Is Hillsdale (NJ) safe?
Hillsdale, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Hillsdale (NJ) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Hillsdale (NJ)
“Go. Hillsdale is an exceptionally safe, affluent suburban borough in Bergen County's Pascack Valley. Visitors face virtually no violent crime risk and will find a calm, family-oriented environment with classic small-town amenities.”
About the area
Hillsdale is a picturesque North Jersey suburb characterized by leafy residential streets, historic single-family homes, and a compact downtown centered around its historic train station. It offers a relaxed pace of life with local farms, neighborhood parks, and independent eateries.
- Family-Friendly
- Suburban / Leafy
- Quiet
- Historic / Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in Hillsdale (NJ)
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no public bike-share program, but residential streets are low-stress for cycling; dedicated regional bike paths are limited, though local roads connect to nearby Pascack Valley towns.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero, ranking among the safest municipalities in New Jersey
- High median household income exceeding $150,000 and robust homeownership above 85%
- Well-maintained public parks, clean streets, and high civic engagement
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins targeting unlocked cars in residential driveways
- Flooding risks in low-lying sections along the Pascack Brook during major storms
- Limited late-night commercial activity and quiet streets after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Hillsdale, with no encampments or panhandling observed in the borough.
What Hillsdale (NJ) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with commuters walking to the train station and joggers along tree-lined residential avenues.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and active with families visiting local parks and patrons running errands in the downtown commercial strip.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe with steady dinner traffic at downtown restaurants and neighborhood dog walkers.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with almost no pedestrian presence; streets remain exceptionally safe to walk.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates rail service on the Pascack Valley Line directly from the downtown Hillsdale Station into Secaucus Junction and Hoboken, with bus connections available via NJ Transit route 165 to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Parking is readily available throughout town, featuring free or inexpensive municipal commuter lots near the train station and ample free street parking in residential zones.
Things to do in Hillsdale (NJ)
- Pick seasonal apples, pumpkins, and shop for baked goods at Demarest Farm
- Walk the forested trails and enjoy the sports fields at Beechwood Park
- Stroll and dine along Broadway around the historic Hillsdale train station
Local favorites
- Demarest Farm · Farm / Orchard Market · 4.5★ (2350)Historic farm established in 1886 offering pick-your-own fruit, cider donuts, and a country store.
- The Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar · American Restaurant & Pub · 4.4★ (1150)Lively downtown staple serving classic pub fare, craft beers, and weekend brunch.
- Domani Ristorante Italiano · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (380)Charming local restaurant known for traditional Italian specialties and warm hospitality.
Neighborhoods near Hillsdale (NJ)
Common questions about Hillsdale (NJ)
Is Hillsdale (NJ) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Hillsdale (NJ) a good place to live?
On safety, Hillsdale (NJ) scores 94/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Hillsdale (NJ)?
Walk score 52/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Hillsdale (NJ) are safer?
Woodcliff Lake (96), River Vale (96), Emerson (95) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Hillsdale (NJ)? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.