Is Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn) safe?
Brooklyn, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn)
“Go. Brooklyn Heights is one of the safest and most affluent residential enclaves in New York City. Visitors can comfortably explore its historic streets, promenade, and dining corridors with standard urban awareness.”
About the area
Brooklyn Heights is a tranquil, historic neighborhood characterized by 19th-century brownstones, tree-lined cobblestone alleys, and sweeping views of Lower Manhattan. It blends an upscale residential feel with vibrant commercial corridors along Montague and Henry Streets.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Affluent & Residential
- Scenic Waterfront
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn)
Walk score: 98/100 · Bike score: 89/100
Citi Bike docking stations are prevalent on nearly every corner, with seamless access to the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway and the Brooklyn Bridge bike path.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to citywide and borough averages (NYPD 84th Precinct)
- Extremely high median household income exceeding $170,000 and low poverty rates under 7%
- Well-maintained historic housing stock with high owner-occupancy and active community presence
- Exceptional pedestrian infrastructure with immediate access to world-class waterfront parks
Cons
- Opportunistic property crimes like package theft and bike larceny occasionally occur
- Congestion and heavy foot traffic near tourist choke points and subway hubs around Borough Hall
- Nighttime quiet can leave some residential side streets dimly lit and deserted late at night
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential blocks, but occasional individuals and panhandlers can be observed near the major transit hubs around Borough Hall and Columbus Park.
What Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with dog walkers, joggers heading to the promenade, and commuters walking to nearby subways.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Vibrant and completely relaxed, filled with tourists taking photos along the promenade and residents running errands.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively along Montague and Henry Streets with outdoor dining, while residential side streets remain quiet and safe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and generally very safe, though caution is advised around secluded park entrances and quiet corners.
Transit, parking and getting around
Exceptional MTA access via the Clark St (2, 3), Borough Hall (2, 3, 4, 5), and Court St (N, R, W) stations located within a 5-minute walk, alongside major bus routes including the B25, B61, and B63.
Street parking is notoriously difficult due to tight brownstone streets and strict street cleaning regulations; paid parking garages are available on Clinton, Henry, and Pierrepont Streets for $30-$50 per day.
Things to do in Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn)
- Stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for panoramic skyline views of Lower Manhattan
- Explore the quiet, historic mews and brownstone blocks along Cranberry, Orange, and Joralemon Streets
- Walk down to Brooklyn Bridge Park and Pier 1 for green lawns, recreation, and waterfront dining
Local favorites
- Dellarocco's Brick Oven Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.6★ (750)Cozy neighborhood spot serving wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and craft beers.
- Henry's End · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (680)Longstanding neighborhood institution famed for seasonal game meats and an extensive wine list.
- Books Are Magic (Brooklyn Heights) · Bookstore · 4.8★ (320)Beloved independent bookstore featuring curated fiction, local author events, and gift items.
Neighborhoods near Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn)
- Downtown Brooklyn-DUMBO-Boerum Hill · Brooklyn80
- Fort Greene · Brooklyn80
- Chinatown-Two Bridges · Manhattan73
- Carroll Gardens-Cobble Hill-Gowanus-Red Hook · Brooklyn84
- Financial District-Battery Park City · Manhattan90
- Lower East Side · Manhattan70
More: all Brooklyn neighborhoods · safest neighborhoods in New York
Common questions about Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn)
Is Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn) a good place to live?
On safety, Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn) scores 92/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn)?
Walk score 98/100 and bike score 89/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn) are safer?
Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn) scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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