Is Newark NJ Safe? Areas to Avoid and Tips for Staying Safe

Newark is a large city with a diverse population, where safety concerns have persisted for several years. As a new resident or traveler, you must be aware of how safe it is and the dangerous places to avoid.

In this article, we will help you out in evaluating Newark, NJ, safety to understand which areas to visit and which not. Moreover, we will also discuss the important tips to stay safe and deter crime.

Is Newark, NJ Safe?

Newark's safety has always been a big question for the residents and travelers. It is considered an unsafe city compared to other US cities due to a higher overall crime rate. You will experience most of the areas with a higher violent crime rate. However, the city also has safe areas where you can stay peacefully.

There is a year-to-year decline, still it has a significantly higher crime rate, which is way higher than the national average. The higher crime rate poses a high risk, especially for families and students. Living in Newark could be safe or dangerous, depending on the locality, and also on how much you remain alert towards your surroundings.

How Safe Is Newark NJ?

Newark, NJ, is relatively dangerous compared to US cities. According to the crime trend from the past 5 years, a decline is witnessed in overall crime rates. Despite the decline, the crime rate is still higher and considered highly dangerous for the residents. The violent crime rates have been a major concern due to frequent homicides and assaults.

According to the NeighborhoodScout, it has an overall crime rate of 27.99 per 1000 residents. The violent crime rate is 4.95 per 1,000 residents, which includes 53 murders, 100 rapes, 418 robberies, and 938 assault cases.

The property crime rate is 23.01 per 1,000 residents. The reported crimes in a year include 450 burglaries, 2,789 thefts, and 3,777 motor vehicle thefts.

5 Safest Neighborhoods In Newark

South Ironbound

South Ironbound has a relatively lower crime rate due to strong community support. It is considered safer to stay in due to a vibrant culture and active networking between the residents.

It has family-friendly streets, and the law enforcement agencies are connected with the residents to deter crime efficiently.

North Ironbound

North Ironbound is the 2nd most safe neighborhood in Newark. It has a higher crime rate than the national average, but is considered safer compared to other areas. Due to the higher population density and active outdoor businesses, it remains safe all around.

You might also notice the police presence to be higher than in other neighborhoods. Additionally, the neighborhood is developing to reduce the crime rate.

Forest hill

Forest Hill is the 3rd safest city in Newark, having a low violent crime rate. The residents feel safe while walking on the streets. It has historic and modern infrastructure and a strong community that strives to eliminate crime. Moreover, it holds a reputation for green areas and a calmer environment.

Weequahic

Weequahic is also one of the safest places in Newark, which is usually recommended by most of the residents. The police are also seen actively working at hotspots to reduce the crime rate. Still, some people say it's unsafe due to a higher overall crime rate percentage. It is being defamed due to the history related to gang activities and extreme poverty.

Vailsburg

Vailsburg is divided into upper and lower parts, both having similar crime stats. People also recommend this due to a balance in safety and affordability. The neighborhood has a professional working community and retirees contributing to the elimination of potential crimes.

Areas With Higher Crime Rates To Avoid

West Side

The west side of Newark is highly risky due to limited resources and economic issues. It has an elevated level of violent crimes and property crimes. The violent cases are frequently reported in the area, such as assault, firearm, and gang activities. The residents and visitors are at higher risk at night.

Downtown

Downtown is one of the major areas of Newark with businesses all around and massive transportation. Despite having many resources, it has a higher overall crime rate, including pickpocketing, murder, and theft cases. However, during office hours, it might look harmless, but nightlife would be riskier.

Springfield

Springfield is also known as one of the most dangerous areas of Newark. It has multiple crime spots, and the cases are reportedly higher for violent crimes. Drug activities are also common in this area and tend to be associated with other crimes. The residents are concerned about the increasing crime and are reporting it to the police. It is recommended for a traveler to stay alert to the surroundings.

Roseville

Roseville is also an unsafe area in Newark with elevated crime levels. They are struggling to get rid of the crime due to the day-by-day increasing number of cases of property crimes. The residents are experiencing theft, vandalism, and house break-ins. It has multiple hotspots for theft that you must avoid.

How To Stay Safe In Newark NJ?

Staying safe in Newark, NJ, requires some careful precautions. An alert mindset is necessary to deter any crime nearby.

• Know the areas you should avoid. Keep your important belongings at home and avoid walking alone at night. You should take a shared ride at night and stick to well-lit routes.
• To keep your home secure, keep the doors and windows locked. Install a Reolink security camera to keep an eye on the visitors and activities.

• Keep your vehicles locked to avoid any theft. Install GPS trackers and smart locks.
• The residents should make a strong community where they can discuss things and ask for help in any emergency.
• Keep yourself updated through the news, and immediately contact the police in case of any emergency.

FAQs

1. Is Newark NJ safe at night?

No, Newark is riskier at night due to a higher presence of criminals. You might face an extreme level of crime if traveling alone at night. It is advised to stay at home at night and keep the doors and windows locked.

2. Is Newark, NJ getting safer?

Yes, if you look 5 years back, it was highly dangerous, but gradually the crime trend is declining. However, it still has a higher crime rate in most areas. To stay safe, you must choose the area with the lowest crime rate.

3. Is it safe to walk around Newark, NJ?

Yes, it's safe until noon, and the streets are well-lit. Walking alone at night is highly risky due to higher violent crime rates within the city.

4. Is Newark, NJ a good place to live?

It depends on which area you have chosen to live in. It has a mixed crime overview from the safest to the most dangerous areas. If you look at it from an overall perspective, it would not be a good place to live peacefully due to high crime rates.

Conclusion

Newark is one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey. From a living point of view, it is a bit risky for travelers, families, and residents. However, you can travel around the safest areas, such as North and South Ironbound. It is recommended to stay alert during travel and follow the safety tips we have shared to avoid being a victim of crime.