Is Kew Gardens safe?
Queens, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Kew Gardens as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Kew Gardens
“Go. Kew Gardens is a tranquil, historic, and remarkably safe residential neighborhood in central Queens with a distinct village feel. Visitors can comfortably stroll its leafy streets, dine near the train station, or explore adjacent Forest Park with standard urban awareness.”
About the area
Tucked between Forest Hills and Richmond Hill, Kew Gardens is characterized by pre-war apartment buildings, quiet cul-de-sacs of Tudor homes, and a charming commercial strip along Lefferts Boulevard. It offers a relaxed, community-oriented ambiance just a short commute from Midtown Manhattan via the Long Island Rail Road or subway.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Quiet & Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Park-Adjacent
Walking and biking in Kew Gardens
Walk score: 88/100 · Bike score: 62/100
Citi Bike docks are located around major transit nodes, and the neighborhood offers direct access to the Forest Park Greenway trails, though internal neighborhood streets can be hilly.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are consistently well below the New York City borough and citywide averages.
- Strong socioeconomic stability with high educational attainment and a median household income exceeding $90,000.
- Well-maintained pre-war housing stock and strong residential co-op and owner-occupancy rates.
- Direct walking access to over 500 acres of green space in neighboring Forest Park.
Cons
- Isolated incidents of vehicle break-ins and catalytic converter thefts occur on residential side streets.
- Pedestrian navigation near major highway interchanges like Queens Boulevard and the Van Wyck Expressway can feel chaotic.
- Late-night activity is minimal, making quiet residential blocks feel deserted after midnight.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential streets, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen near the Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike subway entrances and near Queens Borough Hall along Queens Boulevard. It is not a pervasive presence in the neighborhood.
What Kew Gardens is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with commuters walking toward the LIRR station or Union Turnpike subway entrance, feeling very safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and relaxed, with residents walking dogs and patrons frequenting local cafes and bakeries along Lefferts Boulevard.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Warm and inviting around the central dining cluster, with low foot traffic on quiet residential side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm and subdued with minimal street activity, remaining generally safe though normal nighttime vigilance is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA New York City Transit serves the area via the E and F express subway trains at the Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike station, while the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides direct service to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison from the Kew Gardens station. Local and airport buses including the Q10, Q37, Q46, and Q54 serve major thoroughfares.
Street parking can be competitive near the commercial hub and apartment buildings along Lefferts Boulevard and Queens Boulevard, with metered spaces available; paid municipal and private parking garages exist near Queens Boulevard charging around $15 to $25 per day.
Things to do in Kew Gardens
- Catch an independent or foreign film at the historic Kew Gardens Cinemas.
- Explore the forested hiking trails, bridle paths, and scenic overlooks in adjacent Forest Park.
- Stroll along Austin Street and Lefferts Boulevard to admire classic early-20th-century Tudor and Colonial architecture.
Local favorites
- Dani's House of Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.6★ (3200)A legendary neighborhood institution famous for its sweet-sauce Sicilian slices and late-night lines.
- Austin's Ale House · American Pub · 4.4★ (1450)A bustling tavern right next to the LIRR station serving craft beers and classic pub fare on a patio.
- Kew Gardens Cinemas · Movie Theater · 4.6★ (1100)An intimate art-deco cinema screening mainstream indie films, documentaries, and foreign releases.
Neighborhoods near Kew Gardens
Common questions about Kew Gardens
Is Kew Gardens safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Kew Gardens a good place to live?
On safety, Kew Gardens 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 Kew Gardens?
Walk score 88/100 and bike score 62/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Kew Gardens are safer?
Forest Hills (Queens) (89), Kew Gardens Hills (86) score higher nearby.
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