Brian PaulNew York City’s safety landscape varies dramatically by borough, and the safest neighborhoods are not where most visitors expect to find them. According to live NYPD crime data, the safest neighborhood in the entire city is actually in the Bronx—Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil—with just 6 average crimes per 300-meter walking radius, roughly three times lower than the citywide average of 19.8.
Meanwhile, Manhattan records the highest borough-wide crime density, but contains quiet pockets like the Upper East Side that post exceptionally low numbers. This list identifies the ten safest neighborhoods across all five boroughs for 2026, drawing on NYPD Complaint Data Historic, CompStat reports, and neighborhood-level safety analysis.
TOP 10 SAFEST NEIGHBOURHOODS IN NYC
1. Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil (Bronx)
Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil ranks as the safest neighborhood in all of New York City according to live NYPD crime data, with just 6 average crimes per 300-meter walking radius—roughly 3x lower than the citywide average of 19.8. This leafy, residential enclave in the northwest Bronx features large single-family homes, winding streets, and a suburban feel that is rare within city limits.
The 50th Precinct, which covers Riverdale along with Kingsbridge and Marble Hill, reported 1,242 major crimes in a recent year, a reduction of 20.83% from the previous year. However, Riverdale’s desirability comes at a cost—average one-bedroom rents reach $2,805 monthly, nearly double the Bronx average.
2. Brooklyn Heights-Cobble Hill (Brooklyn)
Brooklyn Heights-Cobble Hill ranks second in New York City with just 7 average crimes per 300-meter walking radius. This historic neighborhood features brownstone blocks, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade with sweeping Manhattan views, and a strong sense of community.
Its safety is supported by active block associations, residential stability, and a location that avoids the busy commercial corridors of downtown Brooklyn. The neighborhood is served by the 84th Precinct, which consistently reports low violent crime volumes.
3. Upper East Side-Carnegie Hill (Manhattan)
The Upper East Side-Carnegie Hill ranks third citywide with 8 average crimes per 300-meter walking radius, making it the safest neighborhood in Manhattan. Despite Manhattan recording the highest borough-wide crime density at 280 reported incidents per 300-meter radius, this residential pocket near Central Park and Museum Mile maintains exceptionally low numbers.
The area features doorman buildings, tree-lined streets, and a stable, long-term resident base. Families appreciate the school options, playgrounds along the East River Esplanade, and proximity to Central Park.
4. Park Slope-Gowanus (Brooklyn)
Park Slope-Gowanus ranks fifth citywide with 10 average crimes per 300-meter walking radius. This family-friendly neighborhood features tree-lined streets, Prospect Park access, and a strong community vibe. Its safety is supported by active block associations, high owner-occupancy rates, and a stable residential population.
Park Slope consistently appears in safety rankings, with total index crimes significantly lower than nearby areas like Williamsburg. The neighborhood offers a mix of historic brownstones, good schools, and convenient access to Manhattan via multiple subway lines.
5. Bensonhurst West (Brooklyn)
Bensonhurst West ranks sixth citywide with 10 average crimes per 300-meter walking radius. Crime rates in Bensonhurst hover around 11 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the safer neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
This diverse, family-oriented community features a mix of housing styles, excellent ethnic restaurants, and convenient access to the D and N subway lines. The neighborhood’s stable residential population and active community organizations contribute to its safety.
6. Carroll Gardens-Columbia St-Red Hook (Brooklyn)
Carroll Gardens-Columbia St-Red Hook ranks seventh citywide with 11 average crimes per 300-meter walking radius. This waterfront neighborhood grouping features tree-lined streets, well-maintained brownstones, and a village-like atmosphere.
Its safety is supported by active residents’ associations and a strong sense of community. The area’s quiet residential character, combined with proximity to the waterfront and excellent schools, makes it a top choice for families seeking a secure environment.
7. Sheepshead Bay-Gerritsen Beach (Brooklyn)
Sheepshead Bay-Gerritsen Beach ranks eighth citywide with 11-13 average crimes per 300-meter walking radius. The 61st Precinct covers Sheepshead Bay and reports moderate crime rates, with the waterfront and residential areas feeling notably safe.
Its location near the water, strong community ties, and well-maintained homes make it a secure choice for families seeking a quieter, coastal lifestyle within Brooklyn. The neighborhood features a mix of single-family homes and low-rise apartment buildings.
8. DUMBO-Vinegar Hill-Downtown Brooklyn (Brooklyn)
DUMBO-Vinegar Hill-Downtown Brooklyn ranks ninth citywide with 12 average crimes per 300-meter walking radius. This waterfront neighborhood features converted industrial lofts, cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the Manhattan Bridge and skyline.
Its safety is supported by high foot traffic, modern building security, and a strong police presence. DUMBO is popular with young professionals and families seeking an urban lifestyle with a strong safety record.
9. Bay Ridge (Brooklyn)
Bay Ridge ranks among Brooklyn’s safest neighborhoods according to 2026 family neighborhood guides. The 68th Precinct consistently reports among the lowest crime rates in Brooklyn, and the neighborhood feels genuinely safe—families walk the streets at all hours, and there is a strong culture of community watchfulness.
This established neighborhood features a mix of Irish, Italian, and Middle Eastern heritage, with excellent restaurants and waterfront access. Average one-bedroom rents range from $2,000 to $2,800.
10. Forest Hills (Queens)
Forest Hills ranks among the safest neighborhoods in Queens, particularly the planned garden community of Forest Hills Gardens developed in 1909. The neighborhood combines Tudor architecture, winding tree-lined streets, and a low transient population that keeps opportunistic crime down.
Covered by the 112th Precinct, it has been a top-five entry in Queens safety rankings for years while staying genuinely lively and walkable. The area features excellent schools, convenient subway access, and a vibrant commercial district along Austin Street.
COMPARISON TABLE
| Rank | Neighborhood | Borough | Crimes / 300m Radius | Key Safety Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Riverdale‑Spuyten Duyvil | Bronx | 6 | Safest in NYC; 3× below city average |
| 2 | Brooklyn Heights‑Cobble Hill | Brooklyn | 7 | Historic brownstones; active block associations |
| 3 | Upper East Side‑Carnegie Hill | Manhattan | 8 | Safest in Manhattan; doorman buildings |
| 4 | Park Slope‑Gowanus | Brooklyn | 10 | Family‑friendly; Prospect Park access |
| 5 | Bensonhurst West | Brooklyn | 10 | Diverse; 11 crimes per 1,000 residents |
| 6 | Carroll Gardens‑Columbia St‑Red Hook | Brooklyn | 11 | Waterfront; village atmosphere |
| 7 | Sheepshead Bay‑Gerritsen Beach | Brooklyn | 11–13 | Coastal; 61st Precinct low crime |
| 8 | DUMBO‑Vinegar Hill‑Downtown Brooklyn | Brooklyn | 12 | Waterfront lofts; modern security |
| 9 | Bay Ridge | Brooklyn | 68th Precinct low crime | Family‑friendly; community watchfulness |
| 10 | Forest Hills | Queens | 112th Precinct low crime | Tudor architecture; low transient population |
TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING NYC’S SAFETY LANDSCAPE
Check Official Crime Data: The NYPD publishes weekly CompStat reports with precinct-level crime statistics across the seven major felonies. The NYC Crime Map and NYPD Complaint Data Historic dataset allow residents to explore crime data by location, date range, and crime type. Data aggregators like DwellCheck normalize these figures by 300-meter walking radius to provide consistent comparisons across neighborhoods.
Borough Averages Can Mislead: A neighborhood’s overall grade is an average that can mask significant variation. Riverdale posts one of the city’s lowest local complaint scores even though the Bronx sits near the bottom in borough rank. Similarly, the Upper East Side stays quiet even with Manhattan ranking last by borough average. The exact block matters more than the borough name.
Crime Is Trending Down Citywide: New York City recorded a 5.8% decline in major crimes compared to the same period last year, with homicides dropping 24.7% and shootings reaching historic lows. However, Queens has seen property crimes like grand larceny and robbery increase, and rape cases have risen citywide due to expanded legal definitions.
The Safest Boroughs: Staten Island reads safest in the NYPD complaint file, with the lowest borough complaint density. Queens follows, then Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan. However, the safest individual neighborhoods are scattered across boroughs, including Riverdale in the Bronx and the Upper East Side in Manhattan.
CONCLUSION
New York City’s safest neighborhoods are found in unexpected places, from the leafy streets of Riverdale in the Bronx to the historic brownstones of Brooklyn Heights and the doorman buildings of the Upper East Side. Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil leads the rankings as the safest neighborhood in the entire city, with crime rates roughly three times lower than the citywide average.
Brooklyn dominates the list with six neighborhoods in the top ten, including Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, and Bay Ridge. The Upper East Side remains Manhattan’s safest pocket, while Forest Hills represents Queens in the top ten.
With major crimes declining citywide and homicides at historic lows, conditions are improving across many neighborhoods. By checking block-level crime data and focusing on residential areas with active community engagement, residents can find a secure home in New York City.