Is Keyport safe?
Keyport, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Keyport as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Keyport
“Go. Keyport is a charming, historic waterfront borough on the Raritan Bay that is generally very safe and welcoming for visitors. Standard vigilance is adequate, particularly around bars late at night or quieter coastal parks after dark.”
About the area
Nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Bayshore,' Keyport features a compact, historic downtown along West Front Street lined with local restaurants, pubs, and antique shops. Visitors enjoy picturesque waterfront promenades, marina views, and a laid-back, small-town maritime atmosphere.
- Historic Maritime
- Waterfront Town
- Casual Dining
- Small-Town Vibe
Walking and biking in Keyport
Walk score: 72/100 · Bike score: 58/100
Keyport has no dedicated bike-share program, but local streets are relatively quiet and flat, connecting cyclists toward the nearby Henry Hudson Trail in neighboring Union Beach and Matawan.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are consistently well below national and regional metro averages
- Active, pedestrian-friendly downtown waterfront corridor with community events
- Stable suburban residential base with high health insurance coverage and low vacancy
- Proximity to Monmouth County amenities, marinas, and scenic bay views
Cons
- Occasional property crimes and vehicle break-ins reported in public lots and residential fringes
- Minor bar-adjacent noise and disturbances on weekend nights along West Front Street
- Some localized flooding vulnerability during severe coastal storms and nor'easters
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a significant presence in Keyport, with no established encampments and only rare instances of transient individuals near highway transit corridors.
What Keyport is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant as dog walkers, anglers, and joggers move along the promenade with zero safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-friendly with steady foot traffic visiting downtown storefronts, cafes, and parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Warm and inviting around the downtown restaurants and taverns with good street lighting and a safe feel.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet across most residential streets, with minor late-night bar crowds downtown where basic awareness is sufficient.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit bus routes (such as the 817) serve the borough directly, while the nearest commuter rail hub is the Aberdeen-Matawan Station on the North Jersey Coast Line, located approximately 2.5 miles south.
Free and affordable street parking is readily available along downtown corridors and adjacent municipal lots near the waterfront.
Things to do in Keyport
- Stroll along the Keyport Waterfront Promenade and enjoy panoramic views across Raritan Bay
- Browse eclectic local antiques and vintage finds along West Front and Broad Streets
- Catch fresh seafood and seasonal events at the Keyport Public Pier and waterfront parks
Local favorites
- Old Glory Kitchen + Spirits · American Restaurant & Bar · 4.4★ (1650)A popular, lively eatery set in a converted historic church serving craft pizza and cocktails.
- Keyport Fishery · Seafood Market & Takeout · 4.6★ (1400)A legendary waterfront shack dishing up classic fried seafood platters since the 1930s.
- McDonagh's Pub · Irish Pub · 4.3★ (1100)A staple downtown pub with classic draft beers, Irish comfort fare, and regular live music.
Neighborhoods near Keyport
Common questions about Keyport
Is Keyport safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Keyport a good place to live?
On safety, Keyport scores 81/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Keyport?
Walk score 72/100 and bike score 58/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Keyport are safer?
Mechanicsville (Hazlet) (89), Santa Fe Junction (88), Van Marters Corner (87) score higher nearby.
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