Is McGinley Square safe?
Jersey City, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates McGinley Square as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on McGinley Square
“Go with care. McGinley Square is an energetic, culturally diverse hub just south of Journal Square that is generally welcoming during the day. Visitors should maintain standard urban awareness after dark, particularly along side streets off Bergen and Monticello Avenues where property crime and street robbery rates are elevated compared to downtown.”
About the area
McGinley Square serves as an active commercial and residential crossroads anchored by Saint Peter's University to the south and the Journal Square transit hub to the north. The area features a mix of historic row homes, mid-rise apartment buildings, and bustling ethnic eateries along Bergen Avenue. It offers a gritty, authentic Jersey City atmosphere that is currently undergoing gradual revitalization and residential infill.
- Urban Crossroads
- Bustling Retail Corridor
- College Adjacent
- Diverse Dining
Walking and biking in McGinley Square
Walk score: 93/100 · Bike score: 72/100
Citi Bike Jersey City docking stations are located near the square, and Bergen Avenue includes dedicated bike lanes connecting north toward Journal Square and Lincoln Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Vibrant commercial spine along Bergen Avenue with continuous daytime foot traffic and student presence from nearby Saint Peter's University
- High rates of occupied residential units (vacancy below 7%), creating active natural surveillance throughout most hours
- Lower overall rates of serious violent crime compared to southern sections of Ward F and Greenville
- Close proximity to comprehensive emergency services, including Jersey City Medical Center just to the east
Cons
- Pockets of elevated property crime, including package theft, vehicle break-ins, and catalytic converter theft
- Higher poverty rates (around 16-18%) and lower median household income compared to Jersey City's downtown core
- Noticeable nighttime loitering and occasional street-level disputes near late-night convenience stores and transit stops along Monticello Avenue
- Aging multi-family housing infrastructure with limited off-street secure parking
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and occasional panhandling are present along the commercial strip of Bergen Avenue and near major bus stops, but large permanent encampments are generally absent in the immediate square.
What McGinley Square is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and generally safe with steady commuter traffic, open coffee shops, and students traveling to Saint Peter's University.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy and vibrant along commercial corridors with full sidewalks, frequent bus traffic, and lively storefronts.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Dining spots and pubs draw a solid neighborhood crowd, though caution is advised when stepping onto quieter side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic thins out significantly, making street awareness essential to avoid loitering spots and opportunistic street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very accessible via NJ Transit bus routes 80, 81, and 87 running along Bergen Avenue, connecting riders to the Journal Square PATH Station in about 5 to 10 minutes (or a 15-minute walk).
Street parking is notoriously tight and heavily regulated by residential permit zones with limited metered spots along Bergen Avenue; off-street garage options are rare, so visitors are advised to use transit or rideshares.
Things to do in McGinley Square
- Sample diverse international cuisines, from Filipino bakeries to homestyle Italian and Portuguese spots along Bergen Avenue
- Explore the historic Saint Aedan's Church, renowned for its striking early-20th-century Romanesque Revival architecture
- Walk the collegiate grounds of Saint Peter's University, situated just a few blocks south of the main square
Local favorites
- ITA Italian Kitchen · Italian Restaurant & Gastropub · 4.5★ (620)A neighborhood favorite offering wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, craft beers, and specialty cocktails in a rustic-chic setting.
- Carvao BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (910)A lively open-pit BBQ joint and sports bar serving Portuguese- and American-style smoked meats and craft brews.
- Crema JC · Cafe & Ice Cream Parlor · 4.6★ (340)A cozy neighborhood cafe serving specialty espresso drinks, artisan ice cream, and light brunch bites.
Neighborhoods near McGinley Square
Common questions about McGinley Square
Is McGinley Square safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is McGinley Square a good place to live?
On safety, McGinley Square scores 68/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is McGinley Square?
Walk score 93/100 and bike score 72/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near McGinley Square are safer?
Indian Square (74), Journal Square (72), Marion (70) score higher nearby.
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