Is Madison (Brooklyn) safe?
Brooklyn, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Madison (Brooklyn) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Madison (Brooklyn)
“Go. Madison is a safe, quiet, and well-maintained residential neighborhood in South Brooklyn. Visitors will find welcoming residential blocks and diverse dining options along its perimeter corridors with minimal safety concerns.”
About the area
Madison is an established, predominantly residential enclave situated between Midwood, Sheepshead Bay, and Marine Park. Characterized by single-family brick homes, tree-shaded streets, and multi-generational households, it maintains a quiet, suburban-urban feel with bustling commercial avenues nearby.
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet Residential
- Tree-Lined
- Suburban-Urban Feel
Walking and biking in Madison (Brooklyn)
Walk score: 88/100 · Bike score: 72/100
Citi Bike stations are distributed across the neighborhood, offering easy connections to the Ocean Parkway Greenway to the west and the Marine Park path network to the east.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Consistently low rates of violent crime within the NYPD 61st Precinct jurisdiction.
- High rates of owner-occupied housing and exceptionally low residential vacancy.
- Vibrant community feel with active neighborhood foot traffic during daytime and evening hours.
Cons
- Periodic opportunistic property crimes, including package theft and vehicle break-ins.
- Congested vehicular traffic and double-parking along key corridors like Avenue U and Nostrand Avenue.
- Subdued night-time atmosphere with limited activity away from the main commercial avenues.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is very low in Madison, with occasional individuals near commercial subway hubs along Kings Highway, but no visible encampments.
What Madison (Brooklyn) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with students walking to school, dog walkers, and commuters heading to nearby transit lines.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and lively around the commercial corridors on Avenue U, with very quiet residential side streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and family-oriented as residents return home and local diners fill neighborhood restaurants.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and dark along interior residential blocks, remaining generally safe though standard late-night vigilance is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA New York City Transit serves the area via the B and Q subway lines at Kings Highway and Avenue U stations (a 5-15 minute walk depending on location), supplemented by the B2, B3, B31, B44, and B100 bus routes.
Street parking is considerably easier than in central Brooklyn, with unmetered parking on residential blocks subject to alternate-side rules and metered spaces along Avenue U and Kings Highway.
Things to do in Madison (Brooklyn)
- Explore diverse international bakeries, specialty grocers, and eateries along Avenue U.
- Take an architectural walk along the peaceful, tree-lined residential side streets between Bedford and Ocean Avenues.
- Walk a few blocks east to enjoy sports fields and open green space at Marine Park.
Local favorites
- Brennan & Carr · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (2850)Historic South Brooklyn staple famous for its broth-dipped roast beef sandwiches since 1938.
- Memo Shish Kebab · Turkish Restaurant · 4.4★ (1420)Bustling local favorite serving authentic Turkish kebabs, warm pide bread, and traditional appetizers.
- Joe's of Avenue U · Sicilian Restaurant · 4.5★ (960)Classic neighborhood eatery dishing up traditional Sicilian fare, panelle, and pasta dishes.
Neighborhoods near Madison (Brooklyn)
Common questions about Madison (Brooklyn)
Is Madison (Brooklyn) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Madison (Brooklyn) a good place to live?
On safety, Madison (Brooklyn) 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 Madison (Brooklyn)?
Walk score 88/100 and bike score 72/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Madison (Brooklyn) are safer?
Marine Park-Mill Basin-Bergen Beach (88), Sheepshead Bay-Manhattan Beach-Gerritsen Beach (85) score higher nearby.
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