New York City’s energy and diversity draw people from all over, but when it comes to calling a neighbourhood home, the safest neighborhoods in NYC often top the list of priorities. That’s where this 2025 guide comes in. We’re breaking down the details of what makes a neighborhood feel secure, not just the crime rates, but the little things that matter, which include safety index, proximity to the university campus, responsive police services, and that sense of ease when walking home at night. Whether you’re first coming to New York, want to move to a new area, or just craving more peace of mind, we’ll explore the factors that shape life in the safest neighborhoods in New York. To provide you with the practical insights to help you find a spot where you can truly relax, knowing you’re in a community that is in one of the safest areas in NYC.
10 Safest Neighborhoods in NYC Overview
| Neighborhood | Borough | Crime Rate(per 1,000 residents) | Walkability Score | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Park City | Manhattan | 6.2 | 97 | $5,000 |
| Brooklyn Heights | Brooklyn | 17.6 | 96 | $3,000 |
| Kips Bay | Manhattan | 21.92 | 94 | $3,500 |
| Upper East Side | Manhattan | 6.2 | 98 | $2,385 |
| Columbus St. Waterfront District | Brooklyn | 17.6 | 91 | $2,800 |
| Tribeca | Manhattan | 4.5 | 99 | $6,506 |
| Roosevelt Island | Manhattan | 10 | 79 | $4,280 |
| Greenwich Village | Manhattan | 40.4 | 100 | $6,121 |
| Cobble Hill | Brooklyn | 4.96 | 91 | $4,300 |
| Forest Hill | Queens | 7.4 | 91 | $3,434 |
Breakdown of Safest Areas in NYC
1. Battery Park City
Population: 16,000
Known For: Unique blend of tranquility, Family-friendly amenities, and Upscale urban living
University: Pace University
Apartments in Battery Park City: 375 South End Avenue, 365 South End Avenue
Battery Park City (BPC) ranks among the safest neighborhoods in NYC, with a crime rate of 6.2/1000 residents. With a standing shaped by its purposeful design and attentive management.
These steps include strategic limits on where vehicles can go, which is most noticeable in keeping trucks away from sensitive areas like Vesey Street and the World Trade Center site, and installing strong road barriers, as well as carefully placing alleys. Battery Park City also earns a walkability rating of 97, making it perfect for anyone on foot.
The neighborhood’s layout centers on visibility and natural monitoring. It includes well-lit, raised crosswalks and narrowed intersections to ease traffic speed, along with details like illuminated benches that act as both safety buffers and dividers between walkways and roads. Its blend of affluent residential and commercial spaces, closeness to financial districts, and low crime rates further reinforce its image as one of the safest places to live in NYC.
2. Brooklyn Heights
Population: 22,000
Known For: Family-friendly, Old New York vibe, Proximity to downtown Manhattan
University: St. Joseph’s University
Apartments in Brooklyn Heights: 180 Montague Apartments, St. George Towers
Brooklyn Heights is widely recognized as one of the safest neighborhoods in New York. The Crime rates in Brooklyn Heights are low, with only about 17.6 incidents reported per 1,000 residents. Its safety index sits 25% above the city’s average.
Brooklyn Heights, as a historic area, is famous for its elegant brownstones and quiet, tree-lined streets, and maintains a vibrant community atmosphere throughout the day and evening. It’s common to see residents walking their dogs, families visiting playgrounds, and neighbors chatting on their front steps well into the night.
Brooklyn Heights’s inherent safety is enhanced by its excellent walkability, achieving a high score of 96. This means everyday essentials like charming cafes, local shops, and the iconic Brooklyn Heights Promenade with its views of Manhattan are all easily accessible on foot in this safest NYC neighborhood.
3. Kips Bay
Population: 50,000
Known For: Easy Commutes, Major Medical Hub, Everyday Convenience & Family Basics
University: CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
Apartments in Kips Bay: Waterside Plaza, Kips Bay Court
Kips Bay stands out as one of the safest areas in NYC, and people who live there genuinely feel secure. The crime rate in Kips Bay is relatively low compared to Manhattan, at approximately 21.92 incidents per 1,000 people.
Adding to that feeling is how incredibly walkable the area is, scoring a high 94. You’ve got well-lit streets, sidewalks always busy with people, and a vibe that feels welcoming both day and night. It just makes residents feel safe to walk around. Additionally, the Kips Bay neighborhood’s overall safety score is approximately 10% higher than the city average. That’s a solid number backing up what residents experience daily.
With its low crime rate, easy-to-walk and lively streets, and strong safety numbers, Kips Bay is one of the safest NYC neighborhoods, creating a place where people actually feel protected and comfortable going about their lives.
4. Upper East Side
Population: 220,000
Known For: Family-Friendly, Culture & Arts, Nightlife
University: CUNY Hunter College
Apartments in Upper East Side: 301 East 94th Street, RiverEast
People living on the Upper East Side feel really safe, this neighborhood is always ranked as one of the safest neighborhoods in New York. Crime rates here are extremely low, with just about 6 crimes for every 1,000 residents. That’s way less than most other parts of the whole city.
Plus, the area gets a score of 98 for walkability, which means getting around the neighborhood in the Upper East Side is easy. Clean streets, good lighting, and people always around – that naturally makes you feel safer. In addition, the overall safety index of the Upper East Side is roughly 30% higher than the NYC average. What this means in real life is that folks here actually see less crime happen compared to the rest of the city.
So, when you put it all together – super low crime stats, great walkable streets, and that clear safety edge – it creates a place as one of the safest places to live in New York where people genuinely feel secure just living their everyday lives.
5. Columbus St. Waterfront District
Population: 1,600
Known For: Nightlife, Seasonal Delights, Foodie Haven, Waterfront Views & Relaxation
University: Columbia University
Apartments in the Columbus St. Waterfront District: Inwood Living, Hotel 99
The Columbus Street Waterfront District is one of the safest neighborhoods in NY, giving everyone there a real sense of ease. The numbers back this up: crime rate in the Columbus Street Waterfront District is remarkably low, with only about 12.5 incidents per 1,000 people, way below the city average.
It’s also incredibly walkable, with a perfect score of 91, and you’ll find well-illuminated streets, active sidewalks, and welcoming public spaces that naturally keep things lively and safe.
Overall, the district’s safety rating is a solid 40% higher than the rest of NYC. This shows how well the area combines low crime with a design that makes getting around both safe and pleasant – keeping crime down is clearly a priority they’re achieving.
6. Tribeca
Population: 17,000
Known For: Old warehouses, Great dining, Family-friendly charm
University: New York University
Apartments in Tribeca: Avalon Amityville, Brooklyn Crossing
Still want to find the safest places to live in NYC? Tribeca gives you the answer, and locals feel that security in their daily lives is for good reason. One big factor is its surprisingly low crime rate—just 4.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. That’s way below many other city areas, so people rarely worry about violence or property crimes.
The safety is also reflects the high walkability of Tribeca, with a high walk score of 99. There’s always foot traffic even in the evenings, and the way the area’s laid out makes it feel safe. Strolling home at night or running errands after dark? It doesn’t feel scary—all that activity around keeps things in check.
Tribeca’s safety index also helps, as it’s 35% higher than New York’s average. That means better community policing, well-kept public spaces, and a steady record of low risk. Locals know their neighborhood does better than the city as a whole, and that’s reassuring.
7. Roosevelt Island
Population: 12,000
Known For: Chill walks with great views, Easy access Manhattan or Queens, Perfect for families
University: Cornell Tech campus
Apartments in Roosevelt Island: Riverwalk Point, The Octagon
Ask any Roosevelt Island resident about safety, and you’ll likely hear it’s one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. Crime in the neighborhood is notably low, with just 10 incidents reported per 1,000 residents. That’s nearly half the city’s average, coming in a full 45% lower.
Adding to that secure feeling is how incredibly walkable the island is, scoring 89. Picture this: a thin strip of land surrounded by water, it feels like its own little pedestrian village. You get less random traffic, a tight community vibe, well-developed paths, and lively public spaces. People walk everywhere, day or night.
It’s this mix – low crime stats plus a place designed for people on foot where it’s easy to keep an eye on things – that lets people to feel at ease calling it home in Roosevelt Island as a good choice of the safest neighborhoods in New York to live in.
8. Greenwich Village
Population: 72,000
Known For: Nightlife, Indie charm & culture, Family time
University: New York University
Apartments in Greenwich Village: 2 Cooper Square, 24 Fifth Avenue
Want to find the safest places to live in NYC in Manhattan? Greenwich Village is one of the best choices for you. The residents who live in there or visit tend to feel secure. A significant reason is the low crime rate, with just 40.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is much lower than areas such as Brownsville and East Harlem. Also, the crime rate of Greenwich Village is a whopping 45% lower than the New York City average.
It also scores incredibly high for walkability, with a Walk Score of 98. You’ll find the bright roads in Greenwich Village are perfect for walking, tree-lined streets usually busy with people, which creates a kind of natural watchfulness.
Add in a strong sense of community, visible police, and lively street activity, and crime gets discouraged pretty effectively. Honestly, you feel comfortable walking around day or night. It’s this mix of solid safety stats and being super walkable that gives the Village its uniquely safe vibe as one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC, something special for a big city.
9. Cobble Hill
Population: 7,000
Best For: Family-friendly, Chill dining and low-key hangs, Brownstone streets
University: St. Francis College
When it comes to safety, Cobble Hill is regularly cited as a top NYC neighborhood. Some statistics will tell you the truth. Firstly, the crime rate in this area is relatively low, with just 34.04 incidents per 1,000 residents. That’s a solid 26% lower than the citywide average, meaning it’s significantly safer for people to live in.
Another advantage of these safest areas in New York is that the area is incredibly walkable, scoring a near-perfect 96. This makes it easy and comfortable for residents to walk around day or night, enjoying streets shaded by mature trees. Put together – the stats showing crime well below the NYC norm, the village-like feel, the great walkability, and an active community – it’s no wonder people in one of the safest neighborhoods in NY genuinely feel safe and secure.
10. Forest Hill
Population: 83,000
Known For: Green escapes, Family-friendly, Low-key nightlife
University: CUNY Queens College
When you first come to NYC and want to choose the safest places to live in New York, Forest Hill can be on your list. It has a reputation firmly grounded in its remarkably low crime statistics. The crime rate of just 7.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is a striking 48% lower than the NYC average, Forest Hill offers residents a profound sense of security.
This significantly lower crime rate is a critical factor in the area’s appeal. Complementing this safety is an exceptional walkability score of 91, meaning daily errands, commutes, and strolls are not only convenient but inherently feel safer.
With low crime rates backed by data and streets made for walking, Forest Hill residents enjoy a real sense of safety, comfort, and well-being.
Features of Safest NYC Neighborhoods
Finding one of the safest neighborhoods in New York to live is the first step, but for students, there’s a lot more to it. The best NYC neighborhoods for student life aren’t just safe—they’re convenient, easy to get around, gentle on your budget, and full of life, balancing both studying and hanging out.
| Neighborhood | Nearby Amenities | Public Tranportations |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Park City | Whole Foods Market, Brookfield Place Shopping Centre,Rockefeller Park,Hudson Eats (food hall), North End Grill | Subway Lines: World Trade Center (E) Rector St (1) Bowling Green (4 / 5) Bus: M9, M20, M55 |
| Brooklyn Heights | Trader Joe’s (Court St)，Key Food, Montague St Boutiques, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Grimaldi’s Pizza, The River Café | Subway Lines: Clark St (2 / 3) High St–Brooklyn Bridge (A / C) Borough Hall (2 / 3 / 4 / 5) Bus: B61, B63 |
| Kips Bay | Food Emporium, Kips Bay Court Shopping Plaza, Stuyvesant Cove Park,Paul’s Da Burger Joint, Sushi Palace | Subway Lines: 23 St (6) 28 St (6) Bus: M15, M31 |
| Upper East Side | Fairway Market, Whole Foods, Madison Ave Luxury Boutiques, Central Park (east side access), Cafe Sabarsky, Uva (wine bar) | Subway Lines: 86 St (4 / 5 / 6) 68 St–Hunter College (6) 59 St (4 / 5 / 6) Bus: M79 SBS, M86 SBS |
| Columbus St. Waterfront District | Brooklyn Fare (gourmet), Brooklyn Bridge Park (Columbia section), Buttermilk Channel (brunch), Lella Alimentari (Italian) | PATH: Exchange Place Newport Bus: NJT 81, NJT 87 |
| Tribeca | Eataly Downtown, Whole Foods,Westfield World Trade Center, Washington Market Park, Locanda Verde, Nobu Downtown | Subway Lines: Chambers St (A / C) Canal St (1 / 2 / 3 / A / C / E) Cortlandt St (R / W) Bus: M20, M55 |
| Roosevelt Island | Island Wine & Spirits (grocery),Gristedes, Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, Fuji East (Japanese), Riverwalk Bar & Grill | Subway Lines: Roosevelt Island (F) Tram: Roosevelt Island Tram (to 2nd Ave & 60 St) Bus: Q102 |
| Greenwich Village | Trader Joe’s (14th St), Morton Williams,Bleecker St Boutiques, Washington Square Park, Hudson River Park,Blue Note Jazz Club | Subway Lines: West 4 St–Washington Sq (A / B / C / D / E / F / M) Christopher St–Sheridan Sq (1) Bus: M8, M11 |
| Cobble Hill | Key Food (Court St), Smith St Local Shops,Cobble Hill Park,Brooklyn Bridge Park (north), Clover Club (cocktails & bites) | Subway Lines: Court St (R) Bergen St (F) Bus: B57, B61 |
| Forest Hill | Food Bazaar (Metropolitan Ave), Trader Joe’s (Queens location),Austin St Retail Corridor, Forest Park,Danny Brown Wine Bar | Subway Lines: 71 Av (E / F / M / R) Forest Hills–71 Av (LIRR) Bus: Q23, Q64 |
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We handpick every student accommodation to make sure it’s in a safe spot near campus. You can easily check walkability scores and local safety resources right on our platform. Plus, our team’s got your back – most of our student housing in New York is equipped with study spaces. We give you real advice on staying safe in the neighborhood, understanding your lease, and what to do if something comes up.
From virtual VR tours that let you inspect safety features remotely to assistance setting up essential safeguards like renter’s insurance, we streamline the entire process so you can focus on your studies, not security concerns.
Conclusion
Finding a place in one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC is key to enjoying the city with energy and peace of mind. Areas like Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Brooklyn Heights, and Queens’ Forest Hills are known for low crime and strong communities. To find a spot that fits your needs, whether that’s close to the campuses, transit, or cost. In 2025, the safest places to live in New York mean being prepared, and that’s your ticket to thriving in this incredible city.
FAQ
When it comes to safe neighborhoods in New York City, Manhattan’s Battery Park City and Tribeca always come up, along with Brooklyn favorites like Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights.
In Manhattan, Battery Park City and Tribeca are consistently ranked as the safest neighborhoods. Other safe areas are the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Murray Hill.
Sure, both Manhattan and Brooklyn mix safe and less safe areas, but overall, Manhattan tends to be safer than Brooklyn. Just remember, crime rates differ a lot depending on the specific neighborhood in each borough.
Brooklyn has New York City’s highest overall crime rate per capita, slightly ahead of The Bronx. While Manhattan reports more total crimes, its population size results in a lower rate than Brooklyn’s.
Crime statistics show Staten Island is typically the safest of New York City’s five boroughs.
What makes a neighborhood “nice” in NYC is really up to your personal preferences, but popular choices like the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and West Village often top the list.
In New York City, the wealthiest residents are mostly concentrated in Manhattan, especially in neighborhoods like the Upper East Side, Tribeca, SoHo, and areas bordering Central Park, such as Central Park South
