros and Cons of Living in Brandywine
Pros
Brandywine offers a desirable rural feel with the convenience of being a suburb of Washington, D.C. Many residents own their homes, contributing to a stable community (as reported by Niche). The area boasts numerous parks and natural spaces, appealing to those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Its proximity to Washington, D.C., provides access to a wider range of employment opportunities, cultural events, and amenities. The community is also noted for its relatively lower crime rates compared to some other urban areas, making it a safe choice for many families.
Cons
The cost of living in Brandywine is significantly higher than the national and state averages, primarily driven by housing expenses (as reported by Salary.com). Rental costs are also considerably above the national average, potentially posing a challenge for renters.
Furthermore, the public school system in Brandywine faces challenges, with lower-than-average proficiency scores and rankings compared to the rest of Maryland (as reported by Niche). This could be a concern for families prioritizing educational opportunities for their children.