Is Lake View (Paterson) safe?
Paterson, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Lake View (Paterson) as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Lake View (Paterson)
“Go with care. Lake View is one of Paterson's calmer, predominantly residential neighborhoods along the Clifton border, making it notably safer than the city's central or northern wards. However, standard urban precautions are still warranted, particularly after dark regarding vehicle security and situational awareness.”
About the area
Lake View is an established residential neighborhood in southern Paterson characterized by dense single- and multi-family homes, small neighborhood grocers, and quiet tree-lined side streets. Its proximity to Route 19, Route 20, and the Clifton border gives it a distinct buffer from Paterson's more troubled central corridors.
- Residential
- Urban-Suburban Mix
- Diverse Dining
- Family-Oriented
Walking and biking in Lake View (Paterson)
Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Dedicated bike lanes are virtually non-existent in the immediate neighborhood, and there is no municipal bike-share system; cyclists must share mixed-traffic roads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to Paterson's downtown and 4th Ward districts
- Stable residential fabric with higher rates of owner-occupancy than the municipal average
- Convenient highway access to Route 19, Route 20, and Interstate 80 for regional commuting
Cons
- Occasional property offenses including vehicle break-ins and package theft
- Dense street parking conditions that can create congestion and limited visibility on residential blocks
- Pockets of aging infrastructure and occasional spillover concerns from nearby higher-crime sectors
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Lake View compared to the concentrations near Downtown Paterson and the NJ Transit bus terminal. Panhandling is rare and limited mostly to major arterial intersections.
What Lake View (Paterson) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and calm as residents commute, walk dogs, and visit local delis and bakeries with little safety concern.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Steady foot traffic around schools, corner markets, and Lakeview Avenue commercial spots with a lively community feel.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Commercial avenues remain active for takeout and dining, though side streets become quiet and dimly lit.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic thins out substantially; while relatively tranquil for Paterson, it is best to avoid walking alone late at night.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit bus routes including the 74, 161, and 190 run nearby along major corridors like Main Street and Lakeview Avenue. The Clifton NJ Transit rail station on the Main/Bergen County Line is roughly a 15- to 20-minute walk south.
Parking is primarily unmetered on residential streets, though spaces become tight in the evenings; commercial avenues have metered spots and small private customer lots.
Things to do in Lake View (Paterson)
- Enjoy casual recreation and open green space at nearby Weasel Brook Park right along the Clifton-Paterson border
- Sample authentic Dominican and Peruvian eateries along Lakeview Avenue and Main Street
- Explore the historic architectural mix of early 20th-century family homes along the quieter southern residential streets
Local favorites
- E&V Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)A long-standing local staple serving classic Italian-American comfort dishes and pizza in an unpretentious setting.
- Toros Restaurant · Turkish Restaurant · 4.4★ (1380)Renowned local dining spot offering traditional Turkish kebabs, fresh pita, and Mediterranean specialties.
- D'Classico Restaurant · Dominican Restaurant · 4.3★ (420)Popular neighborhood destination for hearty Dominican dishes, mofongo, and fresh fruit shakes.
Neighborhoods near Lake View (Paterson)
Common questions about Lake View (Paterson)
Is Lake View (Paterson) safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Lake View (Paterson) a good place to live?
On safety, Lake View (Paterson) scores 64/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Lake View (Paterson)?
Walk score 78/100 and bike score 52/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Lake View (Paterson) are safer?
Woodland Park (NJ) (84), Albion Place (82), Elmwood Park (NJ) (82) score higher nearby.
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