Is Great Notch safe?
Little Falls, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Great Notch as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Great Notch
“Go. Great Notch is a peaceful, affluent suburban enclave in Little Falls characterized by very low crime and quiet residential streets. Visitors face virtually no violent crime risks, making it an exceptionally safe destination for exploring or dining nearby.”
About the area
Situated along the ridge bordering Montclair and Clifton, Great Notch is a leafy residential section of Little Falls Township. The area features well-maintained single-family homes, proximity to Montclair State University, and easy access to major northern New Jersey commuter corridors.
- Quiet / Residential
- Suburban Enclave
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Great Notch
Walk score: 34/100 · Bike score: 28/100
There is no local municipal bike-share system, and the hilly streets lack dedicated bike lanes, making cycling mostly recreational rather than utilitarian.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero, significantly below national and state averages
- High median household income exceeding $115,000 with low poverty rates
- Well-maintained housing stock with high homeownership and low vacancy
Cons
- Steep topography and car-dependent roadways make walking difficult
- Heavy regional traffic and congestion along nearby Route 46 corridor
- Limited standalone commercial activity directly inside the residential core
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and encampments are practically nonexistent in this quiet residential section of Little Falls.
What Great Notch is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with commuters heading to work and residents jogging along residential side streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-oriented, with school traffic and quiet neighborhood routines posing no safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential atmosphere where neighborhood dining spots remain relaxed and safe to visit.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and low-activity residential streets where crime remains rare, though streets can feel deserted.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates local bus service along Valley Road and Route 46, and rail service via the Montclair-Boonton Line is accessible at the nearby Montclair Heights and Little Falls stations within a short drive.
Free residential street parking and private business driveways/lots make parking straightforward, with no metered zones or parking garages necessary.
Things to do in Great Notch
- Explore the nearby nature trails and birdwatching at the Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve
- Visit the public art installations and performances at neighboring Montclair State University
- Walk along preserved segments of the historic Morris Canal Greenway nearby
Local favorites
- Rare, The Steak House · Steakhouse · 4.5★ (850)Upscale dining destination serving dry-aged steaks, chops, and Italian-influenced sides.
- The Fine Grind - A Coffee Bar · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (1150)Cozy independent cafe offering specialty espresso drinks, loose-leaf teas, and light bites.
- Maggie's Town Tavern · American Restaurant & Bar · 4.4★ (1280)Casual neighborhood pub featuring craft beers, gourmet burgers, and comfort food classics.
Neighborhoods near Great Notch
Common questions about Great Notch
Is Great Notch safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Great Notch a good place to live?
On safety, Great Notch scores 91/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Great Notch?
Walk score 34/100 and bike score 28/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Great Notch are safer?
Cedar Grove (NJ) (92) score higher nearby.
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