Is East Rutherford safe?
East Rutherford, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates East Rutherford as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on East Rutherford
“Go. East Rutherford is a safe, stable Bergen County borough with exceptionally low violent crime and strong suburban fundamentals. Visitors traveling to residential areas, local dining corridors, or the Meadowlands entertainment complex will find a secure environment at all hours.”
About the area
East Rutherford blends a traditional, quiet North Jersey suburban community with the sprawling Meadowlands entertainment district. Its residential neighborhoods feature neat single-family homes and tree-lined streets, while its commercial corridors host major regional attractions like MetLife Stadium and the American Dream complex.
- Suburban Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Entertainment Hub
- Transit-Connected
Walking and biking in East Rutherford
Walk score: 72/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, and cycling is mostly practical on quiet interior residential streets rather than along high-speed arterial highways.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both state and national averages.
- Robust economic stability with a median household income exceeding $95,000 and low poverty rates.
- Active local police presence across both the residential core and the high-traffic entertainment districts.
Cons
- Heavy vehicle traffic and occasional vehicle break-ins associated with mega-event parking lots and mall plazas.
- Major thoroughfares like Route 3 and Route 17 create high-speed pedestrian hazards on the borough's edges.
- Substantial congestion and noise during major MetLife Stadium events and NFL game days.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in East Rutherford, with virtually no encampments or panhandling observed in residential neighborhoods or commercial plazas.
What East Rutherford is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with commuters heading toward bus stops and local residents walking dogs.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm in residential neighborhoods, while shopping centers and commercial corridors see steady, orderly foot traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet on local streets with safe dining environments around downtown and bustling activity near the Meadowlands.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low crime risk, though main roads stay quiet aside from post-event stadium crowd dispersals.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit serves the area via buses (routes 160, 163, and 164 direct to Port Authority) and rail access via the adjacent Rutherford Station (Bergen County Line, within a 10-minute walk from western neighborhoods) plus the Meadowlands Station on event days.
Residential street parking is readily available with overnight permit rules in certain zones; commercial areas and entertainment venues offer extensive dedicated parking garages and surface lots.
Things to do in East Rutherford
- Catch an NFL game or stadium concert at MetLife Stadium.
- Experience year-round indoor skiing, water parks, and shopping at the American Dream complex.
- Explore local Italian bakeries and dining along Paterson Avenue.
Local favorites
- Annabella's House of Mozzarella · Italian Deli & Restaurant · 4.7★ (750)Acclaimed local market serving handcrafted fresh mozzarella, specialty sandwiches, and classic Italian pasta dishes.
- Il Villaggio · Fine Dining Italian · 4.6★ (1150)Upscale landmark restaurant offering classic northern Italian fine dining and an extensive wine list.
- Park Tavern · Pub / American · 4.6★ (520)Lively neighborhood tavern known for draft beer, thin-crust pizza, and classic sports bar comfort food.
Neighborhoods near East Rutherford
Common questions about East Rutherford
Is East Rutherford safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is East Rutherford a good place to live?
On safety, East Rutherford 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 Rutherford?
Walk score 72/100 and bike score 48/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near East Rutherford are safer?
Rutherford (90), Wood-Ridge (90), North End (Secaucus) (88) score higher nearby.
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