Is Bergen Square safe?
Jersey City, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Bergen Square as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Bergen Square
“Go with care. Bergen Square is an energetic, historically significant neighborhood offering fantastic culinary diversity, but it experiences higher property crime and minor street offenses compared to downtown waterfront districts. Visitors will enjoy its historical sites and dining during the day and early evening while maintaining standard urban vigilance.”
About the area
Established in 1660 as one of New Jersey's earliest chartered settlements, Bergen Square is a vibrant, dense urban neighborhood situated just south of Journal Square. It blends historic landmarks, such as colonial-era buildings, with a bustling multi-ethnic commercial strip along Bergen Avenue. The area is experiencing ongoing revitalization and residential spillover from adjacent rapid transit hubs.
- Historic
- Culturally Diverse
- Dense Urban
- Transit-Adjacent
Walking and biking in Bergen Square
Walk score: 94/100 · Bike score: 72/100
Citi Bike Jersey City docks are stationed throughout Bergen Square and near the Journal Square PATH station, though protected on-street bike lanes remain limited.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Short walking distance to the 24/7 Journal Square PATH station connecting directly to NYC and Newark.
- Rich concentration of diverse independent dining, including renowned Filipino and Latin American eateries.
- Historic landmarks including the restored Apple Tree House and colonial-era churchyards.
- Dense, active street life throughout the daytime hours along commercial corridors.
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime, package theft, and vehicle break-ins relative to Hudson County waterfront averages.
- Higher poverty rate and lower median household income than adjacent downtown neighborhoods.
- Congested vehicular traffic, narrow sidewalks, and scarce street parking.
- Occasional late-night loitering and street disturbances around busy transit corridors.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and occasional panhandling occur, primarily concentrated along major transit corridors near Journal Square. Large permanent encampments are not common within Bergen Square itself, but individuals experiencing homelessness are often present near commercial plazas and bus stops.
What Bergen Square is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are lively and safe with commuters, school children, and opening shop owners bustling along Bergen Avenue.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active foot traffic and bustling small businesses create an open, secure environment throughout the commercial and residential blocks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Street activity remains steady with diners and commuters, though standard urban vigilance is advised along quieter side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Commercial avenues quiet down substantially, and increased caution is warranted due to diminished foot traffic and occasional street-level disturbances.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit bus routes 80, 87, and 119 operate along Bergen and Sip Avenues. The Journal Square PATH rail station is a 5-to-10-minute walk north, offering 24/7 direct rapid transit service to Lower Manhattan, Midtown, and Newark.
Street parking is notoriously difficult and heavily restricted by Jersey City residential permit rules and metered commercial zones. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use paid parking garages near Journal Square, which typically charge $15 to $25 per day.
Things to do in Bergen Square
- Visit the Apple Tree House (Museum of Jersey City History) to explore regional history and cultural exhibits.
- Sample authentic Filipino, Mexican, and South Asian specialties along the Bergen Avenue dining corridor.
- Walk past the historic Old Bergen Church and its 17th-century burial grounds.
Local favorites
- Museum of Jersey City History at the Apple Tree House · History Museum · 4.7★ (85)A historic stone farmhouse dating to the 18th century that hosts regional art and history exhibitions.
- Max's Restaurant · Filipino Restaurant · 4.3★ (1250)Renowned institution serving Filipino classics like crispy fried chicken, pancit, and kare-kare.
- Guanatos Tacos · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (410)Neighborhood favorite serving authentic Mexican street tacos, birria, and homemade horchata.
Neighborhoods near Bergen Square
Common questions about Bergen Square
Is Bergen Square safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Bergen Square a good place to live?
On safety, Bergen Square scores 68/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Bergen Square?
Walk score 94/100 and bike score 72/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Bergen Square are safer?
Indian Square (74), Hilltop (Jersey City) (74), Journal Square (72) score higher nearby.
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