Is Bushwick (East) safe?
Brooklyn, New York · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Bushwick (East) as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Bushwick (East)
“Go with care. East Bushwick offers an evolving mix of independent cafes, intimate music venues, and neighborhood charm, but safety metrics vary block-by-block. Stick to well-lit corridors and exercise extra caution after dark, especially near elevated transit lines.”
About the area
East Bushwick is a dense, culturally diverse Brooklyn neighborhood defined by multi-family row homes, industrial conversions, and vibrant street life. While gentrification has expanded arts and dining eastward, the area retains a working-class backbone and higher property and violent crime rates than western Brooklyn.
- Hipster / Creative
- Working-Class
- Urban Density
- Nightlife Heavy
Walking and biking in Bushwick (East)
Walk score: 94/100 · Bike score: 85/100
Citi Bike stations are widely available throughout the area, connecting to painted bike lanes on Bushwick Avenue and Central Avenue, though dedicated protected greenways require riding further west or north.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Active daytime pedestrian foot traffic along commercial avenues like Wilson and Central.
- Significant long-term decreases in violent crime compared to peak historical levels.
- Rich local food scene, community gardens, and proximity to neighborhood green spaces like Irving Square Park.
Cons
- Elevated robbery and assault rates compared to New York City and Brooklyn borough averages.
- Higher poverty rate (around 18-22%) with noticeable infrastructure wear on residential side streets.
- Package theft and vehicle break-ins remain common persistent nuisances.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and individuals experiencing distress are most noticeable near the elevated train stations along Broadway and approaching Broadway Junction, while quiet residential streets see limited presence.
What Bushwick (East) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are lively and generally secure as commuters, school children, and local vendors start their day.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling with foot traffic around bodegas, cafes, and parks, feeling generally comfortable for visitors.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Social venues and dining spots bring energy to commercial strips, though quieter side blocks demand alertness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Risk of street robberies and unpredictable encounters increases significantly; keep to main avenues or take rideshares.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA New York City Transit serves the area via the L train (Halsey St, Wilson Ave) and J/Z trains (Halsey St, Chauncey St), alongside heavy bus coverage via the B26, B52, and B60.
On-street parking is free but extremely competitive due to high resident density and strict alternate-side parking regulations, with very few public parking garages in the immediate vicinity.
Things to do in Bushwick (East)
- Spend a relaxing afternoon reading or walking dogs in tree-shaded Irving Square Park.
- Experience indie live music, experimental art, and community events at local DIY spaces.
- Sample traditional Latin American bakeries and modern third-wave coffee shops along Wilson Avenue.
Local favorites
- Father Knows Best · Cafe & Bar · 4.5★ (750)A cozy, community-focused hub serving specialty espresso by day and craft drinks by night.
- Nowadays · Outdoor Venue & Beer Garden · 4.6★ (2400)A massive indoor-outdoor hangout featuring DJ sets, global comfort food, and community events.
- Caffeine Underground · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (380)An artsy community cafe hosting open mic nights, art shows, and specialty warm beverages.
Neighborhoods near Bushwick (East)
Common questions about Bushwick (East)
Is Bushwick (East) safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Bushwick (East) a good place to live?
On safety, Bushwick (East) scores 66/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Bushwick (East)?
Walk score 94/100 and bike score 85/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Bushwick (East) are safer?
Ridgewood (Queens) (83), Bushwick (West) (69) score higher nearby.
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