Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick Corridor No. 1 in “Most Secure” Ranking

As part of a region spanning from Frederick to Bethesda, Gaithersburg is part of the "most secure" region in the country, according to a study conducted by Farmer's Insurance Group.

The Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick Corridor was No. 1 on a list of “Most Secure Places to Live” in the large metropolitan category (population of 500,000+), the city announced.

The rankings, compiled by Sperling’s BestPlaces, took into consideration economic stability, crime statistics, extreme weather, risk of natural disasters, housing depreciation, foreclosures, air quality, environmental hazards, life expectancy, motor vehicle fatalities, and employment numbers.

“This is certainly validation that our commitment to public safety and sound economic development is impacting the quality of life in Gaithersburg,” Mayor Sidney A. Katz said in a statement.

The Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick corridor has been in the top 20 on this list for the past seven years, and in the top 10 since 2007, according to a Gaithersburg news release. According to the Sperling’s BestPlaces website, key factors that helped the corridor earn its No. 1 spot in the 2012 study included its low unemployment and low personal crime rates, while its long life expectancy rate contributed to its top rating.