Is Fairfield safe?
Newark, Delaware · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Fairfield as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Fairfield
“Go. Fairfield is a quiet, well-established suburban neighborhood just north of downtown Newark that offers a very safe and relaxed environment. Visitors and residents experience minimal violent crime and peaceful residential streets.”
About the area
Fairfield is a classic mid-century residential enclave in northern Newark, Delaware, bordered by mature trees and scenic parkland. It features single-family homes, quiet cul-de-sacs, and easy access to both the University of Delaware and White Clay Creek State Park.
- Suburban / Peaceful
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Fairfield
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 58/100
Biking is common and relatively convenient, with direct connections to the Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail and nearby White Clay Creek State Park multi-use trails, though dedicated bike-share is limited.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to national and state averages
- High rate of homeownership with well-maintained properties and stable residency
- Above-average household median incomes and low poverty levels
- Direct adjacency to regional parks and extensive outdoor recreation
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like unlocked vehicle trespassing
- Limited commercial options directly within the residential core
- Requires a car or bike to reach most dining and entertainment hubs
- Street lighting can be sparse on deeper residential side streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within Fairfield's residential core, though occasional unhoused individuals may be encountered near regional transit stops along major Newark corridors.
What Fairfield is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and school-bound traffic navigating leafy streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and safe, with very low vehicular traffic on residential loops and easy access to local green spaces.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential, offering safe conditions for evening strolls with standard suburban awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with minimal activity; safety remains high, though streets are somewhat dark.
Transit, parking and getting around
DART First State operates local bus routes (such as Route 33 and Route 16) along adjacent thoroughfares like New London Road and Main Street. Newark Amtrak/SEPTA Regional Rail station is roughly 2.5 miles south.
Street parking in the neighborhood is free, abundant, and straightforward, though local residential restrictions may apply during major University of Delaware events.
Things to do in Fairfield
- Walk or jog the scenic wooded paths at nearby Fairfield Park
- Access the trail network heading into White Clay Creek State Park for hiking and birding
- Take a short trip south to explore the shops and dining along Main Street
Local favorites
- Fairfield Shopping Center · Shopping Plaza · 4.2★ (320)Local convenience center featuring everyday services, dining options, and specialty stores.
- Caffé Gelato · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (1650)Renowned nearby bistro offering handcrafted pasta, artisanal gelato, and an extensive wine list.
- Deer Park Tavern · American Restaurant & Bar · 4.3★ (2100)Historic nearby landmark pub with classic American tavern fare and deep local lore.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.