Is Barnum Island safe?
Hempstead, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Barnum Island as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Barnum Island
“Go. Barnum Island is a tranquil, safe waterfront community in Nassau County with exceptionally low rates of violent crime. Visitors seeking waterfront dining, boating, or a quiet stop on the way to Long Beach can explore with ease.”
About the area
Barnum Island is a small, canal-laced residential hamlet nestled on the South Shore of Long Island in the Town of Hempstead. Bordering Island Park and Oceanside, the neighborhood is characterized by suburban single-family homes, private docks, and popular waterside eateries.
- Waterfront Enclave
- Boating Community
- Quiet Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Barnum Island
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is no municipal bike-share system present; cycling is easy due to flat terrain, but riders must share general travel lanes with vehicles as dedicated bike lanes are absent.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Consistently low rates of violent and property crime well below state and national averages
- Affluent, stable community with high homeownership rates and median household incomes above $110,000
- Scenic access to South Shore channels, marinas, and water sports
Cons
- Prone to tidal and storm-related coastal flooding during severe weather
- Car-dependent layout with limited continuous sidewalk infrastructure off main roads
- Summer traffic congestion around waterfront dining corridors and bridges
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent on Barnum Island, with no encampments or panhandling observed in the hamlet.
What Barnum Island is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with early-morning joggers, dog walkers, and boaters heading out to the docks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-friendly, though summer weekends bring moderate visitor traffic to waterside restaurants.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Vibrant and safe around the main dining establishments, while interior residential streets remain quiet and dark.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low activity with virtually no pedestrian foot traffic; the area remains secure with minimal incident risk.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by NICE Bus (route n15 connects along Long Beach Road), and the nearby Island Park Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station is within a mile for direct service into Manhattan.
Parking is readily available; residential streets feature free curbside parking, and waterfront businesses offer dedicated private surface lots.
Things to do in Barnum Island
- Launch a kayak or paddleboard into the calm waters of Shell Creek and Reynolds Channel
- Dine on fresh clams and seafood right along the waterfront docks
- Stroll the canal-side residential avenues to view boats and coastal architecture
Local favorites
- Peter's Clam Bar · Seafood Restaurant · 4.1★ (2350)Historic waterside institution serving classic clam bakes, lobster rolls, and raw-bar staples on the canal.
- Pop's Seafood Shack & Grill · Seafood Restaurant & Bar · 4.1★ (3820)Lively seasonal open-air waterfront venue offering drinks, seafood, and fire pits right by the docks.
- Empire Kayaks · Canoe & Kayak Rental · 4.7★ (160)Long-running outfitter offering kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, lessons, and South Shore guided tours.
Neighborhoods near Barnum Island
Common questions about Barnum Island
Is Barnum Island safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Barnum Island a good place to live?
On safety, Barnum Island scores 86/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Barnum Island?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 52/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Barnum Island are safer?
Hewlett Harbor (96), Lido Beach (93), East Atlantic Beach (91) score higher nearby.
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