Is Kenilworth (NJ) safe?
Kenilworth, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Kenilworth (NJ) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Kenilworth (NJ)
“Go. Kenilworth is a quiet, exceptionally safe suburban borough in Union County that offers a relaxed atmosphere with virtually no violent crime concerns for visitors. While it is primarily residential and commercial with a small footprint, it provides great local dining options and peaceful neighborhood streets.”
About the area
Kenilworth is a close-knit, middle-to-upper-middle-class suburb located just west of Elizabeth and Newark. Centered along the Boulevard commercial corridor, it blends quiet single-family residential blocks with local Italian delis, casual eateries, and light industrial commerce on its fringes. Visitors will find a tranquil, community-oriented environment with easy driving access across northern New Jersey.
- Suburban / Safe
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet / Residential
Walking and biking in Kenilworth (NJ)
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There are no municipal bike-share systems in Kenilworth. Cycling is generally comfortable on low-traffic neighborhood roads, with nearby access to multi-use paved pathways around Union County's Black Brook Park and Galloping Hill.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero with overall crime far below national and state averages
- High median household income exceeding $110,000 with low poverty rates under 4%
- Well-maintained single-family residential housing stock with high homeownership
- Safe, well-lit suburban commercial corridor along Kenilworth Boulevard
Cons
- Occasional property crimes such as vehicle burglaries reported along commercial borders and highway corridors
- Car dependency requires personal vehicle access for most regional travel
- Limited late-night commercial activity and very quiet after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in Kenilworth. There are no encampments or concentrated street services within the borough.
What Kenilworth (NJ) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with school commuters, morning dog walkers, and local bakery traffic on the Boulevard.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and relaxed with steady local traffic, patrons running errands, and quiet side streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and family-oriented with bustling neighborhood restaurants and safe conditions for walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and deserted, maintaining excellent safety despite minimal pedestrian activity.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by NJ Transit bus routes, primarily the 58 and 65 providing connections to Newark and surrounding towns. There is no rail station in the borough; the closest NJ Transit commuter rail access is via Cranford Station (Raritan Valley Line), about a 5-minute drive south.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free throughout the borough. Free street parking is readily available on residential roads, and most businesses along the Boulevard provide dedicated free parking lots.
Things to do in Kenilworth (NJ)
- Play a round of golf or practice at the nearby Galloping Hill Golf Course practice facility on the borough border
- Explore local culinary staples and classic NJ-style Italian delicatessens along the Boulevard
- Spend a relaxing afternoon walking or picnicking at Black Brook Park
Local favorites
- Boulevard Five72 · New American Restaurant · 4.6★ (680)An upscale venue featuring innovative seasonal New American cuisine and an extensive wine list.
- Galloping Hill Caterers / Inn · American Restaurant / Event Venue · 4.5★ (1100)A legendary local institution renowned for casual classic eats and large-scale event hosting.
- Masso's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (320)A neighborhood favorite serving generous portions of classic pasta dishes, subs, and traditional thin-crust pizza.
Neighborhoods near Kenilworth (NJ)
Common questions about Kenilworth (NJ)
Is Kenilworth (NJ) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Kenilworth (NJ) a good place to live?
On safety, Kenilworth (NJ) scores 88/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Kenilworth (NJ)?
Walk score 62/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Kenilworth (NJ) are safer?
Park Village (91), Springfield (Springfield 2) (90) score higher nearby.
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