Top Safest Neighborhoods to Live in New York City

New York is one of the most popular cities not only in the U.S. but in the entire world. Thanks to its rich history, culture, and iconic landmarks and attractions, approximately 60 million tourists come here every year, according to the latest data.

Some people come and decide to stay. One of the main reasons is education and career opportunities. Columbia University, New York University, and Manhattan College are just some of NYC’s schools that attract bright minds from all over the world.

The biggest companies in education, media, fashion, real estate, and financial services are based in New York City, drawing 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 safety where residents sleep tight at night? Let’s find out together.

General Safety and Crime Rates in NYC

Since the 1990s, NYC has seen a dramatic reduction in crime rates. Policies like community policing, the CompStat system, and increased law enforcement presence have all contributed to this.

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.

NYC 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 of its size.

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 was once a sleepy neighborhood that is now thriving with restaurants, tourist attractions, coffee shops, green space, and Hudson River views. Its proximity to Wall Street is the reason financial professionals settle here with their families, making it an ideal spot for those working in the financial sector.

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 response 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 called 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.

Morningside Heights, home to Columbia University and several other academic institutions, is teeming with college students, professors, and families looking for Hudson River views.

As one of the safest NYC neighborhoods, Morningside Heights is considered safer than nearby areas, such as, for example, 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.

It has an enviable location between Central Park and the East River where wealthy families and businessmen choose to settle down. 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, Greenwich Village is home to New York City University. With added patrolling of the campus and surrounding area, residents enjoy more peace of mind.

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, schools usually signal a desirable neighborhood where families want to live.
• Security cameras: Check to see if the buildings in the neighborhood have security cameras to discourage criminal activities.
• Crime statistics: Look up crime data by neighborhood to assess the amount and types of crime committed.
• Registered sex offenders: If you’re worried about aggravated assaults, it’s wise to look into the number and proximity of registered sex offenders. 
• Public transportation: Good access to public transportation is usually a sign of a well-connected and generally safer neighborhood. It also provides faster accessibility to emergency services.
• Neighborhood development: Areas that are undergoing development or revitalization might have enhanced security measures in place due to increased investment in infrastructure and community services.

Public Safety Measures and Initiatives

New York City officials have spent decades working to make the city safer. One of the examples is the Vision Zero initiative that was introduced to decrease all types of traffic-related fatalities. The city has also seen a rise in Neighborhood Watch programs and ongoing infrastructure updates, including Wi-Fi in subways, to make it easier to report crimes.

Tips for Ensuring Safety in New York Neighborhoods

Even if you live in one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City, you should still stay vigilant and exercise street smarts. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• When you want to know who lives near you in the same neighborhood, reverse search addresses on Nuwber.
• Avoid isolated areas and go to well-lit ones instead, especially at night.
• Stay alert to your surroundings.
• Keep your belongings out of sight when in crowded areas.
• Stay prepared and have a safe, 24-hour location in mind, like a deli, to duck into.
• Trust your gut instincts and get out of situations if you ever feel unsafe.

Conclusion

New York is filled with opportunities in every sphere. It’s a large megapolis 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, Manhattan, Forest Hills, Queens, Park Slope, Brooklyn, and Battery Park City, Manhattan are the neighborhoods that are known for their family-oriented environment.

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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