Is Elmwood Park (NJ) safe?
Elmwood Park, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Elmwood Park (NJ) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Elmwood Park (NJ)
“Go. Elmwood Park is a quiet, family-oriented suburban community in Bergen County that offers a peaceful environment for visitors. Violent crime is rare, and standard suburban precautions are sufficient when exploring its local restaurants and neighborhood parks.”
About the area
Elmwood Park is a dense suburban borough situated along the Passaic River, known for its mix of single-family residences and diverse dining options. It serves as an accessible bedroom community within the New York metropolitan area with strong middle-class roots.
- Family-Friendly
- Suburban
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
Walking and biking in Elmwood Park (NJ)
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, and dedicated on-street bike lanes are sparse, meaning cycling is largely limited to quiet residential side streets and local park loops.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both state and national benchmarks
- Solid median household income near $90,000 with high rates of residential homeownership
- Close proximity to major Bergen County transit arteries and highway corridors
- Quiet residential streets with strong community and civic presence
Cons
- Occasional vehicle break-ins and opportunistic property crime along commercial corridors
- Heavy commuter traffic congestion along Route 4, Route 46, and Market Street
- Border areas adjacent to industrial pockets and transit crossings can feel desolate at night
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in the residential areas of Elmwood Park, though occasional individuals may be seen near high-traffic highway commercial plazas or regional transit access points.
What Elmwood Park (NJ) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with local school commuters and morning walkers along tree-lined residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active around local shopping strips and parks, maintaining an open and secure atmosphere.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe, with family activity centered around local restaurants and neighborhood sports fields.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with low foot traffic; streets are generally safe but standard vigilance is advised near major highway junctions.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by NJ Transit, with rail service nearby at Plauderville Station on the Bergen County Line (just over the Garfield border) and Broadway Station in adjacent Fair Lawn. NJ Transit buses like the 160, 161, and 171 connect the borough directly to Midtown Manhattan and regional hubs.
Parking is generally easy and free on most residential streets, though some street cleaning restrictions apply. Strip malls and free dedicated parking lots serve almost all commercial establishments.
Things to do in Elmwood Park (NJ)
- Walk or relax along the waterfront at Elmwood Park Marina and Borough Field
- Sample authentic Eastern European cuisine along the Market Street corridor
- Enjoy community sports and recreation at Cherry Hill Park
Local favorites
- Royal Warsaw Restaurant · Polish Restaurant · 4.6★ (1250)A regional favorite serving traditional Polish comfort food including pierogi, kielbasa, and schnitzel in a classic dining room.
- Taverna Mykonos · Greek Restaurant · 4.5★ (920)An upscale Mediterranean venue offering fresh seafood, grilled meats, and classic Greek small plates.
- Elmwood Park Diner · Diner · 4.3★ (1100)A quintessential New Jersey diner offering extensive breakfast, lunch, and late-night comfort menus.
Neighborhoods near Elmwood Park (NJ)
Common questions about Elmwood Park (NJ)
Is Elmwood Park (NJ) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Elmwood Park (NJ) a good place to live?
On safety, Elmwood Park (NJ) scores 82/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Elmwood Park (NJ)?
Walk score 62/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Elmwood Park (NJ) are safer?
Warren Point (90), Saddle Brook (86), Rochelle Park (86) score higher nearby.
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