Is Leonia safe?
Leonia, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Leonia as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Leonia
“Go. Leonia is an exceptionally safe, quiet residential borough in Bergen County with near-negligible violent crime and a tight-knit community feel. Visitors can explore the Broad Avenue dining strip and adjacent county parks day or night without safety concerns.”
About the area
Leonia is a historic, leafy residential enclave located just west of Fort Lee and the George Washington Bridge corridor. It features a quaint downtown stretch on Broad Avenue alongside well-preserved Craftsman and Victorian homes, with direct access to expansive county parkland.
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined / Historic
- Quiet Suburb
- Asian Dining Hub
Walking and biking in Leonia
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is no public bike-share program, but cyclists enjoy easy access to multi-use recreational paths winding through adjacent Overpeck County Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are extraordinarily low, sitting far below national and state medians.
- Strong economic baseline with median household income over $115,000 and a poverty rate under 5%.
- High civic investment and well-maintained housing stock across quiet, shaded streets.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle burglaries due to proximity to I-95 and Route 4.
- Heavy commuter congestion on main arteries like Fort Lee Road and Grand Avenue during bridge rush hours.
- Very quiet commercial landscape after 10 PM with limited late-night services.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Leonia, with no established encampments or panhandling; social support infrastructure is primarily located in nearby county centers like Hackensack.
What Leonia is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with commuters and joggers along residential sidewalks, feeling exceptionally safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively yet tranquil with students and shoppers patronizing Broad Avenue businesses with zero safety friction.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and welcoming as diners visit local restaurants along well-lit main corridors.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and dark with almost no foot traffic, remaining very safe for walking.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates direct express and local bus routes including the 166 and 182, providing regular service to Manhattan's Port Authority Bus Terminal and the George Washington Bridge Bus Station.
Parking is manageable with short-term metered spaces and municipal lots on Broad Avenue, plus abundant free street parking in residential areas (subject to overnight permit rules).
Things to do in Leonia
- Walk or jog the paved waterfront trails and visit the sports fields at Overpeck County Park.
- Explore the authentic Korean restaurants, bakeries, and cafes lining Broad Avenue.
- Attend a community play at the historic Players Guild of Leonia, one of the state's oldest community theater troupes.
Local favorites
- Kobawoo Restaurant · Korean Restaurant · 4.4★ (460)Longtime local staple serving traditional Korean homestyle dishes, stews, and barbecue.
- Dante's Place · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (420)Enduring family-friendly neighborhood trattoria serving classic pasta and thin-crust pizza.
- Cafe Mignon · Bakery / Cafe · 4.6★ (230)Cozy dessert parlor known for artisan cakes, French pastries, and specialty espresso drinks.
Neighborhoods near Leonia
Common questions about Leonia
Is Leonia safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Leonia a good place to live?
On safety, Leonia scores 90/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Leonia?
Walk score 68/100 and bike score 52/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Leonia are safer?
Leonia scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Leonia? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.