Is Long Island City-Hunters Point safe?
Queens, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Long Island City-Hunters Point as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Long Island City-Hunters Point
“Go. Hunters Point is one of the safest, most affluent, and family-friendly waterfront neighborhoods in New York City. Visitors can comfortably stroll the scenic waterfront parks and dining corridors day or night with standard urban awareness. Exercise regular caution around major subway hubs and industrial fringes late at night.”
About the area
Long Island City-Hunters Point is a bustling waterfront enclave characterized by gleaming modern high-rises, historic brownstones, and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. It boasts world-class waterfront parks, craft breweries, art spaces, and a thriving dining scene along Vernon Boulevard and Center Boulevard.
- Waterfront Views
- Family-Friendly
- Modern High-Rise
- Trendy Dining Hub
Walking and biking in Long Island City-Hunters Point
Walk score: 96/100 · Bike score: 88/100
Citi Bike stations are densely distributed throughout the neighborhood, offering seamless access to protected bike lanes on Vernon Boulevard and the waterfront East River greenway paths.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates than citywide averages, covered by the NYPD 108th Precinct
- High median household income exceeding $140,000 in waterfront census tracts with strong infrastructure investment
- Well-maintained, heavily populated public green spaces with active community programming
- Extensive multi-modal transit connectivity including multiple subway lines, NYC Ferry, and LIRR
Cons
- Elevated petty property crimes, package theft, and bicycle/e-bike larceny in residential corridors
- Subway stations and transit hubs can feel desolate or uneasy late at night
- Pockets of active construction and industrial zones create quiet dead-zones after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in the core residential and waterfront park areas of Hunters Point, though occasional individuals seeking shelter or panhandling may be observed inside major subway stations such as Court Square.
What Long Island City-Hunters Point is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Vibrant and very safe, filled with dog walkers, joggers along Gantry Plaza State Park, and commuters heading to the 7 train and ferry.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively and peaceful with families at playgrounds, outdoor dining along Vernon Boulevard, and casual tourists taking in skyline views.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Active and secure around restaurants, waterfront promenades, and residential towers, though lighting drops quickly in adjacent industrial pockets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally safe along residential and main retail streets, though foot traffic drops significantly and caution is advised near train elevateds and unlit side streets.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA New York City Subway service is exceptionally robust, anchored by the Vernon Blvd-Jackson Av (7), Court Sq (7, E, M, G), and Hunters Point Av (7, LIRR) stations, alongside NYC Ferry service at Hunters Point South and local Q103/B32 buses.
Street parking is tight with metered commercial zones and strict alternate-side parking rules; several paid parking garages are available in modern residential towers, generally charging $25 to $45 daily.
Things to do in Long Island City-Hunters Point
- Stroll along Gantry Plaza State Park to view the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign and Manhattan skyline
- Explore contemporary art and installations at MoMA PS1
- Sample craft beers along the local brewery trail including Fifth Hammer Brewing and Rockaway Brewing
Local favorites
- Tournesol · French Bistro · 4.6★ (1150)A cozy, authentic French bistro serving classic dishes like steak frites and cassoulet along Vernon Boulevard.
- Blend on the Water · Latin American Restaurant · 4.4★ (3200)A chic waterfront destination offering upscale Latin fusion cuisine and panoramic East River views.
- Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters · Coffee Shop & Cocktail Bar · 4.5★ (920)A vintage-furnished local staple famous for artisanal espresso by day and craft cocktails by night.
Neighborhoods near Long Island City-Hunters Point
Common questions about Long Island City-Hunters Point
Is Long Island City-Hunters Point safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Long Island City-Hunters Point a good place to live?
On safety, Long Island City-Hunters Point 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 Long Island City-Hunters Point?
Walk score 96/100 and bike score 88/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Long Island City-Hunters Point are safer?
Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island (92), Greenpoint (88), East Midtown-Turtle Bay (86) score higher nearby.
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