Are you planning on moving to NYC?
This mighty metropolis attracts people of all ages and from all walks of life. From the people who work on Wall Street to bohemian artists, a wide range of people call NYC home. The city is divided into boroughs, each of which is scattered with diverse districts and neighborhoods. While each of these areas has something different for residents to enjoy, some are safer places to live than others.
So, let’s take an in-depth look at the safest neighborhoods in New York City and what they have to offer.
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Roosevelt Island
The first on my rundown of the safest New York neighborhoods is Roosevelt Island. This narrow island is set on the East River and is home to more than 11,600 people. It is set in the borough of Manhattan and offers a quick and convenient connection to the heart of the metropolis. While the island once housed several prisons and hospitals, it now boasts pretty parks and landmarks.
Roosevelt Island is also the safest area of New York City, and it is worth taking the time to explore. Around eight crimes are committed here for every thousand residents. This means that the risk of being a victim of any type of crime here is virtually non-existent.
Getting around is a breeze…
Residents can take a ferry across the water to the small, yet very famous Staten Island. Local buses run on routes that cover the whole of this historical island, making it very easy to get around. Some of the top attractions here that should not be missed include Historic Richmond Town, South Beach, and Boardwalk.
Fresh Meadows
Fresh Meadows in Queens boasts the second lowest crime rate in the whole of NYC. While crime is already low, it has also been declining in recent years. Currently, just under nine crimes are committed for every one thousand residents.
Fresh Meadows is home to around 17,800 people and is home to Parsons Nurseries and Kissena Park. The exclusive Fresh Meadow Country Club can also be found here. The streets of the area are safe to wander at night, and residents have access to a wide range of amenities.
Experience food from around the world!
Queens is the largest borough in NYC and also the most ethnically diverse. More languages are spoken in this 109-square-mile district than anywhere else on earth. This basically means that residents have the opportunity to eat their way around the world.
Battery Park City
If you like the idea of living in the Manhattan district, take the time to explore Battery Park City. This area is mainly residential and covers 92 acres. It is home to a little over 13,300 residents. This area boasts a collection of five large public parks, which are excellent places to take part in outdoor activities.
Many people are attracted to Battery Park City because it is a relatively safe place to live. According to the official statistics, only 1,373 crimes are committed per 100,000; of this total, around 12% are violent crimes.
Views to behold…
This area is named after Battery Park, while the Museum of Jewish Heritage is another prominent attraction. Catching the Staten Island Ferry from Battery Park is a great way to see lower Manhattan. Residents are treated to stunning views of Ellis Island as well as the Statue of Liberty.
City Island
This pretty community is located on an island in the northeastern Bronx that is part of the Pelham Islands. City Island is just one and a half miles long and half a mile wide. It is home to around 4,300 residents and is noted for its excellent seafood restaurants.
This vibrant area has a lot to offer. Affluent residents have access to three local yacht clubs, and sailing is a popular pastime here. Other popular attractions include the City Island Theater Group and the City Island Nautical Museum.
Are you a Yankees fan?
The 45th Precinct patrols the island, and only ten crimes per one thousand were recorded in 2022. Over the last decade, the local crime rate has decreased by 37%. Residents are sure to feel safe when wandering in all parts of this close-knit community.
The Bronx is best known for its fantastic zoo and one of the most hallowed sports fields in the world, Yankee Stadium. Sports fans who decide to move to this area are sure to find plenty to keep them occupied.
Tribeca
Tribeca has been redeveloped in recent years and boasts a number of lively cafes and restaurants. This neighborhood can be found in Lower Manhattan along the banks of the Hudson River. This is a very desirable area, and it boasts a large number of rich and famous residents.
It is home to a little under 20,000 residents, including several models, actors, and entrepreneurs. Over the last decade, the crime rate in the area has decreased by around 54%. This is largely due to the efforts of the 1st Precinct, who patrol the area.
Brooklyn Heights
This is NYC’s first historic district, and there are plenty of charming real estate options to choose from. Brooklyn Heights is lined with elegant brownstone buildings and other charming property options. This affluent area is home to around 20,500 people and boasts tree-lined sidewalks and cobblestone side streets.
This area is sometimes referred to as Brooklyn Village, and the crime rate here is far below the citywide average. Just 21 crimes per one thousand residents were committed here in the last year. The crime rate has also been falling steadily here for the last fifty years.
Amazing views and day trip destinations!
You will have the whole of the Brooklyn district on your doorstep if you choose to move here. The Promenade can be found here, which offers the best views of Manhattan. Brooklyn is also home to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Prospect Park, and Coney Island.
People who choose to live in this district will find a whole host of day trip destinations within easy reach. Branching off into the Atlantic is Long Island, with its mix of farms, beaches, fishing villages, yacht clubs, and million-dollar estates. The Niagara Frontier is home to the magnificent Niagara Falls and the many attractions of Buffalo and the surrounding area.
Kips Bay
Set on the east side of Manhattan, this area is famously home to NYU. As a result, a large number of students live here, and the area is particularly vibrant. In addition to bars that cater to students, Kips Bay is home to the New York Public Library.
This is a particularly small section of the metropolis, and it covers a little over half a square mile. However, the area is fairly densely populated and is home to more than 50,000 people. Despite this, the crime rate in Kips Bay is far below the average for NYC.
Thank you to the ‘Boys in Blue’!
In fact, the crime rate has been reduced significantly over the last thirty years. This is largely due to the efforts of the 13th Precinct, which patrol and serve the area. In 2022, the crime rate equaled just 21 for every one thousand residents.
Long Island City
Next, on my rundown of the Safest Neighborhoods in New York City, set on the western tip of the Queens district, Long Island City is a mainly residential and commercial area. It is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, and residents have a large number of bars right on their doorstep. There are also several excellent restaurants, green spaces, and contemporary art museums.
The properties that are set on the waterfront are particularly popular and command stunning views. If you are planning to move to this area, check out the modern and sleek high-rises. Long Island City is particularly popular among young professionals who are looking for a vibrant place to live, work, and play.
An impressive drop in the crime rate!
This section of NYC is served by the 108th Precinct, which also patrols four adjoining neighborhoods. Between 2001 and 2019, the crime rate in the area dropped by an impressive 55%. In 2022, just nine crimes were reported for every one thousand residents.
Riverdale and Spuyten Duyvil
This pair of residential neighborhoods can be found in the northwest Bronx and is home to around 12,700 people. If you have plenty of cash to splash, make sure you check out the area’s large pre-war minions. The area also boasts a number of pretty parks for residents to unwind in.
Over the last twenty years, the crime rate in this part of the city has been reduced by 35%. This is far below the average and is partly due to the efforts of the 50th Precinct. At present, the crime stands at just 10 for every one thousand residents.
Greenwich Village
The colorful district of Greenwich Village has long been a popular haunt among writers, artists, and musicians. The district is scattered with the hangouts of icons like Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, and Edgar Allan Poe. This is a fascinating borough, with tree-lined streets that wrap and wind around each other, following the routes of ancient streams and footpaths.
Greenwich Village boasts block after block of beautiful old houses, bohemian cafés, and funky shops. This is a very safe area, and residents can feel confident exploring after dark. The area can be found on the edge of the Hudson River in the western part of Manhattan.
Spot the celebrity!
The risk of being a victim of violent crime is very low if you live in this area. Green Village is home to a large number of wealthy residents. The main hazard for residents who live in lavish homes is property crime.
Murray Hill
This is another choice Manhattan area, and Murray Hill can be found on the east side of the island. It is nestled between Midtown and the east river and is one of the district’s most tranquil areas. A large percentage of the community is wealthy, and there are some excellent real estate options here.
Murray Hill is home to a little over 11,000 people and boasts a very low crime rate. Between 1990 and 2018, the crime rate in the area dropped by an impressive 80%. A total of just 1,021 crimes were reported in 2018, and there were no murders or violent crimes.
A designer shopper’s dream…
People who live in Murray Hill have a wealth of world-famous attractions right on their doorstep. Residents can take trips to the top of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, two of Manhattan’s most well-loved icons. Back at street level, residents can walk through Grand Central Station with its impressive starry dome.
Just around the corner is Fifth Avenue, which boasts exclusive stores with goods from the world’s top designers. Other midtown sites of interest include the world headquarters of the United Nations and the Rockefeller Center. This is the home of Radio City Music Hall and, each winter, the famous Christmas tree and skating rink.
Nolita
The last in our safest neighborhoods in New York City is located just to the north of Chinatown and Little Italy, Nolita is a safe and charming part of Manhattan. Over the last thirty years, the area has been transformed to welcome a large number of wealthy residents. The crime rate has been dropping steadily over the last three decades, and more amenities have become available.
This area is often referred to as NoLIta, which simply means North of Little Italy. The area boasts some iconic buildings, including the Puck Building and Odd Fellow Hall. Notable residents of Nolita include John Mayor, Moby, and David Harbour.
Chinatown and Little Italy are two of the most colorful districts in New York City. They were occupied by many of the original immigrants to New York, who have left their distinctive imprints on the area. In addition to experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of these districts, residents can sample authentic Italian and Chinese cuisine.
What If New York Is Not For Me?
No problem! We can help; simply take a look at our other in-depth guides to the Best Places To Live In Florida For Families, the Safest Cities In California, the Safest Cities In Texas, and the Safest Neighborhoods In Philadelphia.
In addition, we also have the Best Cities To Live In Connecticut, as well as the Safest Neighborhoods In Atlanta, and Safest Places To Live In Florida, or if you want to live just outside NYC, then check out the Best Neighborhoods In Long Island in 2023.
For the high-earners looking to relocate, we’ve covered the Richest Neighborhoods In America, the Richest Towns In Massachusetts, and the Richest Cities In California, along with the 10 Richest Cities in Florida and the 10 Richest Cities In Texas.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are several relatively safe parts of New York City to choose from. One of the great things about this metropolis is that each area boasts different characteristics. This means that there truly is something for everyone to enjoy there.
If you are planning to make a move, it is a good idea to spend time getting to know the metropolis. Make a shortlist of the areas you might want to live in and explore each area on foot. Pay attention to the available amenities, public transportation, and the general atmosphere of each area as you explore.
Have fun exploring NYC!