7 Safest Neighborhoods in New York City

If you’re considering moving to New York City, safety is likely a top concern for you and your family. However, trying to determine which neighborhoods are safe can be overwhelming. To assist you with this, we have compiled a list of seven of the safest neighborhoods in NYC for 2022, based on crime reports and other relevant data.

New York City is a diverse and densely populated area with a wide range of income levels, making it a unique place to live. Unfortunately, the media tends to focus on reports of violence and crime in the city, especially during the years 2020, 2021, and 2022. As a result, many individuals believe that crime rates are higher in NYC compared to other parts of the country. However, what is less known is the significant decrease in crime rates that has occurred in NYC over the past few decades.

In this article, we will explore the top seven safest neighborhoods in NYC, which are considered safe not only by the city’s standards but also by national averages.

7 Safest Neighborhoods in NYC

  1. Tribeca
  2. Battery Park City
  3. Kips Bay
  4. Brooklyn Heights
  5. Greenwich Village
  6. Murray Hill
  7. Nolita

1. Tribeca

Tribeca is widely regarded as the safest neighborhood in New York City, located in the southern part of Manhattan, along the Hudson River. As one of the most affluent areas in Manhattan, it is popular among the rich and famous. This neighborhood has seen a significant reduction in crime rates over the last two decades, contributing to its reputation as one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. As a result, it has also become one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city, and many celebrities choose to call Tribeca their home in New York City.

Around twenty years ago, Tribeca may not have been considered one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. However, in recent years, the area has made a significant effort to reduce crime rates, leading to a nearly 60% decrease in crime as of 2022 compared to 2000. This shift has made Tribeca a much safer place to reside in NYC over time.

2. Battery Park City

Battery Park City is the second safest neighborhood to live in New York City, situated on the southern edge of Manhattan. It is primarily a residential area spanning 92 acres and is centered around Battery Park, a large green space located to the south of the city. The neighborhood is bordered by the West Side Highway to the east, the Hudson River to the west, and the Hudson River Shoreline to the north and south.

Recent FBI data indicates that Battery Park City has a crime rate that is just over half the national average, with an estimated 1,373 crimes per 100,000 individuals. The majority of these crimes are related to property offenses, while only 12.4% of them are classified as violent crimes.

3. Kips Bay

Kips Bay is a neighborhood situated on the east side of midtown Manhattan. The neighborhood is bordered by the East River to the east, Third Avenue to the west, East 34th Street to the north, and East 27th Street to the south. Although Kips Bay was much larger in the past when it was first established in the 17th century, its size has decreased over time as other neighborhoods in the area have developed.

Kips Bay, like several other neighborhoods on this list, has made significant efforts to reduce crime over the past three decades. With crime rates having dropped by over 80%, Kips Bay has emerged as one of the safest neighborhoods to reside in New York City. As of 2021, the incarceration rate in Kips Bay was only 180 individuals per 100,000 population.

4. Brooklyn Heights

Established in 1834, Brooklyn Heights is a predominantly residential neighborhood that is well-known for its historic buildings and low-rise architecture. It is sometimes referred to as Brooklyn Village.

As with other areas of New York City, there has been a concerted effort to decrease crime rates in Brooklyn Heights over the past few decades. The result is an impressive 84% reduction in crime rate since the early 1990s, making Brooklyn Heights one of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. As of 2021, the incarceration rate in this neighborhood is approximately 375 individuals per 100,000 population.

5. Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village, situated on the west side of Manhattan and adjacent to the Hudson River, is a popular neighborhood for celebrities and affluent individuals, known for its safety. The neighborhood has seen a significant reduction in crime rates over the years, making it one of the safest neighborhoods to live in NYC.

Greenwich Village is known for its low incarceration rates, with only 100 people per 100,000 incarcerated. While violent crime rates have also decreased significantly, property crime remains a concern in the area, possibly due to the affluent lifestyle of some residents.

6. Murray Hill

Murray Hill is situated on the eastern side of Manhattan, between Midtown Manhattan and the East River. Over the years, Murray Hill has transformed from a mercantile neighborhood to a more upscale one, which has contributed to the decrease in crime rates in the area. Murray Hill is renowned for its charming character, making it one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Manhattan.

Murray Hill has seen a significant drop in crime rate over the last few decades. Between 1990 and 2018, crime decreased by 80.7%. Today, Murray Hill is considered to be one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC with a very low rate of violent crime. In 2018, no murders were reported in the area and only 1,021 crimes of all types were reported.

7. Nolita

Nolita is a neighborhood in Manhattan that is located just north of Little Italy and Chinatown. The name Nolita is a combination of “North of Little Italy,” as it used to be considered a part of Little Italy, but has since developed its own unique character.

Nolita has undergone a transformation in recent years and attracted more affluent residents. This could be a factor in the significant reduction of crime rates in the neighborhood over the past three decades. Although Nolita has a slightly higher crime rate compared to some of the other neighborhoods mentioned in this list, it remains one of the safest places to live in NYC.

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