Is Cliffwood safe?
Aberdeen, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Cliffwood as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Cliffwood
“Go. Cliffwood is a peaceful, low-crime suburban neighborhood in Monmouth County that presents virtually no safety concerns for typical visitors. While it is mostly a quiet bedroom community without major tourist draws, it is secure day and night.”
About the area
Cliffwood is an established coastal-adjacent enclave in Aberdeen Township, characterized by single-family homes, tree-lined side streets, and commercial strips along local arteries. It borders Raritan Bay and neighboring Middlesex County, offering a relaxed suburban lifestyle.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Cliffwood
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There is no public bike-share program, and while quiet interior streets are easy to cycle, major connecting roads like Route 35 lack dedicated protected bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates remain far below national and New Jersey state averages.
- Solid economic stability supported by median household incomes well over $90,000 and low poverty.
- High rate of owner-occupied housing contributing to well-kept residential properties.
Cons
- Car dependency is high, with limited pedestrian infrastructure along major corridors.
- Low-lying areas near the bay and Whale Creek are susceptible to localized coastal flooding during major storms.
- Very limited entertainment or cultural amenities within the immediate neighborhood bounds.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Cliffwood; regional shelter and outreach services operate primarily out of larger Monmouth and Middlesex County hubs.
What Cliffwood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy only with regular school and commuter traffic; very safe for morning walks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and tranquil with minimal street activity and safe neighborhood roads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm atmosphere as families return home, remaining safe around residential areas and local eateries.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with limited streetlighting in subdivisions, but serious crime is rare.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates local bus routes (such as the 133 and 135) along main corridors, while regional rail access is available via the Aberdeen-Matawan station on the North Jersey Coast Line roughly 2.5 miles away.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free, with generous free driveway and curbside parking in residential areas and open surface lots at all commercial plazas.
Things to do in Cliffwood
- Enjoy waterfront views and walking paths at the nearby Cliffwood Beach Waterfront Park.
- Hike, kayak, or camp in the diverse ecosystems of adjacent Cheesequake State Park.
- Utilize the spray park, athletic fields, and open green space at Aberdeen Veterans Memorial Park.
Local favorites
- Angelotti's Pizza & Ristorante · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (420)Longstanding local staple serving traditional thin-crust pizza, hearty pasta dishes, and hot subs.
- Denino's Pizzeria & Tavern Aberdeen · Pizza / Tavern · 4.5★ (1280)Casual, popular tavern offering Staten Island-style crisp brick-oven pies and draft beers.
- Courtney's Cafe & Deli · Deli · 4.6★ (115)Neighborhood spot known for fresh morning breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and classic deli lunches.
Neighborhoods near Cliffwood
Common questions about Cliffwood
Is Cliffwood safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Cliffwood a good place to live?
On safety, Cliffwood scores 85/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Cliffwood?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Cliffwood are safer?
Matawan (89), Morristown (Old Bridge) (89), Santa Fe Junction (88) score higher nearby.
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