Is Hollis safe?
Queens, New York · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Hollis as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Hollis
“Go with care. Hollis is a historic, largely middle-class residential neighborhood that offers authentic Caribbean dining and legendary hip-hop heritage. While daytime visits and residential strolls are generally uneventful, visitors should stay alert around transit stops and commercial corridors after dark.”
About the area
Hollis is a vibrant, predominantly residential enclave in southeastern Queens famously recognized as the birthplace of hip-hop pioneers like Run-DMC. The area features quiet, tree-lined side streets of single-family homes contrasted with bustling West Indian and South Asian commercial stretches along Jamaica and Hollis Avenues.
- Residential
- Historic Hip-Hop Hub
- Multicultural
- Suburban-Urban Mix
Walking and biking in Hollis
Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 62/100
Citi Bike does not currently operate docking stations in Hollis, but local cyclists can navigate neighborhood streets northward to connect to the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway and Cunningham Park trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Stable residential blocks characterized by high rates of single-family homeownership.
- Rich musical legacy with iconic neighborhood landmarks celebrating Golden Age hip-hop history.
- Excellent variety of authentic West Indian, Guyanese, and Caribbean culinary spots.
Cons
- Elevated property crime rates compared to outer Queens averages, specifically auto theft and break-ins.
- Underpasses and commercial strips along Jamaica Avenue can feel desolate and uneasy late at night.
- Higher violent crime rates than neighboring suburban Queens communities within the broader 103rd Precinct.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal along interior residential streets, though individuals experiencing homelessness and occasional panhandling can be observed near commercial plazas and LIRR underpasses along Jamaica Avenue.
What Hollis is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Lively and routine with commuters walking to the Hollis LIRR station and local bus lines in a safe environment.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Residential avenues are quiet and peaceful, while commercial corridors see moderate foot traffic from shoppers and students.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Foot traffic drops on residential streets; main avenues stay active, though situational awareness is advised.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet on side streets but visibly deserted under rail viaducts and near commercial strips; walking alone is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides service from Hollis Station to Manhattan, while MTA local bus routes including the Q2, Q3, Q83, and Q110 connect to the Jamaica-179th St subway station (E and F trains).
Street parking is relatively accessible on residential blocks with standard alternate-side parking rules, while metered spots line Jamaica and Hollis Avenues.
Things to do in Hollis
- View the historic hip-hop landmarks and community murals dedicated to Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay.
- Sample authentic Trinidadian doubles, roti, and jerk chicken along the Jamaica Avenue corridor.
- Take a short walk north to explore the recreational trails and green spaces of Cunningham Park.
Local favorites
- Trini Delite Roti Shop · Caribbean Restaurant · 4.3★ (860)Beloved local counter-serve spot known for authentic Trinidadian doubles, curry goat, and buss up shut roti.
- Hollis Deli & Grill · Deli · 4.4★ (140)Classic neighborhood bodega serving hearty breakfast sandwiches, chopped cheeses, and everyday essentials.
- Tropical Grill Restaurant · West Indian Restaurant · 4.1★ (270)Casual eatery serving generous portions of oxtail, jerk chicken, and fried plantains.
Neighborhoods near Hollis
Common questions about Hollis
Is Hollis safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Hollis a good place to live?
On safety, Hollis scores 70/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Hollis?
Walk score 78/100 and bike score 62/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Hollis are safer?
Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills (91), Jamaica Estates-Holliswood (84), Cambria Heights (84) score higher nearby.
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