Is Laurelton safe?
Queens, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Laurelton as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Laurelton
“Go. Laurelton is a quiet, stable middle-class neighborhood characterized by picturesque English Tudor homes and strong community pride. While standard urban vigilance is prudent along busy commercial corridors like Merrick Boulevard, the residential blocks are generally safe and peaceful.”
About the area
Located in Southeast Queens, Laurelton is an established residential enclave known for its historic tree-lined avenues and distinct Tudor-style architecture. It offers a suburban feel within city limits, featuring a vibrant Caribbean-American cultural presence and local dining along its commercial perimeter.
- Suburban Feel
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Laurelton
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 53/100
Citi Bike docking stations are limited in this outer-borough area, and dedicated bike lanes are minimal, but the wide, low-traffic residential streets are pleasant for casual cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- High homeownership rate above 75% and median household incomes well above the citywide average.
- Low violent crime rates relative to the broader Queens and NYC metropolitan areas.
- Well-preserved residential streetscapes with strong community engagement and civic pride.
Cons
- Property crime, including vehicle break-ins and package theft, occasionally affects residential streets.
- Commercial stretches along Merrick Boulevard can experience occasional loitering and late-night disturbances.
- Distance from major hospital centers and specialized municipal amenities compared to inner boroughs.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within Laurelton's residential grid. Any brief instances of loitering or panhandling are typically confined near busy intersections along Merrick Boulevard or near transit depots.
What Laurelton is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with commuters heading to the LIRR station and local bus stops alongside residents walking pets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet across residential blocks with moderate commercial bustle along Merrick Boulevard and 225th Street.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential streets with residents returning home; well-lit main thoroughfares remain generally safe for walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and mostly deserted residential lanes where staying mindful of surroundings and sticking to lit paths is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA regional transit serves the area via the Laurelton Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station at 225th Street, providing direct links to Jamaica and Manhattan. Local and express bus lines, including the Q5, Q85, and X63, provide connections to subway hubs in Jamaica.
Street parking is widely available and free throughout the residential grid, though alternate-side rules apply for street sweeping. Commercial strips on Merrick Boulevard have metered street spaces, and dedicated parking garages are virtually nonexistent.
Things to do in Laurelton
- Stroll through the Laurelton Historic District to admire the distinctive 1930s English Tudor and cottage-style architecture.
- Sample authentic Caribbean and West Indian specialties at eateries along Merrick Boulevard.
- Enjoy outdoor recreation, sports courts, and green space at Laurelton Playground.
Local favorites
- Henrica's Restaurant & Lounge · Caribbean Restaurant · 4.2★ (1150)Popular neighborhood fixture serving hearty Jamaican and Chinese-Jamaican specialties in a lively setting.
- Laurelton Diner · Diner · 4.1★ (520)Classic community diner offering traditional breakfast platters, burgers, and comfort food staples.
- Geno's Pizza & Restaurant · Pizza Restaurant · 4.4★ (360)Longstanding local counter dishing out New York-style slices, calzones, and classic Italian pasta dishes.
Neighborhoods near Laurelton
Common questions about Laurelton
Is Laurelton safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Laurelton a good place to live?
On safety, Laurelton scores 80/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Laurelton?
Walk score 62/100 and bike score 53/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Laurelton are safer?
Cambria Heights (84), Rosedale (Queens) (82) score higher nearby.
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