Is Englewood Cliffs safe?
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Englewood Cliffs as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Englewood Cliffs
“Go. Englewood Cliffs is an exceptionally affluent and safe residential enclave perched above the Hudson River Palisades. Visitors face virtually zero violent crime risk, making it an ideal, worry-free stop for scenic river views or upscale dining.”
About the area
Englewood Cliffs is a prestigious Bergen County borough known for sprawling private estates, corporate headquarters, and dramatic clifftop views of the Hudson River. It features quiet residential streets, scenic trails within the Palisades Interstate Park, and a peaceful suburban atmosphere immediately north of the George Washington Bridge.
- Affluent Suburban
- Tree-Lined Estates
- Scenic & Quiet
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Englewood Cliffs
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 30/100
There are no municipal bike-share stations; however, Route 9W (Sylvan Avenue) and Henry Hudson Drive in the Palisades park below are widely used by experienced regional road cyclists.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero, ranking among the safest municipalities in New Jersey
- Median household income exceeding $200,000 with a negligible poverty rate under 3%
- Extremely well-maintained residential housing stock with high homeownership rates
- Immediate access to the protected natural landscapes of the Palisades Interstate Park
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent layout with minimal pedestrian infrastructure off residential streets
- Isolated residential roads along Sylvan Avenue (Route 9W) experience high-speed traffic
- Occasional targeted luxury vehicle break-ins or driveway thefts common to affluent suburbs
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually nonexistent in Englewood Cliffs, with no encampments or panhandling present in the borough.
What Englewood Cliffs is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with light commuter traffic on Route 9W and residents walking dogs in residential pockets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and secure with minimal foot traffic outside of commercial corridors and park trailheads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe, with activity centered around local restaurants along Sylvan Avenue.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and tranquil on residential streets with low activity and frequent local police patrols.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by NJ Transit bus routes (such as the 156 and 186) providing direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal and GWB Bus Station in Manhattan, but there is no passenger rail station in the borough.
Parking is straightforward with free off-street parking lots at local businesses and park trailheads, alongside unrestricted parking on most residential streets.
Things to do in Englewood Cliffs
- Hike the scenic Long Path or Shore Trail starting from the Englewood Picnic Area in Palisades Interstate Park
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Hudson River and northern Manhattan from clifftop overlooks
- Explore the historic grounds of Saint Michael's Cathedral and surrounding tree-lined estates
Local favorites
- Café Italiano · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (520)Long-standing neighborhood favorite serving classic Italian pastas and entrees in a polished dining room.
- Cliffs Steakhouse · Steakhouse · 4.4★ (460)Upscale dining establishment offering dry-aged steaks, seafood, and a full cocktail lounge.
- Griffin Grill · American Eatery · 4.6★ (180)Casual, welcoming spot for hearty breakfast platters, burgers, and classic deli sandwiches.
Neighborhoods near Englewood Cliffs
Common questions about Englewood Cliffs
Is Englewood Cliffs safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Englewood Cliffs a good place to live?
On safety, Englewood Cliffs scores 93/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Englewood Cliffs?
Walk score 28/100 and bike score 30/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Englewood Cliffs are safer?
Englewood Cliffs scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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