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Is East Midtown-Turtle Bay safe?

Manhattan, New York · safety score updated nightly

86out of 100

Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.

VibeLoco rates East Midtown-Turtle Bay as “Go”.

What makes up this score?

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Gogo's take on East Midtown-Turtle Bay

“Go. East Midtown-Turtle Bay is one of Manhattan's safest and most orderly neighborhoods, home to foreign consulates, residential enclaves, and corporate offices. Visitors can explore comfortably at almost any hour with standard urban awareness, keeping an eye on belongings in crowded commercial corridors.”

About the area

East Midtown and Turtle Bay blend diplomatic prestige with tree-lined residential side streets and lively dining corridors along Second and Third Avenues. Anchored by the United Nations Headquarters on the East River, the area offers a calmer, more upscale atmosphere than Midtown West. It provides excellent connectivity to the rest of the city while maintaining a neighborhood feel.

  • Diplomatic Enclave
  • Historic / Tree-Lined
  • Walkable Dining Hub
  • Urban Bustle

Walking and biking in East Midtown-Turtle Bay

Walk score: 99/100 · Bike score: 88/100

Citi Bike stations are available on nearly every block, with convenient connections to the East River Greenway multi-use path on the neighborhood's eastern edge.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

  • Consulate presence and active NYPD 17th Precinct patrolling keep violent crime rates among the lowest in Manhattan.
  • Very high median household income exceeding $140,000 paired with low residential vacancy rates.
  • Extensive pedestrian infrastructure and quick access to iconic landmarks like Tudor City and the UN complex.
  • Vibrant, neighborhood-friendly dining and pub scene along Second Avenue.

Cons

  • Commercial avenues experience recurring petty property crime such as shoplifting and unattended theft.
  • Significant diplomatic motorcade congestion and street closures during international events.
  • Occasional panhandling and street-level disturbances clustered around Lexington Avenue transit entrances.

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present along the western edge near Lexington Avenue and Grand Central transit corridors. Permanent encampments are rare due to frequent municipal outreach and security presence.

What East Midtown-Turtle Bay is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a
Sidewalks are bustling with diplomats, office workers, and dog walkers, creating a crisp, highly secure environment.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p
Avenues are active with lunch crowds and tourists around the UN, offering an open and safe walking experience.
Evening · 5p – 10p
Second and Third Avenues fill with happy hour patrons and diners, maintaining high foot traffic and good natural surveillance.
Late night · 10p – 5a
Residential side streets become very quiet while avenues retain some bar traffic, remaining generally safe with standard city precautions.

Transit, parking and getting around

Operated by MTA, the area features major subway hubs including Grand Central-42nd St (4, 5, 6, 7, S) and Lexington Ave/51st-53rd St (6, E, M), complemented by M15-SBS and crosstown M42 and M50 buses.

Street parking is strictly regulated with diplomatic parking spaces and commercial loading zones; numerous parking garages operate nearby, generally costing $40 to $75 per day.

Things to do in East Midtown-Turtle Bay

  • Take a guided tour of the iconic United Nations Headquarters and its international art collection.
  • Stroll through the quiet elevated parks and neo-Gothic architecture of historic Tudor City Greens.
  • Visit the Japan Society for contemporary cultural exhibits, film screenings, and performing arts.

Local favorites

  • The Smith · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (4250)
    A bustling, classic American brasserie known for raw bar selections, steaks, and a lively brunch crowd.
  • Sofia Wine Bar & Cafe · Wine Bar · 4.6★ (540)
    An intimate, candlelit neighborhood wine bar offering Italian small plates and wood-fired pizzas.
  • Ess-a-Bagel · Bagel Shop · 4.5★ (5850)
    A legendary New York institution famous for oversized, chewy hand-rolled bagels and extensive spreads.

Neighborhoods near East Midtown-Turtle Bay

More: all Manhattan neighborhoods · safest neighborhoods in New York

Common questions about East Midtown-Turtle Bay

Is East Midtown-Turtle Bay safe to walk at night?

Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.

Is East Midtown-Turtle Bay a good place to live?

On safety, East Midtown-Turtle Bay scores 86/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.

How walkable is East Midtown-Turtle Bay?

Walk score 99/100 and bike score 88/100. Most errands can be done on foot.

Which areas near East Midtown-Turtle Bay are safer?

Upper East Side-Carnegie Hill (94), Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island (92) score higher nearby.

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