Is Clifton Border Hills safe?
Clifton, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Clifton Border Hills as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Clifton Border Hills
“Go. Clifton Border Hills is a safe, established residential suburban neighborhood that provides a quiet environment and convenient access to regional nature reserves. Visitors will find minimal safety risks, though standard suburban precautions regarding vehicle security should always be observed.”
About the area
Clifton Border Hills is a hilly, tree-lined residential enclave defined by well-kept single-family homes, quiet streets, and rolling topography. Located along the western edges of Clifton near Garret Mountain, it offers a peaceful suburban setting within easy driving distance of North Jersey's extensive dining and shopping corridors.
- Suburban
- Hilly
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Clifton Border Hills
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 36/100
There is no local municipal bike share program, and cyclists must navigate hilly roadways without dedicated bike infrastructure.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low rate of violent crime well below national and urban averages
- High homeownership rate with stable, well-maintained housing stock
- Close proximity to expansive outdoor recreation at Garret Mountain Reservation
- Solid economic profile with strong median household income and low poverty
Cons
- Susceptible to occasional opportunistic property crime such as motor vehicle theft
- Hilly topography and lack of continuous sidewalks can make walking along certain roads hazardous
- Car dependency is high for dining, daily errands, and regional transit
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually nonexistent in this residential hillside area, with any regional shelter and support services located in neighboring urban centers.
What Clifton Border Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are calm and safe, with residents walking dogs and heading out for standard suburban commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons are pleasant and peaceful, with light neighborhood traffic and safe conditions for walking.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings are quiet and feel secure, though street lighting can be intermittent on curved residential hills.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights are very quiet with virtually no foot traffic; standard vigilance against car burglary is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit bus routes run along nearby main thoroughfares, while regional commuter rail service is available at the Clifton or Upper Montclair train stations a short drive away.
Residential street parking is readily available and generally free, though visitors should verify local municipal overnight parking regulations.
Things to do in Clifton Border Hills
- Hike scenic woodland trails and take in panoramic NYC skyline views at Garret Mountain Reservation.
- Tour the historic grounds and exhibits at nearby Lambert Castle.
- Stroll through the Morris Canal Park and Nature Preserve to explore local historic waterways.
Local favorites
- Matthew's Italian Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (980)Longtime local favorite serving hearty traditional Italian pastas, seafood, and classic entrees in an upscale casual setting.
- Toros Restaurant · Mediterranean / Turkish Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Well-regarded dining spot known for authentic Turkish kebabs, fresh cold mezze, and warm hospitality.
- Corrado's Market · Specialty Grocery Store · 4.4★ (3850)Sprawling, landmark local market famous for imported Italian specialty goods, fresh produce, meats, and deli items.
Neighborhoods near Clifton Border Hills
Common questions about Clifton Border Hills
Is Clifton Border Hills safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Clifton Border Hills a good place to live?
On safety, Clifton Border Hills scores 78/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Clifton Border Hills?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 36/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Clifton Border Hills are safer?
Richfield (85), Athenia (84), Albion Place (82) score higher nearby.
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