Is Arlington (Kearny) safe?
Kearny, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Arlington (Kearny) as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Arlington (Kearny)
“Go. Arlington is one of the quietest and safest sections of Hudson County, characterized by established residential blocks and a strong sense of community. Standard urban-adjacent awareness is sufficient for visitors exploring its commercial avenues or historic streets.”
About the area
Arlington is the northern residential section of Kearny, renowned for its Victorian architecture, leafy side streets, and rich immigrant heritage including historic Scottish and Portuguese influences. It functions primarily as a stable, family-oriented neighborhood with neighborhood-scale retail along Kearny Avenue and Midland Avenue.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Suburban Feel
- Low-Key Dining
Walking and biking in Arlington (Kearny)
Walk score: 81/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is currently no dedicated bike-share system in Arlington, and dedicated bike lanes are limited, though low-speed residential streets provide reasonable cycling access.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than nearby urban centers like Newark and Jersey City
- High rate of owner-occupied single-family and two-family homes reflecting stable neighborhood upkeep
- Active local police presence and strong neighborhood watch culture
Cons
- Occasional property crimes such as vehicle break-ins and package theft occur along residential streets
- Narrow streets and dense on-street parking can make nighttime navigation tight
- Commercial corridors along Kearny Ave experience occasional minor disorderly conduct near late-night establishments
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Arlington, with no established encampments; occasional individuals may be seen near major bus stops or commercial strips along Kearny Avenue.
What Arlington (Kearny) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe, filled with dog walkers, students heading to school, and commuters catching local buses.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and orderly with bustling foot traffic around Kearny Avenue retail spots and quiet residential side streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Generally safe with residents dining out and walking in the neighborhood; well-lit on major thoroughfares.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and largely deserted; standard caution is advised on side streets and near commercial intersections after midnight.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates multiple bus lines through the area, notably the 30, 40, and 76 routes connecting to Newark Broad Street Station, Newark Penn Station, and the Harrison PATH Station roughly 2 miles to the south.
Street parking is available but competitive on dense residential blocks; Kearny Avenue features metered street parking and small municipal lots with modest hourly fees.
Things to do in Arlington (Kearny)
- Sample authentic Scottish pies and traditional fish and chips along Kearny Avenue
- Tour the historic Victorian and Queen Anne-style homes surrounding Argyle Place
- Relax or exercise at nearby Arlington Park and along the Belgrove Drive riverfront green spaces
Local favorites
- Thistle Fish & Chips · British / Scottish Restaurant · 4.5★ (820)Longstanding local institution famous for authentic Scottish fish and chips, meat pies, and imported British pantry items.
- Intrinsic Cafe · Coffee Shop & Bubble Tea · 4.6★ (310)Cozy community hangout serving specialty espresso, bubble teas, pastries, and light bites in a relaxed setting.
- Midland Bagel & Deli · Bagel Shop & Deli · 4.4★ (290)Neighborhood staple offering freshly boiled New Jersey bagels, breakfast platters, and deli sandwiches.
Neighborhoods near Arlington (Kearny)
Common questions about Arlington (Kearny)
Is Arlington (Kearny) safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Arlington (Kearny) a good place to live?
On safety, Arlington (Kearny) scores 79/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Arlington (Kearny)?
Walk score 81/100 and bike score 52/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Arlington (Kearny) are safer?
North Arlington (87), Harrison (Harrison 2) (81) score higher nearby.
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