Is Fairwoods safe?
Madison, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Fairwoods as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Fairwoods
“Go. Fairwoods is an exceptionally safe, affluent, and peaceful residential neighborhood in Madison. Visitors will find manicured tree-lined streets, virtually non-existent violent crime, and an idyllic suburban atmosphere.”
About the area
Fairwoods is a picturesque, family-oriented enclave of Madison characterized by well-kept mid-century and colonial homes on spacious lots. It borders parkland and offers quick access to Madison's charming downtown while maintaining a quiet, secluded residential environment.
- Suburban
- Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Residential
Walking and biking in Fairwoods
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There are no municipal bike-share stations, but the low-traffic residential streets are comfortable for cycling and connect easily toward downtown Madison and the Traction Line Recreation Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are virtually zero and significantly below national and state averages
- High household median incomes exceeding $175,000 and strong homeownership stability
- Well-maintained infrastructure, active neighborhood vigilance, and excellent local municipal services
- Quiet streets with minimal through-traffic make it very secure for walking and recreation
Cons
- Car dependency for most retail and dining errands outside the immediate residential zone
- Suburban dark-sky ambiance means limited street lighting along some residential blocks at night
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like unlocked vehicle trespassing reported in the wider borough
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Fairwoods or the broader borough of Madison, with no encampments or panhandling observed.
What Fairwoods is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents jogging, walking dogs, and commuting with complete safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and sunlit with school buses, delivery trucks, and family activities in front yards.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and quiet with families returning home; completely safe for evening strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with virtually no foot traffic or safety concerns, though street lighting is sparse.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates the Madison Station on the Morristown Line roughly 1.5 miles north, providing direct rail service into New York Penn Station and Hoboken. NJ Transit bus route 873 also serves downtown Madison along Main Street.
Residential street parking is free, plentiful, and unmetered throughout the neighborhood, though borough overnight on-street parking rules may apply.
Things to do in Fairwoods
- Walk or jog through the scenic, low-traffic loops of the Fairwoods neighborhood
- Visit nearby Memorial Park and Hartley Dodge Memorial building in central Madison
- Explore the walking paths and native woodland flora at the nearby Drew University Forest Preserve
Local favorites
- Sunday Motor Co. Cafe · Cafe & Brunch · 4.6★ (510)A stylish automotive-themed cafe offering specialty coffees, avocado toasts, and breakfast sandwiches.
- The Bottle Hill Tavern · American Restaurant & Pub · 4.4★ (680)A welcoming local tavern serving elevated pub fare, craft beers, and cocktails in downtown Madison.
- Daddy O's BBQ & Sports Bar · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.3★ (420)A casual local spot famous for ribs, smoked brisket, pulled pork, and viewing sporting events.
Neighborhoods near Fairwoods
Common questions about Fairwoods
Is Fairwoods safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Fairwoods a good place to live?
On safety, Fairwoods scores 95/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Fairwoods?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 48/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Fairwoods are safer?
Chatham (Chatham Township) (96) score higher nearby.
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