Is East New York (North) safe?
Brooklyn, New York · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates East New York (North) as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on East New York (North)
“Go with care. While northern East New York has rich Caribbean and Latin American culinary spots and convenient access to Highland Park, persistent elevated crime levels require heightened vigilance. Casual visitors should stick to daylight hours along active commercial and transit avenues and avoid isolated streets after dark.”
About the area
Northern East New York is a dense, working-class Brooklyn neighborhood centered around busy corridors like Fulton Street and Atlantic Avenue. It features a mix of multi-family row houses, public housing complexes, and major transit infrastructure, bordering Cypress Hills to the north.
- Working-Class
- Transit-Heavy
- Culturally Diverse
- Urban Grit
Walking and biking in East New York (North)
Walk score: 88/100 · Bike score: 68/100
Citi Bike docks are distributed throughout the area, providing bike-share access that connects north toward Highland Park, though protected on-street bike lanes are sparse.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Immediate access to the scenic Ridgewood Reservoir and walking paths at Highland Park.
- Authentic and affordable Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Caribbean culinary staples along commercial avenues.
- Comprehensive rail connections at the Broadway Junction and Fulton Street subway stations.
Cons
- Violent crime and robbery rates in the 75th Precinct rank well above the New York City average.
- Elevated poverty rates exceeding 25% and lower median household incomes.
- Pockets of industrial frontage and elevated rail corridors that feel deserted and poorly lit at night.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and individuals in distress are most frequently observed around the Broadway Junction elevated complex and along Atlantic Avenue commercial parcels, with several municipal shelters and drop-in centers operating nearby.
What East New York (North) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are lively with school-bound families and commuters filling the subway entrances and bus stops.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons have steady commercial foot traffic along Fulton Street, though general street awareness is still recommended.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity tapers quickly off commercial strips, and quiet residential blocks require increased situational caution.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late-night hours carry elevated safety risks for street robbery and violent incidents; walking alone is not advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Operated by the MTA, the neighborhood is anchored by the Broadway Junction transit hub and stations along the A, C, J, Z, and L subway lines, with heavy bus service on the B12, B20, B25, and B83 routes.
Free street parking is available on residential blocks subject to alternate-side sweeping regulations, while metered spots line Fulton Street; commercial parking garages are practically nonexistent.
Things to do in East New York (North)
- Explore the nature trails, birdwatching spots, and historic reservoir loop at Highland Park.
- Sample fresh Caribbean patties, jerk chicken, and Dominican mofongo along Fulton Street.
- Visit local urban agriculture projects and seasonal markets run by East New York Farms!.
Local favorites
- El Gran Canario II · Dominican Restaurant · 4.2★ (510)Long-running neighborhood staple serving hearty Dominican specialties like pernil, mofongo, and stewed chicken.
- Armando's Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.3★ (420)No-frills counter-serve pizzeria offering classic New York-style slices and specialty pies.
- Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant · Caribbean Restaurant · 4.1★ (360)Reliable outpost for flaky beef patties, oxtail, and curried goat platters.
Neighborhoods near East New York (North)
Common questions about East New York (North)
Is East New York (North) safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is East New York (North) a good place to live?
On safety, East New York (North) scores 46/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is East New York (North)?
Walk score 88/100 and bike score 68/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near East New York (North) are safer?
Spring Creek-Starrett City (64), Cypress Hills (60), Ocean Hill (58) score higher nearby.
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