Is Franklin Lakes safe?
Franklin Lakes, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Franklin Lakes as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Franklin Lakes
“Go. Franklin Lakes is one of the safest and most affluent suburban communities in northern New Jersey, boasting exceptionally low crime rates across all categories. Visitors face virtually no personal safety concerns, though you will need a personal vehicle to get around.”
About the area
Franklin Lakes is a quiet, leafy borough in northwestern Bergen County characterized by sprawling custom estates, tranquil lakes, and upscale shopping plazas. It offers scenic nature preserves and a peaceful suburban environment just 25 miles northwest of New York City.
- Affluent Suburban
- Wooded Estates
- Quiet & Scenic
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Franklin Lakes
Walk score: 22/100 · Bike score: 28/100
There are no public bike-share programs; while roads are scenic and low-traffic, they lack dedicated bike lanes and feature rolling hills best suited for experienced road cyclists.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are virtually zero, ranking among the lowest in the United States
- Extremely affluent community with median household incomes exceeding $200,000 and near-zero poverty
- Pristine, well-maintained public parks, nature reserves, and infrastructure
Cons
- Regional targeting of high-end luxury vehicles in driveways requires basic vigilance with car locks
- Heavy car dependency with virtually no pedestrian-friendly sidewalks outside of shopping plazas
- Very limited nightlife or late-night commercial activity
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Franklin Lakes, with no encampments or panhandling observed in the borough. County-level support services and shelters are situated in larger urban hubs such as Hackensack and Paterson.
What Franklin Lakes is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet, with joggers around the nature preserve and light commuter traffic heading toward Route 208.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and residential, with shoppers frequenting local plazas along Franklin Avenue in complete safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and family-oriented, with local restaurants filling up and minimal street-level pedestrian activity.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and silent along residential lanes, with regular police patrols and virtually zero safety risk.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit bus route 164 provides limited commuter service to Manhattan's Port Authority Bus Terminal, but there is no direct passenger rail in the borough; the nearest NJ Transit train station is the Hawthorne or Ridgewood Station on the Main/Bergen County Line, about a 10-15 minute drive away.
Parking is abundant and free in large surface lots at all shopping centers, town facilities, and nature preserves; street parking is rarely necessary or permitted overnight.
Things to do in Franklin Lakes
- Hike, kayak, or birdwatch around the 120-acre Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve
- Explore the nearby trails and ridge-line vistas of High Mountain Park Preserve
- Shop gourmet groceries, specialty baked goods, and prepared foods at The Market Basket
Local favorites
- The Market Basket · Gourmet Grocery & Deli · 4.6★ (1150)Renowned local upscale marketplace featuring specialty foods, fresh bakery items, catering, and gourmet deli counters.
- Pazza · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (460)Popular suburban eatery serving classic Italian fare, wood-fired pizzas, and craft cocktails in a stylish setting.
- Chef Mike's Sub Shop · Sandwich Shop · 4.7★ (230)Beloved neighborhood deli known for generous portions of traditional cold subs, hot sandwiches, and catering.
Neighborhoods near Franklin Lakes
Common questions about Franklin Lakes
Is Franklin Lakes safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Franklin Lakes a good place to live?
On safety, Franklin Lakes scores 94/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Franklin Lakes?
Walk score 22/100 and bike score 28/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Franklin Lakes are safer?
Franklin Lakes scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Franklin Lakes? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.