Is Harrison (Harrison 2) safe?
Harrison, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Harrison (Harrison 2) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Harrison (Harrison 2)
“Go. Harrison is a safe, rapidly modernizing commuter hub offering convenient access to Manhattan and Newark alongside authentic Portuguese and Latin dining. Exercise standard urban awareness around transit stops and parking structures late at night, but daytime and evening visits are secure and pleasant.”
About the area
Situated just across the Passaic River from Newark, Harrison has transitioned from an industrial riverfront into a thriving transit-oriented community centered around modern residential towers and Red Bull Arena. The town blends sleek new developments near the PATH station with traditional, walkable residential streets featuring rich Iberian dining.
- Transit-Oriented
- Commuter Hub
- Sports & Entertainment
- Multicultural Dining
Walking and biking in Harrison (Harrison 2)
Walk score: 86/100 · Bike score: 68/100
The town features localized sections of the Passaic River Waterfront Walkway for cycling, though regional dedicated bike lanes remain limited along major thoroughfares.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to neighboring Newark and regional urban averages.
- Substantial influx of modern residential developments supported by rising median household incomes.
- High municipal police presence and well-lit pedestrian corridors around the transit and arena district.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes, including vehicle break-ins and package theft in multi-unit buildings.
- Heavy congestion and crowd surges during major events at Red Bull Arena.
- Proximity to high-crime transit points in neighboring Newark warrants extra awareness when crossing river bridges on foot.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal throughout Harrison's residential and retail districts, with only occasional transient individuals or panhandlers near the PATH station entrances due to the direct link to Newark Penn Station.
What Harrison (Harrison 2) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Busy with commuters heading to the PATH station and joggers along the riverfront, feeling very safe and energetic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active with lunch crowds, local errands, and residential foot traffic, maintaining a relaxed and secure environment.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Vibrant with diners and sports fans on match days; main commercial streets and station corridors are well-lit and secure.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm in the residential core with light foot traffic near the PATH station, generally safe though standard urban caution is recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
The modernized Harrison PATH Station provides 24/7 direct rail service to Manhattan and Newark Penn Station. NJ Transit bus routes including the 30 and 40 also connect Harrison directly to Kearny, Jersey City, and Newark.
Street parking is tightly restricted with residential permit enforcement, but several municipal garages and private parking decks near the PATH station offer hourly parking and special event rates ranging from $10 to $30.
Things to do in Harrison (Harrison 2)
- Catch a Major League Soccer match or international friendly at Red Bull Arena.
- Sample authentic Portuguese barbecue and seafood along Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard.
- Stroll along the revitalized Passaic River Waterfront Walkway overlooking the Newark skyline.
Local favorites
- The Vanguard · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)A stylish industrial-chic bar and eatery serving craft cocktails and comfort food near the PATH station.
- Churrasqueria Ribatejo · Portuguese Restaurant · 4.5★ (780)Long-standing local favorite serving generous portions of traditional Portuguese charcoal grill and seafood.
- Ah' Pizz · Pizza Restaurant · 4.4★ (980)Cozy spot offering authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, classic pasta dishes, and Italian desserts.
Neighborhoods near Harrison (Harrison 2)
Common questions about Harrison (Harrison 2)
Is Harrison (Harrison 2) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Harrison (Harrison 2) a good place to live?
On safety, Harrison (Harrison 2) scores 81/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Harrison (Harrison 2)?
Walk score 86/100 and bike score 68/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Harrison (Harrison 2) are safer?
Harrison (Harrison 2) scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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