Is Downer safe?
Monroe, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Downer as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Downer
“Go. Downer is a quiet, semi-rural residential community in Monroe Township that is very safe for visitors and residents alike. While there are few walkable commercial attractions, violent crime is exceptionally rare and property crime rates remain well below national averages.”
About the area
Downer is an unincorporated, semi-rural enclave located within Monroe Township in Gloucester County, New Jersey. The area is defined by wooded residential lots, single-family homes, and open space, creating a peaceful and low-stress environment. Visitors generally pass through or use the area as a calm base to explore nearby South Jersey parks and farm markets.
- Quiet / Residential
- Wooded & Semi-Rural
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Downer
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 28/100
There are no bike-share stations in the neighborhood, but local roads connect easily to the paved Monroe Township Bikepath for recreational riding.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime and serious property crime rates are well below state and national averages.
- High homeownership rate and stable residential base with median household incomes exceeding $95,000.
- Quiet, low-density neighborhood layout with minimal through-traffic and noise.
- Convenient driving access to regional thoroughfares including Route 322 and the Black Horse Pike.
Cons
- Extremely car-dependent with almost no sidewalks or pedestrian-friendly streetscapes.
- Rural and residential roads have sparse street lighting after dark.
- Very few commercial businesses or dining options located directly within the neighborhood borders.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in this quiet suburban-rural neighborhood, as supportive social services and shelters in Gloucester County are located in larger hubs like Woodbury and Glassboro.
What Downer is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with light local commuter traffic and quiet residential lanes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and very safe with low vehicular activity and open, green surroundings.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and tranquil with virtually no foot traffic; highly secure for evening strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Dark and dormant with negligible activity, posing minimal safety risks aside from limited street lighting on rural roads.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit options are minimal; NJ Transit operates select regional bus routes along the nearby Route 322 and Black Horse Pike corridors, but a personal vehicle is required for daily transit.
Parking is effortless and free, with ample space on private residential driveways and along quiet township side streets without meters or permit restrictions.
Things to do in Downer
- Walk or bike along the scenic Monroe Township Bikepath located just minutes away.
- Spend an afternoon hiking, kayaking, or birdwatching at nearby Scotland Run Park.
- Taste local South Jersey wines and relax by the lake at nearby Autumn Lake Winery.
Local favorites
- Autumn Lake Winery · Winery · 4.7★ (860)Scenic lakeside winery offering tastings, live music events, and outdoor seating.
- Rack's Pub & Grill · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (1420)Lively sports pub serving classic bar bites, burgers, and craft beers on tap.
- Geets Diner & Bar · Diner · 4.2★ (1850)Long-standing South Jersey diner serving hearty breakfast staples, entrees, and late-night fare.
Neighborhoods near Downer
- Cross Keys (Monroe) · Monroe85
- Clayton (NJ) · Clayton79
- Dilkesboro · Washington Township (Gloucester County)89
- Bells Lake · Washington Township (Gloucester County)91
- Williamstown (Monroe) · Monroe81
- Green Tree · Washington Township (Gloucester County)88
More: all Monroe neighborhoods · safest neighborhoods in New Jersey
Common questions about Downer
Is Downer safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Downer a good place to live?
On safety, Downer scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Downer?
Walk score 12/100 and bike score 28/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Downer are safer?
Bells Lake (91), Dilkesboro (89), Green Tree (88) score higher nearby.
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