Is Fairfield (NJ) safe?
Fairfield, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Fairfield (NJ) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Fairfield (NJ)
“Go. Fairfield is an exceptionally safe, quiet suburban and commercial community in western Essex County with very low rates of violent crime. Visitors will find excellent dining options and retail along Route 46, though a car is essential to navigate the area.”
About the area
Fairfield is a sprawling suburban township characterized by residential subdivisions, corporate parks, and busy commercial strips along Route 46. It boasts an affluent residential base, well-maintained infrastructure, and a peaceful environment close to the Passaic River.
- Suburban
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
- Commercial Corridor
Walking and biking in Fairfield (NJ)
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 34/100
There is no local bike-share program, and cycling is largely confined to quiet residential side streets due to the lack of dedicated bike lanes on high-speed arterial roads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero, with a strong, highly responsive local police presence
- Affluent economic profile with median household income exceeding $120,000 and low poverty
- Well-maintained suburban housing stock with strong homeownership rates over 85%
Cons
- Isolated vehicle-related property crimes and retail thefts occur along major highway corridors
- Heavy commercial traffic and fast-moving roadways along Route 46 and Route 80
- Extremely car-dependent layout with few contiguous pedestrian walkways
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Fairfield, with no established encampments or active street panhandling.
What Fairfield (NJ) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with residential streets quiet as commuter traffic builds on Route 46.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active around strip malls and business parks, completely secure for shoppers and visitors.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Dining destinations draw steady crowds with well-lit, secure parking lots throughout the area.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and minimal activity outside major thoroughfares, maintaining high overall safety.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates limited local bus service along Route 46 (such as routes 29 and 712), but there is no direct passenger rail station in town; the nearest rail hubs are the Mountain View-Wayne or Little Falls stations on the Montclair-Boonton Line, requiring a 10-minute drive.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the township, with large private surface lots available at nearly all shopping plazas, office parks, and restaurants.
Things to do in Fairfield (NJ)
- Sample craft beers at Cricket Hill Brewing Co., one of New Jersey's original microbreweries
- Browse Italian specialty foods, baked goods, and fine dining at the Calandra's complex
- Explore nature trails and birdwatching at the nearby Great Piece Meadows preserve
Local favorites
- Jose Tejas · Tex-Mex Restaurant · 4.5★ (4600)Consistently bustling highway roadhouse serving massive portions of fresh Cajun and Tex-Mex dishes.
- Calandra's Mediterranean Grill · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)Elegant northern Italian dining featuring an open kitchen, homemade pasta, and an adjoining bakery.
- Cricket Hill Brewing Co. · Brewery · 4.6★ (230)Long-running local craft brewery offering a relaxed tasting room and seasonal ales on tap.
Neighborhoods near Fairfield (NJ)
Common questions about Fairfield (NJ)
Is Fairfield (NJ) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Fairfield (NJ) a good place to live?
On safety, Fairfield (NJ) scores 90/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Fairfield (NJ)?
Walk score 28/100 and bike score 34/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Fairfield (NJ) are safer?
North Caldwell (96), Pine Brook (Montville) (94), Towaco (94) score higher nearby.
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