What Are The 8 Safest Neighborhoods In Jersey City?

Paige Hanawalt
by Paige Hanawalt

Jersey City is a waterfront city in northeast New Jersey. It boasts views of the Manhattan skyline, and is most famous for its waterfront and banking and finance centers. It is part of the New York Metropolitan area, which is the largest metropolitan area in the world. Jersey City is less than a mile away from NYC.

The safest neighborhoods in Jersey City include The Waterfront, Liberty Park, Downtown, Hackensack Riverfront, and Lincoln Park. Each of these neighborhoods feature low crime rates and high livability ratings. The Waterfront and Liberty Park, in particular, boast a crime rate 61% lower than the national average. Crime has dropped by 3% in Jersey City in recent years, making it a safe place to live!

Jersey City is a great place to call home if you work in New York City, or if you simply want to be close to the hustle and bustle of one of the most famous cities in the world.

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8 Safest Neighborhoods in Jersey City

Thanks to its proximity to Manhattan, Jersey City is a desirable place to live for many. The area has been revitalized in recent years, meaning you’ll always have plenty to do here! Whether you’re interested in the arts, sports, or international cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

The safest neighborhoods in Jersey City are:

  • The Waterfront
  • Liberty Park
  • Downtown
  • Hackensack Riverfront
  • Lincoln Park
  • The Heights
  • West Side
  • Journal Square

Let’s break down everything you need to know about these Jersey City neighborhoods.

1. The Waterfront

  • Population: 10,234
  • Median Income: $139,130
  • Crime Rate: 61% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.0%

The Waterfront is located on the Hudson River in Jersey City. It is the best place to see views of Manhattan and the New York City skyline. You can soak in everything that the view has to offer from a boardwalk that lines the river.

This Jersey City neighborhood is very affluent and residents say that people are friendly and the area is relatively calm. There is so much to see and do within walking distance in The Waterfront! It’s a pet-friendly area and you can walk your dog with a view on the boardwalk!

There are many young families in The Waterfront. This neighborhood is the perfect place to raise children! The crime rate is 61% less than the national average, making it safe, too.

2. Liberty Park

  • Population: 447
  • Median Income: $139,750
  • Crime Rate: 61% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.5%

Liberty Park is a small community in Jersey City. The neighborhood’s namesake is the Liberty State Park, which is located on the Hudson River and offers views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

If you decide to move to Liberty Park, you’ll most likely spend a lot of time in State Park! Whether you like walking, running, or biking, there are trails to follow throughout. You’ll get the best of both worlds: a quiet area with the big city just minutes away if you use public transportation.

The crime rate here is also 61% less than the national average. There are several playgrounds and areas to bring pets in the State Park, making Liberty Park pet and kid-friendly! The schools also boast above-average ratings.

3. Downtown

  • Population: 31,125
  • Median Income: $96,326
  • Crime Rate: 58% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.8%

If you appreciate nightlife, Downtown is the best Jersey City neighborhood for you! Downtown also features quick access to Manhattan, so if you work in the city you may want to consider this area first.

Residents love this Jersey City neighborhood for the many restaurants, bars, shops, and other local businesses! Downtown is a good choice for people who like to go out, try new restaurants, and shop. Although you’ll want to get into the city for a night out every now and then, there is a lot to do in your own backyard.

Despite the buzz of city life, Downtown features a crime rate 58% less than the national average. Enjoy the benefits of big city living without the danger!

4. Hackensack Riverfront

  • Population: 4,139
  • Median Income: $81,668
  • Crime Rate: 4% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 4.1%

You’ll also find water views on Hackensack Riverfront! This Jersey City neighborhood is to the west of The Waterfront and Liberty Park and runs along the Hackensack River. Many young professionals call Hackensack Riverfront home. Whether you work in New York City or Newark, NJ, public transportation is quick and convenient.

The neighborhood is diverse and well-maintained. Locals say that it is quiet and a pleasure to walk along the river. There’s also a bike path! The crime rate in Hackensack Riverfront is 4% less than the national average.

Like all of the neighborhoods in Jersey City, there are plenty of amenities within walking distance. Thanks to the water views and green spaces, this is another neighborhood that is great for children and pets. The public schools have good ratings as well.

5. Lincoln Park

  • Population: 1,175
  • Median Income: $59,923
  • Crime Rate: 2% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 9.5%

The Lincoln Park neighborhood is named after Lincoln Park, a massive urban green space on the Hackensack River. You’ll find views of Newark, NJ, and like all of the neighborhoods in Jersey City, Lincoln Park is conveniently located to public transportation. You can be in New York City and Newark within minutes!

If you want to spend some time outside, head to Lincoln Park, where you’ll find walking and running trails. There are also tennis courts, baseball fields, and other places to play sports. You can also hop on your bike to enjoy the view of the Hackensack River.

You’ll have access to any amenities you might need, including supermarkets, restaurants, and other shops. The crime rate is 2% less than the national average.

6. The Heights

  • Population: 56,548
  • Median Income: $57,801
  • Crime Rate: 11% more than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 4.1%

The Heights is in the northern section of Jersey City. There are many Spanish speakers who live in this neighborhood and there is no shortage of Puerto Rican and Cuban restaurants! Additionally, there are many other amenities within walking distance, such as supermarkets.

You’ll also find many trendy eateries geared at vegetarians and vegans. There are a few coffee shops to hang out in as well as craft beer bars! If you’re looking for nightlife, The Heights has tons of options.

The Heights isn’t far from both the Hudson River and Hackensack River, which are both great places to go for a stroll on the water. There are also a few small parks in the neighborhood which are good for children or for dog walking!

7. West Side

  • Population: 22,917
  • Median Income: $56,906
  • Crime Rate: 13% more than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 6.2%

West Side is a Jersey City neighborhood located in between Hackensack Riverfront and Lincoln Park. A portion of the Lincoln Park green space is in West Side, meaning there are plenty of outdoor activities to do here. There are also many historical buildings to admire in the area as you walk around.

West Side gets its name from West Side Avenue, which cuts through the neighborhood. It’s one of Jersey City’s main shopping streets, where there are lots of amenities like bars, restaurants, food shops, and more. West Side is lively and bustling!

The crime rate is slightly higher here than the national average, but that can be expected in such an animated area. This Jersey City neighborhood remains much safer than other areas!

8. Journal Square

  • Population: 27,965
  • Median Income: $51,723
  • Crime Rate: 17% more than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 5.2%

Journal Square, located in the northern section of Jersey City, may be the perfect place to live if you commute to Manhattan for work or for entertainment! It boasts one of the largest stops on the PATH commuter train, which has stations throughout New Jersey and will take you directly to New York City.

There are many historical landmarks in Journal Square including a statue dedicated to baseball player Jackie Robinson. The diverse population means that there are a plethora of different types of cuisine to taste and enjoy. Restaurants range from Indian to Filipino, to Italian, to Mexican.

Although this part of Jersey City is filled with activity, it is still considered residential and there are plenty of places to call home.

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What’s the Verdict?

With its proximity to New York City and Newark, New Jersey, Jersey City is an enticing place to live! Between the nightlife, diverse restaurant scene, and many green spaces and water views, you won’t be lacking if you settle down in any of the neighborhoods above!

As with any area close to a large city, there are some places that are safer than others. All of the places on this list are great, safe options if you’re thinking about moving to Jersey City!

Paige Hanawalt
Paige Hanawalt

Paige is an elementary school librarian with a passion for writing. Her hobbies include reading an exorbitant amount of fantasy, slowly teaching herself to draw, and home decor. While she isn't the most talented artist or interior designer, what she lacks in skill she more than makes up for in enthusiasm. When she's not curled up with a book, you can certainly find her curled over the keyboard.

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