Is Canarsie safe?
Brooklyn, New York · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Canarsie as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Canarsie
“Go with care. Canarsie is a stable, predominantly residential, working- and middle-class neighborhood that is generally safe during the day, though it sees occasional property and violent crime typical of outer-borough residential hubs. While it is off the standard tourist circuit, visitors coming for authentic Caribbean dining, waterfront parks, or fishing at Canarsie Pier will find a welcoming community if standard urban awareness is maintained after dark.”
About the area
Canarsie is a quiet, low-density waterfront neighborhood in southeastern Brooklyn known for its vibrant West Indian and Caribbean culture, single-family brick homes, and coastal green spaces. Located along Jamaica Bay, the area offers a distinctly suburban and car-oriented feel relative to the rest of New York City.
- Residential / Quiet
- Car-Dependent
- Caribbean Culture
- Waterfront Access
- Family-Oriented
Walking and biking in Canarsie
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 65/100
Citi Bike stations are available around the Rockaway Parkway terminal and select avenues, offering direct access to the Jamaica Bay Greenway multi-use trail near the shoreline.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly higher homeownership rate (over 55%) and lower poverty levels (~12%) than Brooklyn borough averages.
- Lower violent crime profile compared to neighboring northern districts like Brownsville and East New York.
- Excellent waterfront park access including Canarsie Pier and Gateway National Recreation Area.
- Rich concentration of renowned West Indian bakeries, roti shops, and Caribbean dining spots along Flatlands Avenue.
Cons
- Elevated risk of vehicle-related property crimes, including auto theft and catalytic converter theft.
- Poor subway connectivity that leaves the area somewhat isolated and reliant on bus transfers or cars.
- Poorly lit residential side streets and quiet blocks that feel desolate late at night.
- Vulnerability to severe coastal flooding and storm surge during extreme weather events.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low across most of Canarsie's residential blocks, with minor panhandling occasionally observed around the Rockaway Parkway subway terminal and major strip malls.
What Canarsie is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with commuters heading to bus stops and families walking to local schools.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active along commercial arteries like Flatlands Avenue, with lively retail traffic and safe conditions throughout residential streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential as commuters return home, though vigilance is advised around poorly lit transit transfer points.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and sparsely populated; walking alone on remote residential blocks or near highway access ramps is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
The MTA's L train terminates at the Canarsie-Rockaway Parkway station on the neighborhood's northern border, requiring most residents to use local buses like the B6, B82 Select Bus Service, B17, or B103 to reach residential avenues.
Street parking is considerably easier than in denser parts of Brooklyn, with abundant free curbside parking and private driveways, though commercial zones feature metered spots.
Things to do in Canarsie
- Fish, picnic, or enjoy panoramic views of Jamaica Bay at the historic Canarsie Pier.
- Walk, jog, or play cricket and soccer across the sports fields and paved paths of Canarsie Park.
- Sample authentic Trinidadian, Jamaican, and Guyanese specialties along Rockaway Parkway and Flatlands Avenue.
Local favorites
- Suede · Modern Caribbean Restaurant · 4.1★ (2150)An upscale Caribbean dining establishment serving inventive island cuisine and tropical cocktails in an energetic space.
- Original Pizza · Pizzeria · 4.3★ (510)A long-running neighborhood staple serving classic New York slices and hearty Italian-American heroes.
- Veggies Natural Juice Bar · Health Food / Juice Bar · 4.6★ (320)A beloved local spot serving fresh juices, smoothies, and Caribbean-style vegan and vegetarian meals.
Neighborhoods near Canarsie
Common questions about Canarsie
Is Canarsie safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Canarsie a good place to live?
On safety, Canarsie scores 74/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Canarsie?
Walk score 68/100 and bike score 65/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Canarsie are safer?
Flatlands (76) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Canarsie? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.