Top 5 Safest Neighborhoods in New York City
Go Back To Previous PageThe densely populated, culturally diverse, and ultra-busy New York City can often make anyone new to the buzzing metropolis edgy about personal safety. But media stories don’t
always provide an accurate picture and might not be the best indicator of life in this lively, cosmopolitan city.
NYC has five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. Within them, you will find some of the safest places to live. So, if you plan on moving to NYC, choosing a safe community to buy or rent a house for you and your family should not be a problem.
Safest Neighborhoods in New York City
In NYC, each community offers a unique living experience with a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles. Some have an impressive safety record, too. Here are the top five safest places we recommend for anyone looking to make NYC their home.
1. Battery Park City
Located in the southern part of Manhattan and bordered by the Hudson River, this city is famous for its 25-acre public park that makes up the Battery, formerly known as Battery Park.
It is a highly residential area with a population of 15,714 people and a livability score of 77/100 on AreaVibes. The city also enjoys high safety records. Its crime rate is 32% lower than New York’s reported average, with only 1,952 crimes per 100,000 people.
2. Tribeca
This 21,871-resident area in Lower Manhattan is home to several celebrities and other well-known names. Its upscale neighborhoods can be costly. But it promises a safe environment to live in.
Incidents of homicide, motor vehicle theft, and burglary, in particular, are relatively low in Tribeca, while the overall crime score stands at 3/10 on the CAP Index.
3. Brooklyn Heights
Known as “New York’s first suburb,” Brooklyn Heights has all the essential residential neighborhood features, from parks and cafés to public transport.
But this waterfront city is not just about brownstone houses and tree-lined streets. You can find some of the safest neighborhoods in the Brooklyn borough here.
4. Park Slope
Park Slope is in western Brooklyn and is home to 66,947 New Yorkers.
This family-friendly city has scored an impressive 77/100 for livability on AreaVibes. One contributing factor to this is undoubtedly its reputation for safety. Park Slope’s crime rate is 25% lower than the average rate for New York.
5. Forest Hills
Located in Queens, Forest Hills is an excellent suburb for families looking to settle into old-school charm but with access to modern amenities.
It has a population of 72,632 people with a median age of 44.7 years. At 1,613 crimes per 100,000 people, the city’s crime rate is 44% lower than the New York average and 31% below the national figures. Violent and property crimes are 35% and 30% lower than the national average.
Living in NYC: Essential Safety Tips
Wherever you make your home, practicing caution is critical for avoiding common safety threats. Here’s what to keep in mind when moving to New York City.
Do Your Homework Before Selecting a Neighborhood
Even in the safest communities, extra caution will never go to waste.
To ensure you purchase or rent a house or apartment in a secure area,
- Research the crime rates using the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer. SpotCrime, CrimeMapping.com, and similar platforms can also provide helpful information. Don’t forget to check online news to learn about recent incidents in the locality.
- Spend some time in the neighborhood to identify telltale signs of safety concerns. These can include abandoned houses, properties that are boarded up, unusually high-security measures such as CCTV, and a lack of local businesses nearby. In addition, check whether there are sufficient streetlights, road signs, and speed bumps for the safety of residents.
- Check where the nearest police station, hospital, and other emergency services are located.
- Introduce yourself to the neighbors and get to know them better. If you want to learn more about them discreetly, reverse search their addresses on Nuwber.
Be Skeptical When Interacting With Strangers
New Yorkers are friendly people. However, don’t be hasty to let your guard down.
- Never give away personal information to anyone unless there is a good enough reason to do so. Avoid sharing your home address, workplace details, family information, and the like until you get to know someone better.
- Don’t invite strangers into your home, especially when you are alone.
- If you plan to have housemates, conduct thorough background checks before you sign a roommate or sublease agreement.
- If you have kids, speak to them about remaining vigilant when interacting with unknown individuals. You may need to keep an eye on who they make friends with during the initial few months after you move into a new city.
Mind Your Safety When Out and About
Safety should be a priority both in and outside your home.
- Always pay attention to your surroundings. Keep your phone, headphones, and other digital devices away when walking or using public transportation.
- Avoid traveling at night whenever possible. If you must do so, use busy, well-lit streets and travel with a companion.
- When using the subway, move to a car with passengers if yours is empty.
- Guard personal belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- Leave valuables at home. This includes cash, jewelry, and personal documents that could compromise your safety if stolen.
- Opt for a ride-hailing app instead of using regular taxis. In addition to disclosing driver and vehicle details, they offer several safety features, such as the option to share your route with a loved one. These apps also provide a fixed fare to protect you from unscrupulous drivers.
Wrapping Up
New York City has several safe neighborhoods—from Battery Park City and Tribeca to Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, and Forest Hills. These communities are not just lively and vibrant; They have some of the lowest crime rates in New York, making them exceptionally secure and livable choices for homebuyers.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
