Abisola SalahuQueens is famous as a place of balance; this is not traditionally associated with wealth, nor is it a place associated with crime either. In fact, the safest neighborhoods in Queens have been seeing increasing numbers of middle-class families moving in, just as in the more popular cities in the country.
Business is good, and the local economy is thriving. Queens is therefore becoming attractive to entrepreneurs as a place to live and work; where one could possibly put down roots and establish something for himself and family.
This is a borough in the City of New York with a population of 2,316,841. The average home value in Queens is $779,000. Before investing such a huge amount in property, no doubt you want to know how safe the city is.
Safest Neighborhoods In Queens
1. Bayside – Among Lowest Violent Crime in NYC
Bayside is one of the safest neighborhoods in all of New York City, with crime rates lower than both the city and national averages, and it has one of the lowest rates of violent crime in NYC. Located in northeastern Queens near Little Neck Bay, Bayside is a picturesque and residential community. Its safety is attributed to its demographics—mostly families and retirees—and a tight-knit community feel.
The neighborhood is patrolled by the NYPD’s 111th Precinct, which posts some of the highest safety scores in the borough due to high owner occupancy and a residential layout that keeps through-traffic low. With a median age of 42, 65% of residents are families and 60% own their homes . Bayside’s popularity among families is also driven by excellent schools and access to parks like Alley Pond Park, the second-largest public park in Queens .
2. Douglaston – Top Borough Safety Scores
Cut from the same cloth as Bayside, Douglaston sits adjacent to it on the Queens–Nassau County line. This neighborhood feels closer to suburban Long Island than the rest of the city, offering tree-lined streets, spacious homes, and long-tenured residents . Like Bayside, it falls under the 111th Precinct, sharing its strong safety record.
Douglaston is characterized by its low density, single-family homes, and a community that has been settled for generations, which keeps crime among the lowest in Queens . The neighborhood’s rustic feel, with an abundance of trees and foliage, makes it unique within the borough . Residents enjoy a quiet, safe environment while maintaining easy access to Manhattan via the Long Island Rail Road.
3. Little Neck – Low-Density, Suburban Feel
Adjacent to Douglaston and on the Nassau County line, Little Neck is a small, pizza-slice-shaped neighborhood on the northeast edge of Queens. It shares the 111th Precinct’s strong safety record and posts some of the lowest crime rates in the borough.
The area is dominated by single-family homes, low density, and a community where residents tend to stay for many years . Its primarily residential streets create a slow-paced atmosphere, occasionally broken up by crossing thoroughfares with businesses and public buses. A Long Island Rail Road train reaches Manhattan in just over 30 minutes, making it an attractive option for commuters seeking a suburban feel with urban access.
4. Forest Hills – A Suburb Within the City
Forest Hills is a centrally located neighborhood known for being safe and for having crime rates below the national and NYC averages . The planned garden community of Forest Hills Gardens, developed in 1909, combines Tudor architecture and winding, tree-lined streets to create a low-transient population that keeps opportunistic crime down.
Patrolled by the 112th Precinct, Forest Hills has been a top-five entry in Queens safety rankings for years . It is safer than 79% of New York City neighborhoods, with a high school graduation rate of 90% and a median home price of $580,702. It is also rich in cultural history as the home of icons like The Ramones and Simon & Garfunkel. Despite its safe and secluded feel, the neighborhood offers excellent transit options with subway lines, the LIRR, and bus routes.
5. Auburndale – Below-Average Crime, Top Schools
Wedged between Flushing and Bayside, Auburndale is a quiet, residential neighborhood known for its excellent public schools and strong family appeal. It falls under the 111th Precinct alongside Bayside and Douglaston, and it reports crime well below the borough average, which is why it appears on nearly every “safest-in-Queens” list.
The neighborhood offers a mix of popular restaurants, suburban living, and access to the Auburndale Long Island Rail Road station, which is a major reason people move to the area. With a median age of 44, 70% of residents are families and 65% are homeowners, reflecting a stable, family-oriented community.
6. Fresh Meadows – Planned, Stable Community
Fresh Meadows is a planned residential neighborhood in east-central Queens that offers garden apartments, single-family homes, and a suburban feel inside the city. Patrolled by the 107th Precinct, it combines low density with a stable, long-settled population and consistently grades among the safest pockets of Queens.
Named for its once pastoral landscapes, the neighborhood attracts multigenerational families and St. John’s University students who seek a tranquil feel within New York City . Its location provides proximity to Cunningham Park and Kissena Park, adding to its appeal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Whitestone – High Owner Occupancy
Whitestone is an affluent, waterfront neighborhood in the northernmost part of Queens. It is dominated by single-family homes, high owner-occupancy, and quiet residential blocks . Under the 109th Precinct, its low-density layout and settled community keep crime volume among the lowest in northern Queens.
The namesake Whitestone Bridge provides a scenic backdrop across the East River, connecting residents to the Bronx and major intersecting highways. The neighborhood’s leafy streets and broad range of architecture add to its appeal as a secure, residential community.
8. Bellerose – Low-Density, Suburban Feel
On the Queens–Nassau border, Bellerose is a small, suburban-feeling neighborhood of single-family homes and manicured blocks. Under the 105th Precinct, its low density, high owner occupancy, and quiet streets land it on safest-neighborhood lists year after year.
Resident reviews consistently describe Bellerose as a very safe, friendly, and diverse area with low crime rates, where police are often patrolling to ensure safety. The neighborhood offers the convenience of being “perfectly” situated between Long Island and New York City, with supermarkets, libraries, parks, and schools all within walking distance. Concerns include limited public transportation options and rising housing costs.
9. Laurelton – The Safe Anchor of Southeast Queens
Laurelton is a residential neighborhood in southeast Queens consisting of detached homes and deep-rooted homeownership. It has a tight, long-tenured community that keeps blocks familiar and turnover low.
It falls under the NYPD’s 116th Precinct, the department’s newest command opened in late 2024 to serve southeast Queens, and it consistently ranks among the safest neighborhoods in that part of the borough. With a median age of 39, 67% of residents are families and 62% are homeowners. Its relative affordability compared to other neighborhoods on this list makes it an attractive option for families seeking safety and homeownership.
10. Holliswood – Wooded, Family-Friendly, and Safe
Holliswood is a wooded suburbia that blends into the lively urban streets of Jamaica, offering residents safe neighborhoods filled with towering trees . Peaceful neighborhoods make way for walkable streets and a family-friendly atmosphere that attracts the majority of its residents. Organized neighborhood associations and private security guards ensure that Holliswood remains safe and tranquil.
Situated in east-central Queens, the neighborhood is surrounded by St. John’s University, Queens College, and York College, creating a youthful vibe and providing educational opportunities . Residents enjoy proximity to Cunningham Park, where they can access sports fields, wooded jogging and biking trails, playgrounds, and lush lawns .
Comparison Table
| Rank | Neighborhood | NYPD Precinct | Key Safety Feature | Primary Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bayside | 111th | Among lowest violent crime in NYC | Suburban, family‑oriented, waterfront |
| 2 | Douglaston | 111th | Top borough safety scores | Rustic, spacious, low‑density |
| 3 | Little Neck | 111th | Low‑density, suburban feel | Quiet, residential, LIRR access |
| 4 | Forest Hills | 112th | Low transient population; safer than 79% of NYC | Historic, walkable, central |
| 5 | Auburndale | 111th | Below‑average crime, top schools | Family‑oriented, stable community |
| 6 | Fresh Meadows | 107th | Planned, stable community | Suburban feel, garden apartments |
| 7 | Whitestone | 109th | High owner occupancy | Affluent, waterfront, quiet |
| 8 | Bellerose | 105th | Low‑density, suburban feel | Diverse, quiet, border of LI |
| 9 | Laurelton | 116th | Safest anchor of SE Queens | Detached homes, deep‑rooted ownership |
| 10 | Holliswood | Varies | Private security & neighborhood associations | Wooded, family‑friendly, walkable |
Tips For Understanding Queens Neighborhoods
Safety is Concentrated in the Northeast and Southeast: Crime analysis consistently shows that the safest parts of Queens are in the northeast (the 111th and 109th Precincts) and the southeast (the 116th Precinct). Areas like Bayside, Douglaston, and Little Neck consistently outperform others .
The Northwest Has More Crime: Although Astoria and Sunnyside are popular and have safe-feeling neighborhoods, data shows they rank mid-pack for safety, as the northwest section of Queens reports the most crime overall .
Crime Can Fluctuate Localized: While Queens North (including Forest Hills, Flushing, and Astoria) was considered historically safe, it saw a 62% surge in murders in 2025. NYPD data shows the 112th Precinct in Forest Hills reported the most confirmed hate crimes in Queens.
Use Official Crime Data: The NYPD provides regular updates on major crimes across Queens. The borough has seen reductions in burglaries (down 32%) and overall major crimes . Always cross-reference multiple sources when evaluating a specific neighborhood.
Look for Homeowner Occupancy and Density: Low-density residential layouts, high homeowner occupancy, and long-tenured communities are the strongest indicators of consistently safe neighborhoods.
Related:
- Safest Neighborhoods In Philadelphia
- Safest Neighborhoods In Pittsburgh
- Safest Neighborhoods In Phoenix
Closing
Bayside, Douglaston, and Little Neck consistently rank as the safest neighborhoods in Queens, thanks to the 111th Precinct’s strong safety record and these communities’ suburban, low-density layouts . Forest Hills and Auburndale also stand out for their below-average crime rates, excellent schools, and stable, family-oriented populations. While Queens overall is safer than many comparably sized American cities and has seen meaningful crime reductions citywide, safety varies significantly by neighborhood.
The safest areas are characterized by high owner occupancy, low population density, and long-tenured residents who keep communities familiar and secure . For those considering a move to Queens, focusing on neighborhoods in the northeast and southeast, using official crime data, and visiting at different times of day will provide the clearest picture of safety in this diverse and dynamic borough.