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Is Kensington (North Hempstead) safe?

North Hempstead, New York · safety score updated nightly

96out of 100

Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.

VibeLoco rates Kensington (North Hempstead) as “Go”.

What makes up this score?

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Gogo's take on Kensington (North Hempstead)

“Go. Kensington is an exceptionally safe, quiet, and affluent residential village nestled on the Great Neck peninsula. With virtually non-existent violent crime, meticulous municipal oversight, and premier suburban amenities, visitors can explore with complete peace of mind.”

About the area

Kensington is a historic, manicured incorporated village in the Town of North Hempstead on Long Island's North Shore. Known for its distinct architectural character, private parklands, and proximity to Great Neck's vibrant dining and retail hub, it offers an exclusive and serene suburban atmosphere.

  • Affluent Suburb
  • Historic / Tree-Lined
  • Family-Friendly
  • Quiet & Peaceful

Walking and biking in Kensington (North Hempstead)

Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 48/100

No dedicated bike-share program operates here, but residential streets are low-stress for cycling; regional dedicated multi-use trails are limited in the immediate vicinity.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

  • Violent crime and property crime rates are among the lowest in New York State and the nation
  • Extremely affluent community with median household incomes exceeding $250,000 and near-zero poverty
  • Meticulously maintained historic estates and private village amenities including the Kensington pool and park
  • Close proximity to the Great Neck LIRR station for rapid transit access into Manhattan

Cons

  • Private village amenities and parklands are strictly restricted to residents and registered guests
  • Strict local parking enforcement and limited visitor parking on residential roads
  • Car dependency for reaching major shopping centers and broader Long Island destinations

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in Kensington and surrounding residential neighborhoods, with no encampments or panhandling present.

What Kensington (North Hempstead) is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a
Peaceful and safe, with residents walking dogs and commuters heading toward the Great Neck LIRR hub.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p
Very quiet and secure with light neighborhood traffic and well-manicured streets.
Evening · 5p – 10p
Calm and residential with great safety, though foot traffic drops considerably after dusk.
Late night · 10p – 5a
Extremely low activity and exceptionally safe, monitored consistently by Nassau County Police.

Transit, parking and getting around

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Port Washington Branch service is easily accessed at the nearby Great Neck Station (approx. a 10-15 minute walk from the village border), providing express trains to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in roughly 30 minutes. NICE (Nassau Inter-County Express) buses N20G, N21, and N25 serve the surrounding corridors.

Street parking within the village is strictly regulated by local municipal permit rules; visitors are advised to utilize metered municipal parking lots or garages along Middle Neck Road in adjacent Great Neck Plaza.

Things to do in Kensington (North Hempstead)

  • Stroll along the historic, tree-lined residential streets featuring distinguished Tudor and Colonial revival architecture
  • Visit the adjacent Village Green and Rose Garden park along Middle Neck Road
  • Explore the boutique shops and international bakeries along neighboring Middle Neck Road in Great Neck Plaza

Local favorites

  • L'Angolo · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (230)
    Upscale neighborhood trattoria offering refined classic Italian pastas, seafood, and fine wine.
  • Colbeh · Kosher Persian Restaurant · 4.4★ (460)
    Renowned Glatt Kosher dining room serving authentic Persian grilled meats and traditional stews.
  • Best Bagels & Deli · Bagel Shop · 4.5★ (310)
    Popular local staple for freshly kettle-boiled New York bagels, spreads, and breakfast sandwiches.

Neighborhoods near Kensington (North Hempstead)

More: all North Hempstead neighborhoods · safest neighborhoods in New York

Common questions about Kensington (North Hempstead)

Is Kensington (North Hempstead) safe to walk at night?

Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.

Is Kensington (North Hempstead) a good place to live?

On safety, Kensington (North Hempstead) scores 96/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.

How walkable is Kensington (North Hempstead)?

Walk score 68/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.

Which areas near Kensington (North Hempstead) are safer?

Kensington (North Hempstead) scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.

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