Is Cedar Grove (NJ) safe?
Cedar Grove, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Cedar Grove (NJ) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Cedar Grove (NJ)
“Go. Cedar Grove is an exceptionally safe, quiet suburban township in northern Essex County with virtually no violent crime concern for visitors. It is an ideal, peaceful stop for dining, park visits, or staying while exploring the greater New York metropolitan area.”
About the area
Cedar Grove is a tranquil suburban community nestled between the First and Second Watchung Mountains. It offers scenic county parks, well-kept single-family neighborhoods, and a commercial corridor running along Route 23 (Pompton Avenue).
- Suburban / Peaceful
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Scenic / Wooded
Walking and biking in Cedar Grove (NJ)
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 35/100
There are no municipal bike-share docks or dedicated bike lanes along major thoroughfares, making cycling primarily recreational within parks and quiet side streets.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Extremely low violent and property crime rates significantly below national averages
- Affluent economic base with median household incomes well over $130,000 and low poverty
- High rate of well-maintained owner-occupied single-family homes and stable neighborhoods
- Excellent access to county parks and outdoor recreation at Mills Reservation
Cons
- High car dependency with limited walkability outside immediate commercial strips
- Occasional suburban vehicle break-ins and catalytic converter theft trends
- Heavy vehicle traffic and congestion along Route 23 during rush hours
- Sparse nightlife options compared to adjacent Montclair
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually non-existent in Cedar Grove, with no active encampments or panhandling present in town.
What Cedar Grove (NJ) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe as residents walk dogs, commute, and head to local schools and parks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling retail traffic on Pompton Avenue alongside serene, completely secure residential blocks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel with casual crowds gathering at local eateries and sports facilities.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and low-traffic suburban streets with virtually no safety concerns, though activity winds down early.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit bus routes (such as the 11 and 29) serve Route 23 with direct links to Newark and Wayne. The nearest NJ Transit commuter rail stations are located 5-10 minutes away by car in neighboring Upper Montclair or Little Falls.
Plentiful and free in private commercial plazas and municipal lots; street parking is readily available though subject to overnight parking rules.
Things to do in Cedar Grove (NJ)
- Hike the wooded cliffside trails and take in views of the Manhattan skyline at Mills Reservation
- Walk, jog, or play sports at the modern Cedar Grove Community Park
- Sample traditional Italian dining and classic bakeries along Pompton Avenue
Local favorites
- LuNello · Fine Dining Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (680)Upscale fine-dining establishment renowned for refined Northern Italian dishes and fresh seafood.
- Kyodai Sushi · Japanese Restaurant · 4.6★ (360)Popular local spot serving creative specialty rolls, sushi combos, and Japanese appetizers.
- Grasshopper Too · Irish Pub · 4.3★ (880)Longstanding casual Irish tavern featuring classic pub fare, draft beers, and sports screens.
Neighborhoods near Cedar Grove (NJ)
Common questions about Cedar Grove (NJ)
Is Cedar Grove (NJ) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Cedar Grove (NJ) a good place to live?
On safety, Cedar Grove (NJ) 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 Cedar Grove (NJ)?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 35/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Cedar Grove (NJ) are safer?
North Caldwell (96), Verona (94) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Cedar Grove (NJ)? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.