Is Ho-Ho-Kus safe?
Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Ho-Ho-Kus as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Ho-Ho-Kus
“Go. Ho-Ho-Kus is an exceptionally safe, affluent Bergen County suburb with virtually no violent crime and very well-maintained residential streets. Visitors can explore local historic sites and restaurants with complete peace of mind at any time of day.”
About the area
Ho-Ho-Kus is an upscale, picturesque residential community centered around a quaint downtown commercial strip and a commuter rail station. It features historic architecture, tree-canopied lanes, and quiet parks alongside the Saddle River.
- Affluent Suburban
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet & Peaceful
Walking and biking in Ho-Ho-Kus
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 44/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, but the town's quiet residential roads offer good riding conditions, with easy connections south into the paved Saddle River County Park multi-use path.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero with total crime significantly below state and national averages
- Median household income exceeds $200,000 with very high rates of homeownership and well-funded public services
- Peaceful, quiet neighborhood environment with active local police presence
Cons
- Car-dependent outside of the compact downtown station area
- Limited nightlife or entertainment options after 9 PM
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins or unlocked vehicle thefts typical of suburban areas
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Ho-Ho-Kus, with no encampments or visible panhandling in the borough.
What Ho-Ho-Kus is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe as commuters head to the train station and residents walk dogs along quiet tree-lined streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and relaxed with light suburban traffic, school dismissals, and low foot traffic around the commercial area.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and comfortable with warm dining ambiance around the local inn and tavern, remaining completely secure to walk.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely peaceful and deserted with virtually no foot traffic, presenting minimal safety risk.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates the Ho-Ho-Kus rail station on the Main/Bergen County Line directly in town, offering direct or one-transfer service to NYC Penn Station and Hoboken. NJ Transit bus route 175 provides limited service along Route 17.
Parking is readily available throughout town, with free on-street parking in residential zones and metered/permit commuter parking near the train station.
Things to do in Ho-Ho-Kus
- Tour the historic Hermitage, a National Historic Landmark museum and 18th-century Gothic Revival home
- Stroll along the quiet trails and scenic paths of the nearby Saddle River County Park
- Dine and relax at historic local restaurants along Franklin Turnpike
Local favorites
- Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (850)A landmark 1790-era dining establishment serving refined seasonal American cuisine in historic rooms.
- Ho-Ho-Kus Bakery · Bakery · 4.6★ (160)Beloved neighborhood bakery famous for freshly baked pastries, custom cakes, and artisanal breads.
- Catchy Cafe · Cafe & Caterer · 4.7★ (140)Charming local spot offering specialty coffees, gourmet sandwiches, and prepared takeaway foods.
Neighborhoods near Ho-Ho-Kus
Common questions about Ho-Ho-Kus
Is Ho-Ho-Kus safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Ho-Ho-Kus a good place to live?
On safety, Ho-Ho-Kus scores 97/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Ho-Ho-Kus?
Walk score 52/100 and bike score 44/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Ho-Ho-Kus are safer?
Ho-Ho-Kus scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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