List of the Top 7 Safest Neighborhoods in New York City (2023)

If you’re planning to move to New York City, safety is likely at the top of your list of concerns. The city doesn’t have the best reputation regarding safety, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t areas considered safe. There are several neighbourhoods in NYC that have a reputation for being among the safest in the city. To help you decide where to live, we’ve compiled a list of the seven safest neighbourhoods in NYC for 2023. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

New York City’s diverse population, varying income levels, and high density are a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. It’s no secret that the media often reports on violent crimes in the city, particularly in recent years, from 2020 to 2022. As a result, many people assume that NYC is a dangerous place to live. However, many don’t realize that crime rates have been steadily declining in the city for several decades.

New York City is home to several neighborhoods that not only meet the city’s safety standards, but also exceed the national average. If you’re looking for a secure place to live, you might want to consider one of the seven safest neighbourhoods in NYC.

7 Safest Neighborhoods in New York City

1. Tribeca

Tribeca, situated in southern Manhattan along the banks of the Hudson River, is considered the safest neighbourhood in New York City. This area is highly sought after by the rich and famous, making it one of the most prominent parts of Manhattan. Thanks to its focus on crime reduction over the past two decades, Tribeca has earned a reputation as one of the most secure neighbourhoods in NYC. However, this safety comes at a cost, as Tribeca is also one of the most expensive areas in the city. It is no surprise that many celebrities who live in New York City choose to call Tribeca their home.

Tribeca may not have been the first neighbourhood to come to mind when people searched for the safest neighbourhoods in New York City around twenty years ago. However, significant efforts have been made to reduce crime in the area, and as of 2022, it has seen a nearly 60% drop compared to the levels in 2000. This progress indicates that Tribeca is becoming a much safer place to reside in New York City as time passes.

2. Battery Park City

Battery Park City, located on the southern tip of Manhattan, is known to be the second safest place to live in New York. This residential neighbourhood spans 92 acres and is centred around the sprawling green space of Battery Park. Bordered by the West Side Highway on the east and the Hudson River on the west, Battery Park City also boasts the Hudson River Shoreline to its north and south.

According to recent data released by the FBI, Battery Park City boasts a crime rate that’s just over half of the national average, with an estimated 1,373 crimes per 100,000 people. Property crimes comprise most of these incidents, while violent crimes account for only 12.4% of the total. This suggests that Battery Park City is a relatively safe place to live, with a low risk of experiencing violent crime.

3. Kips Bay

Located on the east side of Manhattan, Kips Bay is an NYC neighbourhood that boasts of safety. Bordered by East River to the east, Third Avenue to the west, East 34th Street to the north, and East 27th Street to the south, Kips Bay has seen a reduction in size over time as other neighbourhoods have developed. Interestingly, Kips Bay was much more significant when it was first settled in the 17th century.

Like several other neighbourhoods in New York City, Kips Bay has been dedicated to reducing crime over the past three decades. The area has achieved an incredible reduction of over 80% in crime rates, making it one of the safest places to reside in the city. In 2021, the number of individuals incarcerated per 100,000 in Kips Bay is a mere 180, which is a testament to the area’s security.

4. Brooklyn Heights

Located in New York City, Brooklyn Heights is a renowned residential neighbourhood thriving since 1834. It is famously known for its stunning low-rise architecture and historic buildings. Besides, Brooklyn Heights is considered one of the safest neighbourhoods in NYC, making it a sought-after destination for a peaceful and secure living experience.

Over the past 50 years, the issue of reducing crime rates has been a top priority in many areas of the city, including Brooklyn Heights. Thanks to the combined efforts of law enforcement and the community, this neighbourhood has seen an impressive 84% decrease in crime rate since the early 1990s, earning it a spot among the safest areas in Brooklyn. As of 2021, the incarceration rate is approximately 375 individuals per 100,000 residents.

5. Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village, situated on the west side of Manhattan, is one of New York City’s safest neighbourhoods. It’s a popular spot for movie sets and boasts many celebrity residents. The neighbourhood’s location, bordering the Hudson River, is a prime reason for its popularity among celebrities, who seek a safe and secure place to call home.

Greenwich Village boasts one of the lowest incarceration rates in all of NYC, with only 100 individuals incarcerated per 100,000. While both incarcerations and violent crimes have significantly decreased, property crime can still be a concern in this area, which may be attributed to the opulent lifestyles of some of its affluent inhabitants.

6. Murray Hill

Nestled on the island’s eastern side lies Murray Hill, yet another charming Manhattan neighbourhood. It is situated between Midtown Manhattan and the East River and is widely recognized as one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in Manhattan. Over the 20th century, Murray Hill transformed from being a commercial hub to a more affluent residential area. This shift has contributed to a significant decrease in crime rates in the neighbourhood over the past century.

From 1990 to 2018, Murray Hill witnessed a remarkable 80.7% reduction in crime rate, and violent crimes are now minimal. As per the 2018 crime statistics, there were no reported cases of murder in the entire year, and only 1,021 total crimes of all types were registered.

7. Nolita

Nolita is considered to be one of the safest neighbourhoods to live in in New York City. Its name is derived from the fact that it is located just north of Little Italy, a Manhattan borough. Although it was once considered a part of Little Italy, Nolita has evolved into a neighbourhood with its own unique identity. Over the years, it has lost its Italian charm and has become a distinct neighbourhood in its own right, nestled between Little Italy and Chinatown.

Over the past three decades, Nolita has significantly transformed and attracted a wealthier, more upscale demographic. This shift may have contributed to the noteworthy decrease in crime rates during this time. Although Nolita experiences a slightly higher number of crimes than other areas on this list, it remains one of the safest neighbourhoods in New York City.

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