Safest Neighborhoods to Live in New York City in 2025

New York City is one of the world’s most popular destinations, attracting around 65 million visitors in 2024.

Many visitors like the Big Apple more than other cities and ultimately choose to settle down there, largely due to its excellent education and career opportunities. Renowned institutions like Columbia University, New York University, and Manhattan College attract talented individuals from around the globe, which makes NYC as a hub for ambitious students and professionals.

The biggest companies in education, media, fashion, real estate, and financial services are based in New York City and draw those looking for employment opportunities in America’s former capital.

New York is also one of the safest large cities in the U.S. But what neighborhoods boast exceptional overall safety where residents sleep tight at night? Let’s find out together.

General Safety and Crime Rates in NYC

Since the 1990s, New York City has experienced a significant drop in crime rates, thanks to initiatives like community policing, the CompStat system, and a strengthened law enforcement presence. Over the past two decades, the city has seen improvements in both property crimes and the violent crime rate.

As of the latest data, NYC’s crime rate is lower than in many other major U.S. cities like Los Angeles and Chicago in terms of overall crime rates.

The Big Apple has an overall crime index of 6, where 100 represents the safest, which means that it’s safer than 6% of other cities in the United States. This indicates a relatively low crime rate for a city with such a high density population.

Safest Places to Live in New York

New York offers many neighborhoods that are known for their safety and quality of life. Let’s explore some of them below.

1) Battery Park City, Manhattan

Total crime: 1,952 per 100,000 people.

Battery Park City, a Manhattan neighborhood, has transformed from a quiet area into a vibrant neighborhood filled with restaurants, popular tourist attractions, cozy coffee shops, ample green spaces, and scenic Hudson River views. Close to Wall Street, it’s a top choice for financial professionals and their families, making it an ideal location for those in the financial industry.

It’s also among the safest neighborhoods you’ll find in Manhattan. That’s why its residents have a lower chance of being involved in violent crimes than residents of other areas of the city.

Pros and cons:

• Pros: Scenic views, family-friendly amenities, low crime rates.
• Cons: Higher cost of living, limited nightlife options.

2) Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn

Total crime: 665 per 100,000 people.

If you love the idea of living close to Manhattan but for some reason can’t settle there, consider Brooklyn Heights, the area known for its historic brownstones and picturesque streets.

It’s a popular option for families, college students, and young professionals. Its tree-lined streets are home to cafes, pubs, shops, and green spaces where people relax in their free time.

Brooklyn Heights benefits from being close to several NYPD precincts, which in case of emergencies ensures a prompt police presence and enhances personal safety in the area.

Pros and cons:

• Pros: Low crime rates, proximity to prominent landmarks, convenient transportation.
• Cons: Higher cost of living, crowded tourist areas, noise from nearby roads in certain areas of the neighborhood.

3) Fresh Meadows, Queens

Total crime: 1,186 per 100,000 people.

In 2021, Fresh Meadows was named one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City by the New York Post.

It’s prominent for its single-family homes and attractions like Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Cunningham Park, Kissena Park, and the nearby Alley Pond Environmental Center.

There were no reported murders in 2021, and locals have peace of mind with the fastest emergency response time — just 1.9 minutes. 

Pros and cons:

• Pros: Suburban feel, affordable housing, green spaces.
• Cons: Higher property taxes, aging infrastructure.

4) Morningside Heights, Manhattan

Total crime: 2,788 per 100,000 people.

Located on the west side of Upper Manhattan, Morningside Heights is teeming with college students, professors, and families looking for Hudson River views.

As one of the safest NYC neighborhoods, Morningside Heights experiences lower rates of violent crime and property crime compared to other neighborhoods like Manhattanville. Because it’s home to Columbia, it has security patrolling the campus and surrounding area.

Pros and cons:

• Pros: Cultural and educational hub, access to green spaces, cultural diversity.
• Cons: High cost of living (particularly in terms of rent and real estate), aging infrastructure.

5) Upper East Side, Manhattan

Total crime: 2,836 per 100,000 people.

The Upper East Side of Manhattan is one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. Not only that, it’s also one of the most expensive and affluent neighborhoods, being home to some of the city’s most prestigious private schools and educational institutions.

With its iconic location between Central Park and the East River, it has long attracted celebrity residents and wealthy families. The area is also home to Museum Mile with major museums such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Pros and cons:

• Pros: Cultural institutions, excellent schools, proximity to Central Park.
• Cons: High cost of living, crowded streets and tourists.

6) Greenwich Village, Manhattan

Total crime: 7,828 per 100,000 people.

Greenwich Village has a long bohemian history, and now it boasts quiet, tree-lined streets and world-class restaurants. It’s currently one of the most expensive neighborhoods in NYC but may be well worth the trade-off for its pubs, shops, comedy clubs, and tranquil vibe.

Also known as the West Village, it’s a top destination for students and artists. Its cultural roots run deep and attract people from around the Big Apple.

Pros and cons:

• Pros: Rich cultural and artistic heritage, vibrant nightlife and dining scene, central location.
• Cons: High cost of living, noise levels, gentrification.

7) City Island, Bronx

Total crime: 1,738 per 100,000 people.

City Island is a unique island enclave in the northern Bronx. The seafood restaurants are part of the tourist attractions here, and waterfront views are a draw for locals.

City Island typically experiences a lower crime rate compared to other parts of the Bronx. The neighborhood is known for its relatively low levels of violent crime and property crime.

City Island Nautical Museum, marinas and boat tours, seafood restaurants, and local cafes and eateries are just some of the attractions that highlight its maritime heritage and small-town atmosphere.

Pros and cons:

• Pros: Unique charm and atmosphere, access to waterfront and outdoor activities.
• Cons: Limited public transportation, weather and environmental factors (as an island, it’s more susceptible to flooding and other weather-related issues than other parts of the city).

8) Bellerose, Queens

Total crime: 302 per 100,000 people.

The middle-class neighborhood of Bellerose isn’t as accessible as the rest of Queens due to its location and transportation options, but can be reached using a combination of buses and trains. The area is known for its single-family homes and streets, with its namesake station dating back to the early 1900s.

It’s also home to the Bellerose Veterans Memorial and Fort Totten Park, which was originally built as a military fort during the Civil War in the mid-19th century.

Pros and cons:

• Pros: Quiet and residential atmosphere, community-oriented neighborhood, green spaces and parks.
• Cons: Limited public transportation, distance from major employment centers.

9) Financial District, Manhattan

Total crime: 6,680 per 100,000 people.

The Financial District is situated near the southern tip of Manhattan and is a long-standing business hub turned into a lively neighborhood.

Due to its significance as a major financial hub, the Financial District benefits from a strong police presence. This includes regular patrols and security measures in response to the high volume of office workers and tourists.

The neighborhood is home to the famous Wall Street, the One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Federal Hall National Memorial.

Pros and cons:

• Pros: Central location, iconic landmarks and attractions, strong community and security.
• Cons: High cost of living, business-centric environment, crowded and busy during work hours.

Key Factors to Consider When Looking for a Safe Neighborhood in NYC

As you narrow down your options for New York City neighborhoods to move to, here are some key factors to consider:

• Schools: Even if you don’t have children, the presence of quality schools often indicates a desirable neighborhood where families prefer to settle.
• Security cameras: Check if the buildings in the area have security cameras, as this can deter criminal activities.
• Crime statistics: Research neighborhood crime data to evaluate the types and frequency of crimes occurring in the area.
• Registered sex offenders: If you’re concerned about violent crimes, it’s prudent to investigate the number and proximity of registered sex offenders in the vicinity.
• Public transportation: Reliable access to public transportation typically signifies a well-connected and safer neighborhood, offering quicker access to emergency services.
• Neighborhood development: Areas experiencing development or revitalization may implement improved security measures due to increased investment in infrastructure and community services.

Conclusion

New York has got many opportunities in every sphere. It’s a large city that attracts millions of people, some of whom come here and stay for a long time. Not everyone, however, pays attention to safety in the neighborhood they choose to settle in.

Despite being the most populated U.S. city, New York is considered generally safe, with some neighborhoods being safer than others.

For those planning to make New York their home, it’s important to know about the neighborhoods that are known for their low crime rates and other criteria that help determine their security.

FAQ

Is NYC safe in general?

Yes, New York City is generally considered safe, especially when compared to other major U.S. cities. Over the past few decades, New York City has seen a significant decline in crime rates. Major crimes like homicide and robbery have decreased, which made the city safer than in previous decades.

Which of the five boroughs has the highest crime rate in New York?

As of the most recent data, the Bronx typically has the highest crime rate among the five boroughs of New York City. It also has high poverty rates and poor housing conditions, which makes the community more vulnerable to all types of crime.

Are there any neighborhoods in NYC that are particularly safe for families?

Upper East Side, Forest Hills, Queens, Park Slope, Brooklyn, Battery Park City, and Bay Ridge are the neighborhoods with the most family-friendly environment. Each of these neighborhoods offers a mix of safety, family-oriented amenities, and good schools.

Is it safe to walk in New York at night?

You can comfortably walk in NYC at night if you’re in a safe neighborhood and are diligent about your surroundings.

What resources are available for NYC residents to report crime or safety concerns?

Residents of New York City have several resources available to report crime or safety concerns, including the New York Police Department, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, Neighborhood Watch Programs, and citywide and local hotlines, among other resources.

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