Is Highland Park (NJ) safe?
Highland Park, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Highland Park (NJ) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Highland Park (NJ)
“Go. Highland Park is a peaceful, highly educated borough with very low rates of violent crime and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere. Visitors can comfortably stroll down Raritan Avenue or explore its residential side streets at almost any hour.”
About the area
Situated just across the Raritan River from Rutgers University's main campus in New Brunswick, Highland Park is a charming, progressive enclave known for tree-lined residential streets and independent businesses along Raritan Avenue. It is home to many university staff, healthcare professionals, and young families.
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined Streets
- College Town Suburb
- Walkable Dining Hub
Walking and biking in Highland Park (NJ)
Walk score: 82/100 · Bike score: 74/100
The town features dedicated bike lanes on parts of Raritan Avenue and quiet neighborhood cut-throughs, with direct access to Donaldson Park's multi-use paths and connections across the bridge to Rutgers trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates consistently well below state and national medians
- Highly educated populace with strong civic engagement and high median incomes
- Lively, walkable central business corridor with low retail vacancy
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like bicycle theft and vehicle break-ins
- Heavy vehicular traffic and occasional aggressive driving along Route 27 / Raritan Avenue
- Spillover property crime from busier neighboring urban transit nodes
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Highland Park. You may rarely see an individual along the bridge corridor leading into New Brunswick, but there are no established encampments or persistent panhandling in the borough.
What Highland Park (NJ) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe, filled with dog walkers, joggers, and commuters heading toward New Brunswick or bus stops.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and active with shoppers, students, and families visiting local parks and cafes.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Dining spots on Raritan Avenue stay moderately lively, and residential streets remain quiet and safe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and tranquil; while side streets are dark, safety remains high with minimal late-night disruption.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit bus routes 810 and 814 provide frequent service directly along Raritan Avenue. The New Brunswick NJ Transit rail station on the Northeast Corridor line is just a 15-to-20 minute walk across the Albany Street Bridge.
Metered street parking and several municipal lots along Raritan Avenue cost around $1.00 per hour, while surrounding residential streets offer plentiful free parking (watch for occasional resident-permit signage).
Things to do in Highland Park (NJ)
- Stroll along the Raritan River path and relax in Donaldson Park
- Explore independent shops and international restaurants along Raritan Avenue
- Visit the weekly Highland Park Farmers Market or attend town festivals on the main avenue
Local favorites
- Bridge Turkish and Mediterranean Grill · Mediterranean Restaurant · 4.6★ (1100)Popular local eatery serving generous portions of authentic kebabs, dips, and freshly baked pita.
- Pad Thai Restaurant · Thai Restaurant · 4.4★ (460)Longstanding borough favorite offering classic Thai curries, noodle dishes, and vegetarian options.
- White Lotus Cafe · Coffee Shop & Cafe · 4.7★ (230)Cozy community spot offering specialty coffees, espresso drinks, bubble tea, and light pastries.
Neighborhoods near Highland Park (NJ)
Common questions about Highland Park (NJ)
Is Highland Park (NJ) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Highland Park (NJ) a good place to live?
On safety, Highland Park (NJ) scores 85/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Highland Park (NJ)?
Walk score 82/100 and bike score 74/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Highland Park (NJ) are safer?
Martins Landing (86) score higher nearby.
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