Is East New York-New Lots safe?
Brooklyn, New York · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates East New York-New Lots as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on East New York-New Lots
“Go with care. While East New York-New Lots is a bustling residential neighborhood with strong Caribbean culinary roots and active transit corridors, violent and property crime rates in the 75th Precinct remain significantly above the New York City average. Casual visitors should stay alert, stick to main commercial avenues during daylight hours, and avoid wandering residential side streets or NYCHA developments after dark.”
About the area
East New York-New Lots is a densely populated working-class neighborhood in eastern Brooklyn defined by semi-detached row homes, local bodegas, and high-density housing developments. It features a diverse Afro-Caribbean and Latino population with active neighborhood commerce centered along New Lots and Pennsylvania Avenues. Outside of authentic Caribbean food spots and community parks, it offers relatively few conventional tourist destinations.
- Working-Class
- Transit-Connected
- Dense Residential
- Culturally Diverse
Walking and biking in East New York-New Lots
Walk score: 86/100 · Bike score: 67/100
Citi Bike docking stations are present near subway hubs, and painted bike lanes exist on select cross streets, though comprehensive protected greenway connections require riding south toward Jamaica Bay.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Vibrant Caribbean and West Indian culinary scene with authentic neighborhood bakeries and eateries
- Direct subway access via the 3 and L train terminals connecting into central Brooklyn and Manhattan
- Active daytime pedestrian foot traffic along primary commercial avenues like New Lots Avenue
Cons
- Violent crime and robbery rates in the 75th Precinct are substantially higher than the citywide median
- Elevated poverty rate exceeding 25% alongside lower median household incomes compared to borough averages
- Poorly lit side streets and quiet industrial fringes feel desolate and pose elevated safety risks at night
- Subway stations and elevated transit platforms can feel isolated during off-peak hours
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present, mostly concentrated around major subway terminal exits, transit plazas, and nearby shelter facilities along industrial border corridors.
What East New York-New Lots is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and generally safe as commuters and students head to subway entrances and bus stops along major avenues.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy commercial corridors with open storefronts and steady foot traffic, though situational awareness is still necessary.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly on residential blocks, and street presence noticeably thins out along secondary avenues.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Safety drops significantly; elevated risks of robberies and violent street incidents warrant avoiding solo walking.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA New York City Transit serves the area via the New Lots Avenue terminal (3 train) and nearby L train stops at Livonia Avenue, complemented by major bus routes including the B15, B20, and B83.
Street parking is largely free but tightly contested on residential side streets; metered parking is available on commercial avenues, with virtually no public parking garages in the immediate area.
Things to do in East New York-New Lots
- Explore authentic Jamaican and Trinidadian bakeries and eateries along New Lots Avenue
- Visit the Linden Park athletic complex for community sports games and track facilities
- Shop and walk around the bustling open-air Gateway Center commercial area nearby
Local favorites
- Lindenwood Diner · Diner · 4.2★ (3250)A spacious, retro-style Brooklyn institution serving hearty American breakfasts, burgers, and classic diner staples.
- C&J Jamaican Restaurant · Caribbean Restaurant · 4.3★ (420)Popular local takeout spot known for generous portions of jerk chicken, oxtail, and curry goat.
- Sal & Paul's Pizzeria · Pizza Restaurant · 4.4★ (310)Long-running neighborhood corner counter serving classic thin-crust New York slices and hot heroes.
Neighborhoods near East New York-New Lots
Common questions about East New York-New Lots
Is East New York-New Lots safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is East New York-New Lots a good place to live?
On safety, East New York-New Lots scores 48/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is East New York-New Lots?
Walk score 86/100 and bike score 67/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near East New York-New Lots are safer?
Canarsie (74), Spring Creek-Starrett City (64), Cypress Hills (60) score higher nearby.
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