10 of the Safest Neighborhoods in NYC

New York City is filled with the best life has to offer — great culture, abundant food, exciting nightlife, employment opportunities, and a rich and diverse history. And “The City That Never Sleeps” lives up to its nickname, with tall skyscrapers that shine all night long. But if you’re someone considering moving to New York, you’ll want to know about more than just the tourist attractions. At the top of the list: Where are the safest neighborhoods in NYC? You might be surprised to learn that many are not necessarily in the high-traffic tourist areas — so keep reading: We’ve got details on 10 of the safest areas in NYC.

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Like any city — or small town, for that matter — New York City isn’t crime-free. And to people who live outside the area, the city may seem even more unsafe than it actually is, thanks to sensationalized news. But the statistics paint a more accurate picture that highlights the safest neighborhoods in NYC: According to the official crime index released in September 2024, New York City has now marked its eighth-consecutive month of decline in criminal activity across all categories. Citywide, major crime is down 2.3 percent in 2024 compared to the first eight months of 2023. And subway crimes, which were in the news a bit earlier this year, are way down. In fact, 2024 is the third-safest year ever for subway crime in NYC (except during the pandemic and 2009-10). 

Statistics aside, NYC is certainly one of the best places to live in the U.S. We’ll help you learn more about the safest neighborhoods in NYC so you can feel comfortable in your decision to move there — and get back to focusing on everything that made you fall in love with the Big Apple in the first place! 

General Safety and Crime Rates in NYC

According to Neighborhood Scout, the crime index for NYC is 6, which means it’s safer than only 6 percent of other U.S. cities. Sounds a little rough, huh? Well, for comparison, the Los Angeles crime index is 7, Chicago is 6, and Austin, TX, comes in at a somewhat surprising 5.

To add more perspective, New York State has a crime rate of 21.51 — that is, the rate of crimes per 1,000 residents, including violent and property crimes — while New York City has a crime rate of 38.22. 

Q: Which neighborhoods in Manhattan are safe? A: Some of the safest neighborhoods in NYC include Battery Park City, Tribeca, Chelsea, and Murray Hill. Those aren’t the only ones, though! Read on to explore our other top picks for the safest parts of NYC.

The Safest Neighborhoods in New York City, New York

If you’re planning on moving to New York City, the hottest food spots and best schools aren’t the only things you’ll be taking into account when searching for a neighborhood. Whether you’re moving alone or with your family, safety is probably at the top of your list.

Here are 10 of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. 

Battery Park City, one of the safest areas in New York, offers plenty of green space for family fun.  

1. Battery Park City

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $6,075
• Average home value: $1.02M
• Great for: Families, outdoor activities, nightlife, commute

Battery Park City is the 8th best neighborhood to raise a family in NYC, according to Niche, especially because of its low crime rate, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Manhattan. Attractions in this cozy neighborhood include Brookfield Place mall and pier, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and Rockefeller Park, plus ferry rides to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. There are also plenty of public schools in the neighborhood. As one of the best neighborhoods to live in NYC for families, Battery Park City has a homey feel you’ll fall in love with. 

People who live in the neighborhood have reported feeling very safe, with almost no crime to speak of. “The police are visible and very responsive,” according to a resident’s comment on Niche. And based on a Niche poll, residents say they have no safety concerns and feel as though this is one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. 

Walkability of Battery Park City

With a walkability score of 97, Battery Park City is a walker’s paradise.

Accessible/Safe Transportation in Battery Park City

This area is very accessible. Subway lines in the area are the 4, 5, R, and 1 trains. There are multiple bus lines, and the New York City ferry service is nearby.

Tribeca is a hip, walkable neighborhood with bustling streets and mesmerizing city views.

2. Tribeca

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $6,450
• Average home value: $3.28M
• Great for: Young couples, families, outdoor activities, nightlife, commute

Tribeca is a hip neighborhood near Canal Street that is home to many celebrity residents. As you’re strolling its bustling streets, gaze up at the mesmerizing skyscrapers and pop into an art gallery or two. Pier 25 - Hudson River Park has a landscape view of the city and is perfect for families looking for water sports and activities. 

Walkability of Tribeca

With a walk score of 99, Tribeca makes it easy to run your daily errands by foot or bike and comfortably access your favorite spots all over Manhattan via public transportation.

Accessible/Safe Transportation in Tribeca

Chambers Street and Canal Street are the closest subway stations. Only the 6 train is accessible at Canal. The 1, 2, and 3 at Chambers are also accessible with elevators.

Q: What is the safest area in Manhattan, New York? A: What is the safest area in NYC? Battery Park City, where the crime rate is 16 percent below the national average, is the safest neighborhood in NYC according to AreaVibes. And not only does it top the list of the safest neighborhoods in NYC but it’s also one of its nicest, with a terrific walkability score (97!) and lots of attractions to explore.

Murray Hill features plenty of restaurants and bars, making it a popular place for young professionals to live. 

3. Murray Hill

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $4,900
• Average home value: $697,600
• Great for: Young professionals, retirees, families, outdoor activities, diversity, commute

Just take one step into this neighborhood and you’ll see tons of apartment buildings filled with post-college and young professionals. There are also lots of bars (happy hour, anyone?) and dining options — including dozens of Indian restaurants, which have given the neighborhood the affectionate nickname Curry Hill.

Walkability of Murray Hill

Murray Hill has a walk score of 99. Whether you’re looking for a bar, gym, restaurant, or subway, everything is within walking distance. 

Accessible/Safe Transportation in Murray Hill

Take the 4, 5, or 6 train in the 33rd Street subway station. It doesn’t appear to be an accessible station with an elevator; however, Grand Central Station is about a 10-minute walk away for more train line options.

Q: Which borough in New York has the worst crime?   A: While the Bronx may historically have had some of the worst crime rates of the five NYC boroughs, recent NYPD data shows that Brooklyn — and particularly the Brownsville neighborhood — has the highest crime rate overall of the five boroughs. Underserved areas tend to experience higher crime rates, and as New York is filled with hundreds of diverse communities, getting to know the neighborhood you’re visiting or planning to move to is a more accurate barometer than the crime rate of the entire borough. If you’re looking for the safest borough in NYC, though, the relatively far-flung Staten Island tends to have the lowest crime rate of the five and is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC.

Residents of Roosevelt Island can enjoy a scenic commute on the Roosevelt Island Tram.

4. Roosevelt Island

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,925
• Average home value: $893,000
• Great for: Families, outdoor activities, nightlife, diversity

It may be an island of its own, but when you’re looking for the safest neighborhoods in NYC, don’t sleep on Roosevelt Island. With a population under 12,000, it’s a relatively small, tight-knit community in the middle of the East River. According to reviews on Niche, locals say it’s an “urban oasis” with a peaceful ambiance, ready access to green space, and a strong sense of safety. “Having lived here all my life, I can say it is a very small neighborhood with a very close community in which almost everybody knows everybody,” says one resident. 

And per Neighborhood Scout’s crime data, Roosevelt Island is one of the safest neighborhoods in New York. Not to mention, if you live here (or even just visit), your commute can involve a scenic gondola ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram, if you so choose.

Walkability of Roosevelt Island

Since this island is only about 1.5 miles long and an eighth of a mile wide, it’s not hard to trek across the whole neighborhood on foot, which explains its respectable walk score of 79.  

Accessible/Safe Transportation in Roosevelt Island

You can take the bus or the F or E trains to the Roosevelt Island stop. For a ride with a view, though, hop on the tram.

Q: What NYC neighborhood has the highest crime rate? A: Though crime rates shift all the time, East Harlem is one of the New York neighborhoods with some of the consistently highest crime rates.

Chelsea is known for its wealth of art galleries and museums, famously including the Whitney Museum of American Art.

5. Chelsea

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $5,275
• Average home value: $1.48M
• Great for: Families, young professionals, outdoor activities, nightlife, diversity, commute

Voted the second-best neighborhood to live in NYC by Niche, Chelsea is known for its wealth of art galleries and museums, famously including the Whitney Museum of American Art. And from the Vessel in Hudson Yards and Chelsea Market to Chelsea Piers and the Rubin Museum of Art, there is plenty to do in this thriving NYC neighborhood — and above it: Check out the High Line, a linear park and walking path over the streets of Manhattan’s west side, spanning from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street.

Walkability of Chelsea

Chelsea is one of the best areas to live in NYC because it’s listed among the top 20 most walkable neighborhoods in NYC with a walk score of 99. It’s close to many subway lines, offices, gyms, lunch spots, and more. And the High Line makes it even easier to get around with its serene pathway above the city streets. 

Accessible/Safe Transportation in Chelsea

Commuters can easily pass through Penn Station. They can take the A, C, and E trains on Eighth Avenue and 1, 2, and 3 trains along Seventh Avenue. There are also multiple bus lines and the 7 train right outside Hudson Yards. 

Morningside Heights, between Harlem and the Upper West Side, is one of the safest NYC neighborhoods and home to Columbia University. 

6. Morningside Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $5,000
• Average home value: $781,000
• Great for: Families, students, outdoor activities, diversity, nightlife, commute

Situated between Harlem and the Upper West Side, from West 110th Street and West 126th Street and from the Hudson River to Morningside Avenue, is the Morningside Heights neighborhood in NYC. Most of this area is made up of Columbia University and its student housing. Riverside Park and the gorgeous cathedral The Riverside Church are also located nearby — beautiful landmarks in one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. 

Walkability of Morningside Heights

With a walk score of 96, it’s easy to walk around Columbia’s campus, and subway lines are close by.

Accessible/Safe Transportation in Morningside Heights

The main subway line is the 1 train. There are also multiple bus lines.

Q: What is the safest part of New York City to stay in? A: For first-time visitors, Midtown is probably where you want to be — close to Broadway, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and other attractions. And other than the occasional pickpocket (rare but still a thing!), the crime rate here is low, thanks mainly to a very visible police presence. More seasoned visitors may want to explore other neighborhoods, depending on your preferences for dining, shopping, and other pursuits. Do your research on your chosen neighborhoods and make sure you feel secure -– it’s all about your personal comfort level and what you feel are the safest neighborhoods in NYC.

Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village — with its iconic arch, fountain, and greenery — is a favorite gathering space for locals and visitors alike.

7. Greenwich Village

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $5,050
• Average home value: $1.61M
• Great for: Young professionals, students, families, outdoor activities, nightlife

Among the safest areas in New York is Greenwich Village, the heart of NYC’s folk music scene in the 1950s and 60s as its coffeehouses and clubs became gathering places for musicians and activists alike. By the 1970s, the Village evolved into a punk rock hub, with legendary venues like CBGB launching iconic acts and shaping a rebellious cultural movement. 

Today, that creative spirit lives on in the East Village’s artsy vibe with lots of indie shops and cafes. In the West Village, a more upscale vibe prevails with the gentrified streets, elegant brownstones, and pricey shopping hubs that now characterize the neighborhood.

The Village’s Washington Square Park is probably the second most well-known, iconic park (after Central Park, of course) in all of NYC. With its big fountain and towering arch, the park welcomes people from all walks of life to skateboard, have a bite to eat, and schmooze between classes or on their lunch hours. And as you might imagine, nightlife abounds across the entire Village, since many of its residents are young professionals or students at nearby New York University.

Walkability of Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village has a walk score of 100, making it the 9th most walkable neighborhood in New York. In fact, there are many walking tours in the area because of its historic and vibrant neighborhood.

Accessible/Safe Transportation in Greenwich Village

The main subway stations are 14th Street and West 4th. There are elevators in both stations. 

Q: Which borough in NYC is the safest? A: Of the five boroughs in New York City, Staten Island is considered the safest, with a crime index of 31 (meaning it’s safer than 31 percent of other cities in the U.S.), followed by Queens (19) and Brooklyn (14), which aren’t quite ready for the title of the safest borough in NYC.

The Financial District is highly walkable, and you can easily access subway stations, lunch spots, gyms, and more.

8. Financial District

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $4,675
• Average home value: $1.04M
• Great for: Young professionals, families, outdoor activities, nightlife, commute

Believe it or not, the Financial District (FiDi) isn’t just an area where people work on Wall Street and in the banking industry. People live there, eat there, and frequent the famous Oculus in the World Trade Center and The Seaport. The 9/11 memorial and museum adds to the neighborhood’s rich history and impact on NYC at large. And with today’s low violent crime rate, it’s considered one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC.

Walkability of the Financial District

This area has a walk score of 100. Some of the streets are paved with cobblestones, and you can easily access subway stations, lunch spots, gyms, and more. And knowing you’re in one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC, you’ll want to take advantage of that walkability.

Accessible/Safe Transportation in the Financial District

1, 2, 3, 5, C, E, R, W, and the PATH Station are all inside the Oculus and on different streets of FiDi.

Q: Where is the safest place to live in NYC? A:  What is the safest neighborhood in NYC? Battery Park City, with an overall B safety rating and a violent crime rate 41 percent below the national average, is the safest neighborhood, according to AreaVibes.

Cozy cafes, trendy boutiques, and historic buildings create a vibrant neighborhood vibe in Lower Manhattan’s NoLiTa. 

9. NoLita

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $6,100
• Median home sale price: $2.39M
• Great for: Singles, young professionals, families, outdoor activities, diversity, commute

NoLita, which is short for “North of Little Italy,” resides in downtown Manhattan right next to SoHo. Best known for its trendy neighborhood decked with clothing stores and boutiques, there is no shortage of cool storefronts and pop-ups on any given day.

And as far as safety is concerned, there are police forces, surveillance cameras, and other precautions always in place, making this neighborhood one of the safest in NYC.

Walkability of NoLita

With a walk score of 100, NoLita is the 2nd most walkable neighborhood in New York. And with so many pretty stores to look at, you won’t even mind the walk from your apartment to the train and nightlife.

Accessible/Safe Transportation in NoLita 

Easily ride your bike or skateboard in the area, with car traffic at a minimum. The Delancey-Street Essex subway station in NoLita is where you can take the F, J, and M train. However, it is not wheelchair accessible. 

Q: What is the nicest neighborhood in NYC? A: That’s debatable, of course, depending on your personal preferences. But the nicest neighborhoods are probably Tribeca, the Upper West Side, and the Upper East Side. Many celebrities and A-listers live near Central Park and the more hip parts of town, including Tribeca, the West Village, and NoHo.

Cobble Hill is a 40-block neighborhood featuring all kinds of restaurants, independently owned shops, and things to do.
(Source: Cobble Hill Cinemas via Facebook)

10. Cobble Hill

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $4,300
• Average home value: $1.66M
• Great for: Families, outdoor activities, nightlife, commute

Walking down Court Street, the thoroughfare that runs through this quaint, 40-block neighborhood, you'll pass by all kinds of restaurants, independently owned shops, and things to do. Catch a movie at the adorable Cobble Hill Cinemas, shop for stationery at Measure Twice, or indulge in some Ethiopian fare at Awash. Then, stroll over to Smith Street to pick up something to read at Books Are Magic. 

The walkable streets lined with historic homes are among the many reasons Cobble Hill is listed as one of the best neighborhoods to live in NYC, according to Niche. When it comes to safety, Cobble Hill has a B+ safety rating, according to AreaVibes, with a violent crime rate 60 percent below the national average (though a property crime rate that is slightly above the U.S. average).

Walkability of Cobble Hill

With a walk score of 99, it’s a breeze to do your daily errands on foot, from grocery shopping to popping into a vintage shop or getting an afternoon coffee. It’s also the 34th most walkable neighborhood in New York.  

Accessible/Safe Transportation in Cobble Hill

The Bergen Street station is in Cobble Hill, where you can pick up the F or G. There are also bus lines in the neighborhood, and you can easily stroll into neighboring areas like Carrol Gardens and Brooklyn Heights — also some of the safest parts of NYC.

Q: What is NYC's richest neighborhood? A: Some of the neighborhoods with the wealthiest residents include Cobble Hill, Battery Park City, Gramercy Park, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and Dumbo..

Making the Move to NYC

Now that we’ve covered some of the safest NYC neighborhoods, are you ready to make your move? Once you’ve found your safe haven in NYC, let PODS help you get there with PODS City Service — containerized moving designed specifically for big-city moves. Spare yourself the trouble of trying to navigate busy NYC streets with a moving truck. A PODS professional will take care of driving and parking your container. They’ll even work with you to secure proper permits and follow any HOA requirements. Furthermore, as you unload everything, your driver will stay with the truck and your container, defending against parking tickets and theft. 

Want to learn more about making a big move? Check out the “Moving” section of the PODS Blog.

Bonnie Azoulay Elmann is an NYC-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to the PODS Blog. Her work has appeared in Glamour, Health, and Parents, among others. She is an extremely driven digital storyteller who may or may not have a slight obsession with fanny packs.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.