Is Caldwell safe?
Caldwell, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Caldwell as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Caldwell
“Go. Caldwell is a quiet, exceptionally safe Essex County suburb characterized by a vibrant commercial corridor and tranquil residential neighborhoods. Visitors can explore comfortably at any hour with minimal risk of crime.”
About the area
Known as the birthplace of President Grover Cleveland, Caldwell offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere anchored by Caldwell University and Bloomfield Avenue. It blends historic charm, well-kept single-family homes, and a diverse dining scene.
- Family-Friendly
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Walkable Downtown
- Suburban
Walking and biking in Caldwell
Walk score: 76/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Caldwell has no bike-share program and lacks dedicated bike lanes on major thoroughfares. Cyclists generally use quiet residential streets or the recreational paths within Grover Cleveland Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero and well below national and state averages
- Affluent economic foundation with median household incomes well over $105,000 and low poverty
- Charming, walkable commercial district along Bloomfield Avenue with active local businesses
Cons
- Heavy vehicular traffic and pedestrian-crossing hazards along Bloomfield Avenue
- Isolated incidents of opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle theft
- Lack of a direct commuter rail station within walking distance
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is essentially absent in Caldwell, with no encampments or panhandling corridors. Regional homeless support services and shelters are situated in nearby urban centers like Newark and East Orange.
What Caldwell is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with locals jogging, walking dogs, and commuting along tree-lined avenues.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy and cheerful, as shoppers, Caldwell University students, and families fill the sidewalks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Vibrant and secure, with steady dining foot traffic centered along Bloomfield Avenue.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and largely empty, feeling very safe to walk, though normal nocturnal awareness is advisable.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit bus routes 29 and 71 run directly along Bloomfield Avenue toward Newark and surrounding towns. The nearest commuter rail access is NJ Transit's Montclair-Boonton Line, located roughly 10 minutes away by car in neighboring Montclair.
Metered street parking and several municipal lots are available just off Bloomfield Avenue for roughly $1.00 to $1.50 per hour. Residential side streets offer free daytime parking, though overnight parking regulations apply.
Things to do in Caldwell
- Tour the Grover Cleveland Birthplace State Historic Site
- Stroll through Grover Cleveland Park for scenic walking trails and a pond
- Browse local boutiques and dine at independently owned restaurants along Bloomfield Avenue
Local favorites
- Cloverleaf Tavern · American Restaurant & Pub · 4.6★ (2150)Historic, long-running tavern renowned for its extensive craft beer list and burgers.
- Il Vecchio Cafe · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (870)Spacious Italian restaurant serving classic pasta dishes, brick-oven pizza, and gelato.
- Grover Cleveland Birthplace · Historic Museum · 4.7★ (165)Preserved 19th-century home and museum honoring the 22nd and 24th US President.
Neighborhoods near Caldwell
Common questions about Caldwell
Is Caldwell safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Caldwell a good place to live?
On safety, Caldwell scores 90/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Caldwell?
Walk score 76/100 and bike score 52/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Caldwell are safer?
Essex Fells (96), North Caldwell (96), Roseland (NJ) (95) score higher nearby.
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