Is Highlands (NJ) safe?
Highlands, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Highlands (NJ) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Highlands (NJ)
“Go. Highlands is a welcoming, historic coastal borough offering exceptional waterfront views, historic landmarks, and very low violent crime rates. Visitors can comfortably explore its seaside restaurants, parks, and hills day and night with standard travel awareness.”
About the area
Perched on the Raritan Bay where the Shrewsbury River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Highlands is a quaint maritime community known for fresh seafood and dramatic bluff views. The town blends a working-waterfront heritage with quiet residential neighborhoods and outdoor recreation.
- Coastal Town
- Scenic Overlooks
- Waterfront Dining
- Historic / Maritime
Walking and biking in Highlands (NJ)
Walk score: 54/100 · Bike score: 42/100
Highlands links directly to the eastern terminus of the Henry Hudson Trail multi-use path and offers easy bridge access to the Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path, though local bike-share systems are not present.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than state and national medians
- Scenic location adjacent to expansive county parkland and coastal trails
- Close proximity to the high-speed Seastreak commuter ferry to Manhattan
- Strong local economy with median household incomes exceeding $95,000
Cons
- Vulnerability to seasonal coastal flooding and storm surge along low-lying streets
- Steep topography and narrow roads can make navigating on foot challenging outside the main strip
- Summer and weekend traffic congestion on Route 36 leading toward Sandy Hook
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Highlands, and there are no permanent encampments or day shelters in the borough.
What Highlands (NJ) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and breezy as locals grab coffee, walk dogs along Bay Avenue, and head out on fishing charters.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and lively with day-trippers visiting seafood spots, hiking park trails, or passing through toward the beaches.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Bustling yet safe around waterfront decks and bars with diners enjoying sunset views over the river.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark with minimal pedestrian traffic outside of a few local tavern patrons heading home safely.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit bus route 834 provides local service, while the nearby Seastreak Ferry terminal in Highlands/Atlantic Highlands offers fast ferry transit to Lower and Midtown Manhattan; passenger rail is available about 7 miles west at Red Bank Station.
Street parking along Bay Avenue and residential side streets is generally free and accessible, though restaurant parking lots and street spaces fill rapidly during summer peak hours.
Things to do in Highlands (NJ)
- Tour the historic Twin Lights State Historic Site for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and NYC skyline
- Hike or mountain bike the forested bluffs and trails of nearby Hartshorne Woods Park
- Dine on freshly caught seafood directly on the water along the Shrewsbury River
Local favorites
- Bahrs Landing Famous Seafood Restaurant & Marina · Seafood Restaurant · 4.3★ (2350)Historic, longstanding waterfront staple serving fresh lobster, clam chowder, and dockside cocktails since 1917.
- The Inlet Cafe · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (1620)Casual waterfront eatery featuring outdoor deck seating, oysters, and views of Sandy Hook Bay.
- Lusty Lobster Seafood Market · Seafood Market · 4.8★ (510)Well-known local market providing top-tier fresh fish, shellfish, and prepared seafood specialties.
Neighborhoods near Highlands (NJ)
Common questions about Highlands (NJ)
Is Highlands (NJ) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Highlands (NJ) a good place to live?
On safety, Highlands (NJ) scores 86/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Highlands (NJ)?
Walk score 54/100 and bike score 42/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Highlands (NJ) are safer?
Rumson (97), Locust (96), Fort Hancock (94) score higher nearby.
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