Is Garfield safe?
Garfield, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Garfield as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Garfield
“Go. Garfield is a densely populated, working-class Bergen County suburb that is generally safe for visitors and diners. Violent crime is relatively low compared to neighboring urban centers across the river, though basic situational awareness is recommended around major transit corridors and commercial strips at night.”
About the area
Situated along the Passaic River in southern Bergen County, Garfield is a vibrant community known for its Polish, Italian, and Latino heritage, featuring diverse casual dining and family-oriented neighborhoods. It offers a dense, residential street grid interspersed with bustling commercial avenues like River Drive and Passaic Street.
- Working-Class
- Dense Suburban
- Diverse Dining Hub
- Transit-Connected
Walking and biking in Garfield
Walk score: 74/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is no municipal bike-share system in Garfield, and dedicated bike lanes are scarce along high-traffic corridors like River Drive, though quieter interior residential streets are manageable for cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than nearby Passaic and Paterson urban centers
- Rich culinary scene featuring authentic Polish bakeries, delis, and Italian pizzerias
- High residential occupancy and engaged community presence on neighborhood streets
- Direct NJ Transit rail connectivity into Hoboken and New York City
Cons
- Property crime, vehicle break-ins, and catalytic converter thefts occur intermittently in dense residential zones
- Traffic congestion and tight street parking can cause local friction along narrow residential roads
- Low-lying areas along the Passaic River remain susceptible to severe localized flooding during heavy storms
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Garfield, though occasional individuals may be seen near major transit stops or along commercial plazas bordering neighboring Passaic. There are no large encampments in the city.
What Garfield is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are lively and safe with commuters walking to train stops and local delis opening up for breakfast.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Commercial corridors stay busy with shoppers and school traffic, maintaining a relaxed and secure neighborhood feel.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Restaurants and bars bring steady foot traffic along Passaic Street and River Drive with minimal safety concerns.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Residential blocks quiet down significantly; it remains mostly calm, though caution is wise around isolated rail underpasses.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates two train stations in town (Garfield Station and Plauderville Station on the Bergen County Line) providing direct service to Hoboken and Secaucus Junction. Several local NJ Transit bus lines, including the 160 and 161, offer direct routes to Manhattan's Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Street parking can be challenging in dense multi-family residential blocks, often requiring local permits overnight. Metered parking and dedicated lots are available near commercial strips along Passaic Street and River Drive at low or no cost.
Things to do in Garfield
- Sample authentic Polish kielbasa, pierogi, and baked goods at specialty food shops along Passaic Street
- Take a stroll or relax by the Passaic River waterfront at 20th Century Field
- Explore the historic Saint Stanislaus Kostka Church and surrounding heritage architecture
Local favorites
- Plast-o-Matic / Garfield Bar & Grill (The Firehouse) · American Restaurant & Pub · 4.5★ (320)A cozy, historic local watering hole serving classic pub fare, craft beers, and pizza.
- Piast Meats & Provisions · Polish Deli & Market · 4.7★ (1150)A landmark Eastern European market famed for smoked kielbasa, fresh pierogi, and imported groceries.
- Good Fellas Ristorante · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (540)An old-school Italian staple offering hearty pasta dishes, seafood, and classic red-sauce favorites.
Neighborhoods near Garfield
Common questions about Garfield
Is Garfield safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Garfield a good place to live?
On safety, Garfield scores 76/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Garfield?
Walk score 74/100 and bike score 52/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Garfield are safer?
Saddle Brook (86), Wallington (84), Elmwood Park (NJ) (82) score higher nearby.
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