Is NYC safe? Some movies may portray New York as a dangerous city, but the reality is different. In recent years, security in New York has improved dramatically with effective law enforcement and community cooperation. New York is one of the safest cities in the world, and its crime rate continues to decline, with serious crime hitting record law. Whether the residents or visitors, you feel safe walking in most areas day and night. Public transportation and urban infrastructures are considered safe compared to New York City and other metropolitan cities.
Is NYC Safe?
The question ‘Is New York safe?’ has become a hot topic recently, and the answer is yes. In general, the crime rate in New York City has declined recently, and many areas have become much safer than in the past 10 years. Most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC face poor security, which you must avoid. Some neighborhoods in Upper East Side, Downton Brooklyn, and Fort Greene are relatively safe for you to visit and stay in. The police patrols are heavy in NYC, and the public transport also has a monitoring system, which improves overall safety.
Is New York Safe for Tourists?
New York is generally relatively safe for visitors, but visitors should remain vigilant, as with any large city. Manhattan, Brooklyn, and other main tourist areas are most safe. The daytime is particularly lively, with large crowds and good security. Manhattan is the most frequent place for tourists, and it includes some famous attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. However, in some places, especially at night, visitors must be more careful to avoid isolated neighborhoods or unfamiliar areas.
How Safe is New York City for Tourists?
Is Harlem Safe?
Yes, Harlem has undergone significant changes in safety rates in recent years. Some main commercial areas in Harlem, like 125th Street, Central Park North and the surrounding, are relatively safe for people to visit.
Is Brooklyn NY Safe?
Brooklyn is a diversified area in New York, and the overall security picture is complex. Most areas include Williamsburg, Fort Greene, and Clinton Hill, which are safe for people to live and travel. If you want to go out in Brooklyn at night, The Brooklyn Bridge is a safe place for you to go, and is one of the free things to do in NYC.
Is Manhattan Safe?
Manhattan has a better police presence and security measures. It is the central area in NYC, and the overall security is good, especially in Midtown, Upper West Side, and Upper East Side, which are safe during the day and night. There are some famous spots like Times Square, Broadway, and The Empire State Building for you to have a look.
Is Central Park Safe at Night?
It is not advisable to walk in the Central Park in the night. As one of Manhattan’s most popular tourist attractions, you are usually welcome to visit the park during the day. Even though Central Park’s environment is relatively safe at night, crime always happens at night. It would help if you avoided some remote areas in the park and always went somewhere with your friends or family. Try to avoid going to the central park at night alone.
Is Queens NY Safe?
Queens is one of the five boroughs in NYC and a relatively safe borough to visit, especially in some of the main tourist neighborhoods such as Flushing, Astoria, and Long Island City. However, like other metropolitan cities, visitors must avoid sparsely populated areas.
Is Bronx NY Safe?
Some areas in The Bronx are considered safe areas. Popular places like the New York Zoo and Botanical Gardens are usually safe for visitors. When you are traveling, avoid staying in the areas you are unfamiliar with, and choose the convenient transportation to keep you safe in The Bronx.
Is New York Subway Safe?
You must maintain vigilance when taking the New York City subway lines and avoid taking the subway late at night. If you first come to New York and need to take the subway line, go to the carriage with people in to keep you safe rather than go to an empty carriage. Meanwhile, it would be best to protect your phones and bags carefully, and some thefts often happen on the metro.
How to Keep Safe in NYC When I First Arrived?
When you first arrive in NYC for traveling, choose to go out during the day and avoid leaving alone at night, also to protect your belongings carefully. That is the answer to is NYC safe. If you can’t avoid traveling at night, using a service like Uber is a reliable option, especially in unfamiliar places. A car can be easily called through a mobile APP, and the driver’s information and license plate can provide security. Try to avoid walking in unfamiliar places at night.
Also, keep your identity documents and valuables safe, and it is a good idea to make backups to prevent loss. If you feel unsafe, seek help from nearby stores or call the police. In New York, the police are usually happy to help foreign travelers, so feel free to ask for help.
Is it Safe to Drink Tap Water in New York?
The safety of tap water in New York City is as reliable as the overall safety of the city itself. Its water comes from upstream lakes, rivers, and reservoirs and undergoes rigorous filtration and sterilization. NYC DEP extensive water quality testing is conducted annually to ensure that the water meets or exceeds the standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Thus, you can freely enjoy the convenience of tap water in NYC.
Safe Accommodation Options in NYC
uhomes.com provides a wide range of apartments for rent in NYC, and the resident’s safety is our priority. Our platform offers various apartments with safety measures like 24-hour doormen, surveillance cameras, access control, and more. The information below tells you which areas you can live in to be safe in NYC.
Upper West Side
The Upper West Side area is on the west side of Central Park. The security in this area is good, and many families and students choose to live in this safe neighborhood. UWS has many cultural amenities and dining options and is close to the Central Park and Lincoln Center. We provide many apartment rentals in the Upper West Side that are close to public transportation and various facilities.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is one of the safest areas in New York and become a popular neighborhood for people to live in. Many bars, art galleries, and independent stores in this area attract many young people and artists to come to live. The safe environment and lively atmosphere make more people choose to live in apartments for rent in Williamsburg Brooklyn.
Astoria
Astoria is located in Queens and is a culturally diversified neighborhood. The security condition in Astoria is better than in other areas, with spacious streets and convenient living. You can find many restaurants, cafes, and shops near the apartments for rent in Astoria NY, provided by uhomes.com. In particular, the area for you to taste Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine.
Is NYC Safe-Cultural Highlights
Public Transportation and Safety:
The New York subway system has developed very well, but you must pay attention to your safety at night and during less crowded hours. To avoid staying in the carriage with a few people for a long time, and avoid taking out conspicuous valuables. Choose a crowded station to get on and off, and it will be safer.
Direct Communication:
New Yorkers are usually more direct and open. Keeping it simple and clear is the universal way to communicate with others. There is no need to be overly polished or polite, and it is very important to respect personal space, especially in public places.
Tipping Culture:
In New York, servers in restaurants and bars rely on tips for most of their income, and a tip of 10%-20% is usually recommended in New York. Tipping is a common custom in the United States, and it manifests how satisfied you are with the quality of the service.
Tips to Keep You Safe in NYC
Travel with Group Together
Remember to avoid traveling alone when you go to an unfamiliar place. Going to NYC with your friends or family will increase safety, and you will also look out for each other in case of emergency. Violent crime always happens to the people who stay alone.
Protect Your Belonging and Valuables
Always safely store valuables (such as passports, cash, and electronic devices) when you go out. Use an anti-theft backpack or crossbody bag with the zipper facing you. Avoid showing your valuables in crowded places, especially subways, attractions, and busy neighborhoods.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Before you travel to NYC, buying travel insurance to address the emergency is suggested. The emergency includes accidental injury, illness, or loss of property. Travel insurance can provide you with medical expenses, financial compensation, and emergency assistance services.
Remember the Emergency Number: 911
In New York, call 911 to contact police, fire, and emergency services. Whether you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, calling 911 is a distinct way to seek help.
Follow Local Safe Guidelines
When traveling in New York City, you need to know safety tips, especially in unfamiliar areas. Avoid going to remote places alone, pay attention to your surrounding environment, protect your goods, and do not tell others about your personal information.
Do the City Research Before You Go
Is NYC safe right now? If you are wondering the answer, you need to do some research on New York and know what are the safest areas in NYC for you to visit and stay.
FAQ
New York City is generally safe for tourists, exceeding a million people each year without any issues. Popular areas like Times Square, Central Park, and other attractions have a strong police presence. However, crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places or on subways and buses. Visitors should stay alert, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep valuables secure.
It is not suggested to walk in NYC at night, especially when you are alone. The city has improved safety over the years, with a strong police presence and 24/7 activity in many neighborhoods. However, caution is advised in less crowded or poorly lit areas. You can use rideshares like Uber and Lyft at night, which is often a safer option.
New York City is generally safe for visitors, especially in popular areas like Greenwich Village, Morningside Heights, and Williamsburg. Specific neighborhoods in the Bronx and parts of Brooklyn, like Brownsville, have higher crime rates and are best avoided. Areas like the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Greenwich Village are among the safest.
Security in Times Square is generally high, especially during the day and peak visitor hours, due to the large number of police and security patrols. The New York City Police Department maintains a highly visible presence in the square and surrounding area to ensure the safety of visitors and residents. Nighttime security could be more secure, especially during the late night hours when crowds are reduced, and visitors are advised to remain vigilant and avoid isolated or sparsely populated areas.
