Is Essex Fells safe?
Essex Fells, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Essex Fells as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Essex Fells
“Go. Essex Fells is an exceptionally safe, serene, and affluent suburban community with virtually non-existent violent crime. While purely residential with minimal commercial activity, visitors exploring its historic estates and landscaped parks will find total peace of mind at any hour.”
About the area
Essex Fells is an exclusive, quiet residential enclave characterized by sprawling historic homes, mature tree canopies, and lush parkland in western Essex County. It has strictly preserved its pastoral character with no commercial district, keeping vehicular traffic low and neighborhood tranquility high.
- Quiet & Suburban
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Affluent Enclave
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Essex Fells
Walk score: 20/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There are no bike-share stations or dedicated bike lanes in the borough, requiring cyclists to share narrow, hilly residential roads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Near-zero violent crime rate and some of the lowest property crime metrics in New Jersey
- Median household income exceeding $250,000 with a near-zero poverty rate
- Well-maintained municipal parks, tranquil ponds, and historic single-family architecture
- Highly responsive local police department and stable, owner-occupied housing stock
Cons
- Strictly residential zoning means zero retail, cafes, or dining within borough limits
- Winding suburban roads often lack sidewalks and streetlights
- High car dependency requires driving to neighboring Caldwell or Verona for basic amenities
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not present in Essex Fells, with no encampments or panhandling reported in the municipality.
What Essex Fells is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and scenic with residents jogging or walking dogs along tree-lined roads with no safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Tranquil and exceptionally safe with occasional service vehicles and light local traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Extremely quiet as residential areas wind down, remaining completely safe to walk though lighting is subdued.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Completely silent and dark with very little activity, remaining exceptionally secure.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates bus routes along neighboring Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell, while the nearest commuter rail stations are in Montclair about 10 to 15 minutes away by car.
On-street parking is generally restricted overnight, but free daytime parking is readily available at municipal park lots and recreation areas.
Things to do in Essex Fells
- Walk the wooded walking paths and bridges near Essex Fells Pond
- Explore the stately historic architecture and lush canopy along Devon and Fells Roads
- Relax or play tennis near the municipal recreation fields adjacent to Trotters Cabin
Local favorites
- Essex Fells Country Club · Golf & Country Club · 4.6★ (115)Historic private golf club and event venue nestled among rolling wooded terrain.
- Cloverleaf Tavern · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (2650)Long-running nearby family tavern on the Caldwell border famous for craft beer and burgers.
- Calandra's Bakery · Bakery · 4.6★ (1890)Beloved Italian bakery nearby offering fresh artisan bread, pastries, and deli items.
Neighborhoods near Essex Fells
Common questions about Essex Fells
Is Essex Fells safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Essex Fells a good place to live?
On safety, Essex Fells scores 96/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Essex Fells?
Walk score 20/100 and bike score 24/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Essex Fells are safer?
Essex Fells scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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