Is Dyker Heights safe?
Brooklyn, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Dyker Heights as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Dyker Heights
“Go. Dyker Heights is one of the safest and quietest residential neighborhoods in Brooklyn, with low violent crime rates and a strong community feel. Visitors can explore with peace of mind, especially when viewing the famous holiday displays or dining along 13th Avenue.”
About the area
Dyker Heights is an affluent, leafy residential enclave in southwestern Brooklyn characterized by stately single-family homes, manicured lawns, and quiet tree-lined streets. It is best known across the city for its extravagant, over-the-top neighborhood Christmas light displays that draw thousands of visitors each winter.
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet Residential
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Suburban Feel
Walking and biking in Dyker Heights
Walk score: 79/100 · Bike score: 62/100
Citi Bike stations are available on main avenues, and riders can connect west to the scenic Shore Road Promenade and Greenway along the waterfront.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to city and borough averages
- High homeownership rate and stable, well-maintained housing stock
- Low poverty rate and solid household income indicators compared to broader NYC metrics
Cons
- Subway stations are located primarily on the neighborhood periphery, requiring bus connections or longer walks
- Extreme seasonal vehicular and pedestrian gridlock during December holiday light viewing
- Limited late-night nightlife, commercial variety, and dining options compared to neighboring districts
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal to non-existent across the interior residential blocks. Occasional individuals experiencing homelessness may be seen near major transit hubs and commercial corridors along 86th Street, but there are no established encampments.
What Dyker Heights is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with school commuters, joggers, and locals walking dogs along calm residential blocks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very secure and orderly, with mild commercial activity on 13th Avenue and 86th Street.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and comfortable for walking, though streets empty out relatively early outside of the holiday season.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low foot traffic and very safe, though standard awareness is advised on dimly lit side streets.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA New York City Transit serves the area via the D train at 71st St or 79th St stations and the R train at 86th St, both roughly a 15- to 20-minute walk from the neighborhood center, complemented by local bus lines like the B4, B16, and B64.
Street parking is generally manageable on residential avenues during the year, but becomes exceptionally difficult with strict temporary restrictions during the December holiday season; commercial garages are virtually non-existent.
Things to do in Dyker Heights
- Tour the world-famous Dyker Heights Christmas Lights between 11th to 13th Avenues and 83rd to 86th Streets during December
- Play a round of golf or walk the perimeter at the public Dyker Beach Golf Course
- Stroll and browse Italian bakeries, specialty food markets, and cafes along 13th Avenue
Local favorites
- Tasty Pastry Shoppe · Bakery · 4.6★ (1250)Long-running neighborhood staple serving classic Italian pastries, cookies, and specialty cakes.
- Lombardo's of Bay Ridge · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (480)Cozy dining room on the Dyker border serving traditional wood-fired pizza and hearty pastas.
- Dyker Beach Golf Course · Golf Course · 4.1★ (650)Historic 18-hole public golf course offering scenic green space, a clubhouse, and practice facilities.
Neighborhoods near Dyker Heights
Common questions about Dyker Heights
Is Dyker Heights safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Dyker Heights a good place to live?
On safety, Dyker Heights scores 87/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Dyker Heights?
Walk score 79/100 and bike score 62/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Dyker Heights are safer?
Dyker Heights scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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