Is Clinton Hill safe?
Brooklyn, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Clinton Hill as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Clinton Hill
“Go. Clinton Hill is a scenic, prosperous, and generally very safe historic Brooklyn neighborhood filled with tree-lined streets, academic activity around Pratt Institute, and lively dining corridors. While standard urban precautions against package theft, bicycle theft, and occasional late-night robberies along transit borders apply, visitors will find it remarkably welcoming and secure.”
About the area
Clinton Hill blends grand 19th-century brownstone architecture and historic mansions with the creative energy of the Pratt Institute campus. Tree-canopied residential blocks sit alongside bustling commercial avenues packed with independent cafes, wine bars, and acclaimed restaurants.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Academic & Creative
- Walkable Dining Hub
- Brownstone Charm
Walking and biking in Clinton Hill
Walk score: 96/100 · Bike score: 92/100
Citi Bike docking stations are abundant on almost every block, connecting seamlessly to protected bike lanes on DeKalb Avenue and nearby greenway routes toward the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Prospect Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- High median household incomes ($115,000+) and strong residential stability anchored by landmarked historic districts.
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to broader NYC borough averages.
- Constant pedestrian activity and private campus security patrols around the Pratt Institute grounds.
- Vibrant, community-oriented dining and retail strips along DeKalb and Myrtle Avenues.
Cons
- Recurring urban property crime, including package theft, car break-ins, and bicycle theft.
- Isolated late-night robbery risks along perimeter corridors such as Fulton Street and Park Avenue.
- Extremely scarce street parking and frequent alternate-side parking street sweeping restrictions.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low compared to major transit hubs across NYC, with minor panhandling occasionally seen around Fulton Street subway entrances and commercial intersections.
What Clinton Hill is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Quiet, leafy, and exceptionally safe as residents walk dogs, jog, and grab coffee before commuting.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively and relaxed with students, families, and remote workers circulating through parks, cafes, and campus quads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Bustling and safe with well-lit outdoor dining patios and heavy foot traffic along DeKalb and Myrtle Avenues.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally peaceful, though side streets quiet down significantly; standard awareness is advised near subway stations.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA New York City Subway serves the neighborhood via the G train (Clinton-Washington Aves) and C train (Clinton-Washington Aves on Fulton St), supplemented by high-frequency MTA bus routes including the B38, B52, and B54.
Street parking is notoriously difficult and heavily governed by alternate-side parking rules; paid parking garages are limited and typically charge $25 to $45 per day.
Things to do in Clinton Hill
- Stroll through the Pratt Institute Sculpture Park, an open-air public collection of contemporary sculptures set across green campus lawns.
- Take an architectural walking tour of Clinton Avenue to view grand Gilded Age mansions and historic brownstones.
- Explore the independent boutiques, bakeries, and craft eateries along DeKalb Avenue and Myrtle Avenue.
Local favorites
- Emily · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (1450)Beloved neighborhood spot famous for wood-fired pizzas, curated craft beers, and one of NYC's most celebrated burgers.
- Mekelburg's · Gourmet Specialty Food & Bar · 4.5★ (880)Cozy specialty grocery and craft beer bar offering gourmet sandwiches, babka, and indoor/outdoor patio seating.
- Otway · New American Bistro · 4.6★ (460)Chic corner bistro and natural wine bar serving creative seasonal fare in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Neighborhoods near Clinton Hill
Common questions about Clinton Hill
Is Clinton Hill safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Clinton Hill a good place to live?
On safety, Clinton Hill scores 82/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Clinton Hill?
Walk score 96/100 and bike score 92/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Clinton Hill are safer?
Park Slope (91), Prospect Heights (84) score higher nearby.
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