Is Journal Square safe?
Jersey City, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Journal Square as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Journal Square
“Go with care. Journal Square is a bustling, rapidly developing urban transportation hub that is generally safe for travelers during normal commuting and daytime hours. Visitors should maintain standard urban awareness around the transit plaza and less-trafficked side streets late at night.”
About the area
Journal Square serves as the historic commercial core and major transit nerve center of Jersey City, anchored by high-volume PATH train links to Manhattan. It features a bustling multicultural retail district alongside soaring new residential towers and ongoing civic redevelopment.
- Transit Hub
- Bustling Commuter Core
- Rapidly Developing
- Diverse Dining
Walking and biking in Journal Square
Walk score: 95/100 · Bike score: 72/100
Citi Bike Jersey City stations are plentiful around the transit hub, connecting to dedicated on-street bike lanes along Bergen Avenue and toward Downtown Jersey City.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Extensive commuter foot traffic and active presence along primary plazas through most hours
- Substantial residential development investments improving street-level lighting and private security patrols
- Immediate, round-the-clock rapid rail and bus connections across the regional transit network
Cons
- Elevated instances of opportunistic larceny, bike theft, and pickpocketing around transit portals
- Pockets of visible poverty and street-level loitering near major transportation transfer points
- Dimmer lighting and diminished foot traffic on residential side streets just off JFK Boulevard after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and panhandling are moderately present, primarily clustering around the PATH concourse entrances, bus terminal waiting bays, and nearby fast-food corridors.
What Journal Square is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Plazas and concourses are crowded with early-morning commuters and students, creating an energetic and safe atmosphere.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Brisk commercial foot traffic along JFK Boulevard and Bergen Avenue maintains a lively, safe retail environment.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Commuters returning home keep the main corridors populated, though caution is advised along quieter periphery blocks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic drops substantially outside the PATH terminal, with increased loitering and elevated risks for street robberies.
Transit, parking and getting around
The Journal Square Transportation Center serves as a major hub with direct 24/7 PATH train service to Lower/Midtown Manhattan and Newark, alongside dozens of NJ Transit bus routes.
On-street parking is extremely scarce with strict residential permit enforcement; multi-level paid garages near the PATH center cost approximately $15 to $25 per day.
Things to do in Journal Square
- Admire the grand historic architecture of the Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre plaza
- Sample regional Indian delicacies along the vibrant Newark Avenue dining strip near India Square
- Tour contemporary art exhibitions and artist studios at nearby Mana Contemporary
Local favorites
- Korai Kitchen · Bengali Restaurant · 4.7★ (520)Celebrated homestyle Bangladeshi buffet and dinner spot known for rich, traditional curries.
- Square 1 · Breakfast & Brunch Cafe · 4.6★ (680)Popular local cafe serving artisanal coffee, creative breakfast sandwiches, and brunch fare.
- Choc-O-Pain French Bakery & Cafe · French Bakery · 4.5★ (340)Cozy neighborhood bakery offering freshly baked baguettes, croissants, and espresso.
Neighborhoods near Journal Square
Common questions about Journal Square
Is Journal Square safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Journal Square a good place to live?
On safety, Journal Square scores 72/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Journal Square?
Walk score 95/100 and bike score 72/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Journal Square are safer?
Indian Square (74), Hilltop (Jersey City) (74), The Heights (74) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Journal Square? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.