Is Hackensack safe?
Hackensack, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Hackensack as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Hackensack
“Go. Hackensack is a bustling Bergen County hub that is generally safe for visitors, shoppers, and commuters, particularly around its revitalized downtown and residential neighborhoods. Basic street awareness is all that is typically required, especially around transit hubs and after dark.”
About the area
Hackensack serves as the governmental and commercial seat of Bergen County, blending dense urban avenues with quiet suburban residential streets. The city features a rapidly modernizing Main Street corridor, a major regional medical center, and an exceptionally diverse dining scene.
- Urban-Suburban Mix
- Diverse Dining
- Commuter Hub
- Historic County Seat
Walking and biking in Hackensack
Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, and cycling is mostly limited to sharing standard roadways with motor traffic due to minimal dedicated bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than regional urban centers like Newark or Paterson
- Strong local economy anchored by Hackensack Meridian Health and county government offices
- Vibrant international culinary scene and growing downtown commercial investments
Cons
- Property crime and vehicle thefts remain occasional concerns near commercial plazas and transit facilities
- Certain corridors east of Main Street experience higher poverty and older housing infrastructure
- Heavy vehicular traffic and congestion on major corridors like Route 4 and Essex Street
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is modest and mostly concentrated near the Hackensack Bus Terminal and county municipal buildings, where regional social services provide outreach and shelter resources.
What Hackensack is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are active and secure with hospital workers, county employees, and commuters heading toward NJ Transit lines.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy and safe with steady pedestrian foot traffic near the courthouse, retail plazas, and downtown eateries.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Dining spots along Main and River Streets maintain a comfortable community atmosphere with ample street lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic drops substantially outside of 24-hour diners; standard vigilance is recommended near bus terminals and darker side streets.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit provides rail connections via the Pascack Valley Line at Essex Street and Anderson Street stations, alongside extensive commuter bus service from the Hackensack Bus Terminal into Manhattan.
Municipal parking decks and metered street spots are readily available downtown for $1.00 to $1.50 per hour, though residential side streets often mandate resident permits.
Things to do in Hackensack
- Sample legendary sliders at the historic White Manna diner on River Street
- Explore diverse Latin American, Caribbean, and Asian restaurants along Main Street
- Stroll along the Hackensack River and visit nearby historic colonial landmarks like The Green
Local favorites
- White Manna · Hamburger Restaurant · 4.5★ (4850)Historic landmark diner famous for classic griddle-cooked sliders and onions.
- Chit Chat Diner · Diner · 4.4★ (3650)Vibrant, lavishly decorated diner serving creative comfort food and classic desserts.
- Noches de Colombia Hackensack · Colombian Restaurant · 4.3★ (2150)Lively local favorite offering generous Colombian platters, baked goods, and tropical drinks.
Neighborhoods near Hackensack
Common questions about Hackensack
Is Hackensack safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Hackensack a good place to live?
On safety, Hackensack scores 76/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Hackensack?
Walk score 78/100 and bike score 52/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Hackensack are safer?
Maywood (89), Manordome (88), West Englewood Manor (86) score higher nearby.
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