Is Hilltop (Jersey City) safe?
Jersey City, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Hilltop (Jersey City) as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Hilltop (Jersey City)
“Go. Hilltop is a generally safe, transitioning residential neighborhood that offers easy access to Journal Square and Downtown Jersey City. Visitors should remain mindful of property crime and practice standard city awareness at night along quieter side streets and peripheral corridors.”
About the area
Hilltop is a compact, historic residential enclave situated along the palisades between Journal Square and Downtown Jersey City. Known for its blend of historic rowhomes, civic buildings, and emerging dining spots along Newark Avenue, it provides a quieter neighborhood feel while remaining close to major transit hubs.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Urban Residential
- Transit-Adjacent
- Diverse Dining
Walking and biking in Hilltop (Jersey City)
Walk score: 92/100 · Bike score: 70/100
Citi Bike docking stations are conveniently located throughout the area, connecting to local bike lanes heading down the hill toward Downtown waterfront trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower rates of violent crime compared to southern Jersey City neighborhoods
- Rising household incomes and strong civic presence anchored by the Hudson County Courthouse
- High residential occupancy with active community stewardship on historic blocks
Cons
- Persistent urban property crime such as package theft and vehicle break-ins
- Late-night foot traffic drops sharply on interior residential side streets
- Proximity to busy transit corridors brings occasional panhandling and loitering
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within the residential blocks of Hilltop, though occasional unhoused individuals and panhandlers congregate closer to the Journal Square transportation terminal and Newark Avenue commercial intersections.
What Hilltop (Jersey City) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and calm as commuters walk toward Journal Square PATH and school routines begin.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and quiet along residential streets with steady foot traffic on Newark Avenue.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively around neighborhood bars and restaurants, though side streets become quiet early.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally quiet, but visitors should avoid poorly lit alleys and stay alert near perimeter avenues.
Transit, parking and getting around
The Journal Square PATH station is within a 7- to 12-minute walk, providing direct rail service to Manhattan and Newark, while NJ Transit buses (routes 82, 83, 84, and 86) run along Newark and Summit Avenues.
Street parking is notoriously tight and heavily regulated by residential permit rules, though paid public garages and lots are available near the courthouse and Journal Square for $15-$25 per day.
Things to do in Hilltop (Jersey City)
- Admire the Beaux-Arts architecture of the historic William J. Brennan Courthouse
- Explore the local bakeries and multicultural eateries along Newark Avenue
- Walk the elevation ridge for glimpses of the Manhattan and Downtown Jersey City skylines
Local favorites
- Carvao BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (1100)A lively neighborhood smokehouse offering craft beer, hearty ribs, and Portuguese-style barbecue.
- Mezcal Kitchen JC · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (480)A cozy, colorful spot serving authentic regional Mexican tacos, enchiladas, and cocktails.
- Modcup Coffee Co. · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (320)A modern roastery outpost serving specialty pour-overs, espresso drinks, and fresh pastries.
Neighborhoods near Hilltop (Jersey City)
Common questions about Hilltop (Jersey City)
Is Hilltop (Jersey City) safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Hilltop (Jersey City) a good place to live?
On safety, Hilltop (Jersey City) scores 74/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Hilltop (Jersey City)?
Walk score 92/100 and bike score 70/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Hilltop (Jersey City) are safer?
Downtown (Hoboken) (90), Newport (Jersey City) (88) score higher nearby.
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