Is Dunkerhook safe?
Paramus, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Dunkerhook as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Dunkerhook
“Go. Dunkerhook is an exceptionally safe, affluent residential and parkland neighborhood in Bergen County. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent, making it an ideal spot for outdoor recreation and peaceful visits.”
About the area
Dunkerhook is a scenic and historic pocket of Paramus centered around the Dunkerhook section of Saddle River County Park. The area features quiet suburban residential streets, lush wooded parkland, and historic colonial-era architecture.
- Quiet Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Park-Centric
- Car-Dependent
- Historic / Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in Dunkerhook
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 55/100
There is no local bike-share service, but the neighborhood provides immediate access to the Saddle River County Park multi-use path, offering over 6 miles of continuous paved, car-free cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero, well below regional and national benchmarks.
- Affluent economic foundation with median household incomes well above $135,000 and minimal poverty.
- Direct pedestrian access to the paved multi-use trails of Saddle River County Park.
- Pristine, well-maintained single-family homes with high homeownership rates.
Cons
- Car dependency is high, with few commercial amenities within direct walking distance.
- Residential roadways and park boundaries have limited lighting after dark.
- Isolated incidents of opportunistic vehicle theft or package theft typical of quiet suburbs.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Dunkerhook, with no tent encampments or panhandling found in the park or surrounding residential streets.
What Dunkerhook is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and exceptionally safe as joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists fill the park trails.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and peaceful, with families enjoying the playgrounds and very low vehicular traffic on residential streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Serene and safe, though street lighting is subdued on residential lanes.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with empty streets, maintaining a low-risk environment despite minimal foot traffic.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates local bus routes like the 175 and 758 along nearby main thoroughfares, while the nearest commuter rail stops are the Radburn and Broadway Fair Lawn stations on the Bergen County Line, roughly 1.5 to 2 miles away.
Parking is abundant and free in the dedicated Saddle River County Park lots; residential street parking is free and straightforward, subject to standard local overnight parking ordinances.
Things to do in Dunkerhook
- Bike, jog, or stroll along the scenic paved paths of Saddle River County Park.
- Explore local history near the Dunkerhook red sandstone bridge and historic markers.
- Enjoy family picnics, birdwatching, and playground recreation within the county park grounds.
Local favorites
- Biagio's Ristorante · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (1520)Longstanding, polished venue serving classic Italian entrees, steaks, and wood-fired pizzas.
- Oceanos Oyster Bar & Sea Grill · Seafood Restaurant · 4.6★ (1250)Upscale dining destination specializing in high-grade fresh seafood and raw bar specialties.
- Dutch House Tavern · Historic Pub · 4.5★ (980)Historic tavern set in an 18th-century structure serving craft beers and classic tavern fare.
Neighborhoods near Dunkerhook
Common questions about Dunkerhook
Is Dunkerhook safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Dunkerhook a good place to live?
On safety, Dunkerhook scores 91/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Dunkerhook?
Walk score 28/100 and bike score 55/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Dunkerhook are safer?
Oradell (96), Southeast Ridgewood (95), Radburn (94) score higher nearby.
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