Is Matawan safe?
Matawan, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Matawan as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Matawan
“Go. Matawan is a quintessential, safe Monmouth County suburban borough that presents minimal safety concerns for visitors. Crime rates are substantially lower than national baselines, making it welcoming and secure to explore at almost any hour.”
About the area
Matawan is a historic residential borough defined by scenic lakes, quiet neighborhoods, and a walkable Main Street corridor. It serves as an upper-middle-class bedroom community with convenient rail connections to New York City and the Jersey Shore.
- Historic Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Commuter Hub
- Quiet / Peaceful
Walking and biking in Matawan
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 46/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, but the paved multi-use Henry Hudson Trail connects just north and south of the borough for long-distance cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low compared to state and national averages
- Affluent economic foundation with median household income well over $110,000 and low poverty
- Well-maintained housing stock and scenic recreation spots at Lake Lefferts and Lake Matawan
- Direct NJ Transit rail access connecting to New York Penn Station and North Jersey employment centers
Cons
- Car break-ins and opportunistic theft from unlocked vehicles occur occasionally
- Limited walkability outside of the immediate downtown Main Street corridor
- Heavy commuter traffic congestion along Route 34 and Main Street during rush hours
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Matawan, with no encampments or panhandling observed around the community or its retail districts.
What Matawan is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with commuters heading toward the train station and joggers along the lake paths.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and completely safe with moderate foot traffic around Main Street shops and parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and pleasant with patrons visiting local Main Street restaurants and neighborhood pubs.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued suburban silence with very little pedestrian traffic and virtually zero street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates the North Jersey Coast Line via the Aberdeen-Matawan station located on the borough border, alongside NJ Transit bus routes 131, 133, and 135 connecting to Midtown Manhattan.
Free on-street parking and municipal lots are readily available along Main Street; parking lots adjacent to the train station require paid daily fees or residential commuter permits.
Things to do in Matawan
- Rent a kayak or relax along the waterfront at Lake Lefferts Lakefront Park
- Explore the historic storefronts, casual dining, and taverns along Main Street
- Walk or bike along segments of the nearby Henry Hudson Trail
Local favorites
- Maloney's Pub · Gastropub · 4.5★ (1450)Renowned local gathering spot featuring an extensive craft beer list and elevated pub classics.
- The Bakeree · Bakery · 4.8★ (320)Popular neighborhood bakery offering custom cakes, artisanal pastries, and coffee.
- Eli's Hot Bagels · Bagel Shop · 4.6★ (580)Longtime local staple serving traditional kettle-boiled New Jersey bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
Neighborhoods near Matawan
Common questions about Matawan
Is Matawan safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Matawan a good place to live?
On safety, Matawan scores 89/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Matawan?
Walk score 58/100 and bike score 46/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Matawan are safer?
Matawan scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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