Is Howard Beach-Lindenwood safe?
Queens, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Howard Beach-Lindenwood as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Howard Beach-Lindenwood
“Go. Howard Beach and Lindenwood are tranquil, predominantly residential coastal communities in southern Queens with violent crime rates well below the NYC average. Visitors will find a safe, tight-knit suburban atmosphere that feels worlds away from central Manhattan, though having a car makes exploring much easier.”
About the area
Situated along Jamaica Bay, Howard Beach and Lindenwood feature a mix of waterfront single-family homes, canals, and garden apartment co-ops. The neighborhood has a strong Italian-American heritage, popular seafood spots, and scenic parkland along the bay.
- Quiet / Residential
- Suburban Feel
- Waterfront Views
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Howard Beach-Lindenwood
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 48/100
Citi Bike has limited coverage in this part of Queens, but local cyclists can access the Jamaica Bay Greenway multi-use path connecting south toward the Rockaways and west toward Brooklyn.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Queens and NYC municipal averages
- High rates of owner-occupied housing and median household incomes well above the city baseline
- Scenic waterfront views, canal walkways, and access to Jamaica Bay recreational areas
- Active, community-oriented residential streets with low overall foot traffic
Cons
- Isolated and car-dependent layout with limited subway connectivity outside the main station
- Vulnerable to coastal flooding and street water accumulation during major storms
- Property crime, specifically vehicle break-ins and grand larceny auto, occurs near larger parking plazas
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in the residential quarters and canals, with only occasional individuals encountered near the Howard Beach-JFK transit hub or major commercial parking centers.
What Howard Beach-Lindenwood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with locals jogging along the bay and commuters heading to the A train or local express buses.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and residential with moderate commercial activity along Cross Bay Boulevard and quiet residential side streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Streets wind down early, with steady, safe dinner traffic around local restaurants and pizzerias.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and generally safe to walk, though streets are dim and sparsely populated so staying alert is always recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA serves the area via the Howard Beach-JFK Airport station (A train and JFK AirTrain) located on the eastern edge, supported by local buses (Q11, Q21, Q41, Q53-SBS) and Manhattan express buses (QM15).
Street parking is generally easy and free across residential blocks, though business strips along Cross Bay Boulevard utilize metered street parking and dedicated plaza lots.
Things to do in Howard Beach-Lindenwood
- Stroll along the marina and scenic waterways of Old Howard Beach and Shellbank Basin
- Explore the nature trails and birdwatching spots at the nearby Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
- Enjoy traditional Italian bakeries and waterfront dining along Cross Bay Boulevard
Local favorites
- New Park Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (3200)Legendary brick-oven slice shop famous across New York City for its crispy, well-salted crust.
- Gino's Pizzeria & Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (1050)Beloved neighborhood staple serving generous portions of classic pasta dishes, veal, and pizza.
- Russo's on the Bay · Event Venue & Waterfront Dining · 4.6★ (2400)Opulent waterfront venue and dining destination known for lavish Italian banquets and harbor views.
Neighborhoods near Howard Beach-Lindenwood
Common questions about Howard Beach-Lindenwood
Is Howard Beach-Lindenwood safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Howard Beach-Lindenwood a good place to live?
On safety, Howard Beach-Lindenwood scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Howard Beach-Lindenwood?
Walk score 58/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Howard Beach-Lindenwood are safer?
Howard Beach-Lindenwood scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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