Is Delawanna safe?
Clifton, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Delawanna as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Delawanna
“Go. Delawanna is a quiet, working-to-middle-class residential and commercial pocket of southern Clifton that poses minimal risk to visitors during typical hours. Standard vigilance around Route 3 commercial plazas and near transit platforms late at night is all that is required.”
About the area
Delawanna is situated in southern Clifton along the Passaic River and Route 3 corridor, characterized by classic early-to-mid 20th-century residential streets, industrial pockets, and modern retail centers. It serves largely as a quiet commuter enclave with direct rail access into Hoboken and New York City.
- Suburban Enclave
- Commuter Friendly
- Commercial Corridor
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Delawanna
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There is no municipal bike-share system in Clifton, and dedicated cycling lanes are scarce throughout Delawanna, making cycling largely recreational on neighborhood side streets.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both national and regional benchmarks
- Stable middle-income base with high household vehicle availability and steady employment
- Direct NJ Transit commuter rail access via Delawanna Station
Cons
- Opportunistic property crime and retail shoplifting occur around Route 3 commercial centers
- Heavy vehicular traffic and highway noise along the Route 3 and Route 21 corridors
- Some industrial pockets and poorly lit side streets feel isolated after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Delawanna, with very little panhandling or visible encampments. Occasional unhoused individuals may be seen passing through regional transit corridors or major highway retail plazas.
What Delawanna is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and quiet with residents commuting via the NJ Transit train or heading to Route 3; very safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Steady commercial and residential traffic with shoppers and local deliveries; safe to explore.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Busy around retail centers and restaurants, while residential streets quiet down quickly; generally safe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and sparsely populated on residential blocks with occasional traffic; basic situational awareness is recommended around transit lots and commercial strip edges.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates the Delawanna Station on the Main Line, offering direct rail connections to Hoboken and transfers to Secaucus Junction for NYC Penn Station. Local bus service is provided along major arteries by NJ Transit routes such as the 190 and 74.
Residential street parking is readily available and generally free, though some streets have alternate-side sweeping rules or overnight permit regulations. Commercial centers along Route 3 offer large, free surface parking lots.
Things to do in Delawanna
- Catch a movie or shop at the sprawling Clifton Commons entertainment complex
- Enjoy the outdoor recreation facilities and playgrounds at nearby Delawanna Park
- Sample regional Portuguese and American diner fare along Delawanna Avenue and Main Avenue
Local favorites
- Clifton Commons · Shopping Mall / Entertainment · 4.3★ (11500)A major retail and dining destination featuring large retailers and the AMC Clifton Commons 16 theater.
- The Famous Shannon Rose Irish Pub · Irish Pub & Restaurant · 4.2★ (3100)A lively Irish pub in Clifton Commons serving classic tavern fare, craft pints, and sports viewing.
- Mario's Restaurant & Pizzeria · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (920)A longstanding neighborhood staple serving traditional New Jersey-style pizza and hearty pasta dishes.
Neighborhoods near Delawanna
Common questions about Delawanna
Is Delawanna safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Delawanna a good place to live?
On safety, Delawanna scores 79/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Delawanna?
Walk score 58/100 and bike score 42/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Delawanna are safer?
Rutherford (90), Avondale (Nutley) (87), Allwood (86) score higher nearby.
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