Is Cypress Hills safe?
Brooklyn, New York · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Cypress Hills as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Cypress Hills
“Go with care. Cypress Hills is a culturally rich, working-class residential neighborhood with historic architecture and access to large green spaces, but it requires standard urban vigilance. While generally calmer than adjacent sections of East New York, property crime and occasional violent incidents along major commercial corridors like Fulton Street warrant staying aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.”
About the area
Situated in eastern Brooklyn just below Highland Park and the Queens border, Cypress Hills features a mix of Victorian homes, row houses, and lively Caribbean and Latin American storefronts. It offers an authentic, un-gentrified community feel with easy transit into Manhattan, alongside scenic ridge views from its expansive parks and historic cemeteries.
- Working-Class
- Historic Architecture
- Park-Adjacent
- Transit-Oriented
Walking and biking in Cypress Hills
Walk score: 88/100 · Bike score: 72/100
Citi Bike docking stations are installed across the neighborhood, connecting directly to bike lanes leading up to the Highland Park and Ridgewood Reservoir greenway loop.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Direct adjacency to Highland Park and the scenic Ridgewood Reservoir walking trails
- Pockets of well-maintained historic Victorian and Queen Anne architecture on the northern slopes
- High public transit accessibility via multiple elevated subway lines and bus routes
- Lower rates of severe violent crime compared to southern parts of East New York
Cons
- Elevated rates of robbery, grand larceny, and car break-ins relative to citywide averages
- Poverty rate hovers near 22%, with lower median household incomes than the broader metro area
- Dimly lit underpasses beneath elevated train lines along Fulton Street can feel intimidating at night
- Litter and dumping issues along industrial edges and beneath elevated tracks
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present, mostly concentrated around major subway stops such as Broadway Junction and Crescent Street, as well as under elevated rail tracks on Fulton Street. The presence is typical for an outer-borough transit corridor, with several city shelters operating in the broader community district.
What Cypress Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and generally safe with school children, commuters heading to elevated subway stations, and open neighborhood bodegas.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling with foot traffic along Jamaica Avenue and Fulton Street; parks and residential side streets feel calm and pleasant.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Commercial strips remain active but quiet down quickly after sunset; stick to well-lit avenues and primary corridors.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets clear out significantly; caution is strongly advised around elevated subway stations and unlit residential blocks.
Transit, parking and getting around
Served extensively by the MTA, with the J and Z elevated subway lines running along Jamaica Avenue and the A and C trains serving nearby Euclid Avenue or Liberty Avenue stations, alongside the B13, B20, and Q24 bus routes.
Street parking is notoriously tight on residential blocks, with alternate side parking rules strictly enforced. Commercial avenues have metered spots, but private parking garages are virtually nonexistent in this area.
Things to do in Cypress Hills
- Walk the peaceful nature trails around the historic Ridgewood Reservoir in Highland Park
- Explore the historic Victorian and Queen Anne architecture in the Cypress Hills Historic District
- Visit the historic and ornate grounds of Salem Fields and Cypress Hills Cemeteries
Local favorites
- Sal & Paul's Pizzeria · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (320)Longstanding neighborhood staple serving classic New York slices and hearty hero sandwiches.
- Taqueria El Sol · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (185)Unpretentious local spot popular for authentic street-style tacos and fresh tortas.
- Highland Park Cafe · Coffee Shop & Bakery · 4.4★ (110)Cozy neighborhood cafe offering fresh coffee, pastries, and breakfast wraps near the park.
Neighborhoods near Cypress Hills
Common questions about Cypress Hills
Is Cypress Hills safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Cypress Hills a good place to live?
On safety, Cypress Hills scores 60/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Cypress Hills?
Walk score 88/100 and bike score 72/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Cypress Hills are safer?
Glendale (Queens) (83), Woodhaven (Queens) (74) score higher nearby.
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