Is Merrickwood safe?
Hempstead, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Merrickwood as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Merrickwood
“Go. Merrickwood is a tranquil, upscale suburban residential enclave in Merrick within the Town of Hempstead that is exceptionally safe for visitors. There is virtually no violent crime risk, and routine suburban precautions for property are all that is necessary.”
About the area
Merrickwood is a peaceful, tree-lined residential community situated within Merrick on the South Shore of Long Island. The area is characterized by well-kept single-family homes, manicured lawns, and quiet residential streets that cater primarily to families and commuters.
- Quiet Suburb
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Merrickwood
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 44/100
There are no public bike-share programs in the immediate area, but quiet residential streets accommodate casual cycling and connect southward toward the Cedar Creek Park trail system.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent and property crime rates compared to regional and national averages
- High median household incomes well exceeding $150,000 with very high homeownership rates
- Quiet, family-oriented residential streets with virtually no through traffic
- Close proximity to South Shore parks, beaches, and Long Island Rail Road connections
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with very few commercial amenities within walking distance
- Sidewalk coverage can be intermittent on certain interior residential blocks
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like unlocked vehicle theft typical of suburban communities
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in this residential neighborhood, with virtually no encampments or panhandling observed.
What Merrickwood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents jogging, walking dogs, and commuting with virtually zero safety concern.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and calm throughout residential streets with children playing and delivery vehicles making rounds.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Serene and well-settled as families return home, offering safe conditions for evening walks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with minimal street traffic, remaining exceptionally safe though low street lighting requires basic caution.
Transit, parking and getting around
Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) buses run along nearby arterial routes like Merrick Road (n19) and Sunrise Highway, while the Merrick LIRR station is a 5-minute drive away providing direct train access to Manhattan.
Street parking is free and plentiful on residential roads, though commuters should mind municipal permit restrictions near the nearby LIRR station.
Things to do in Merrickwood
- Take a relaxing stroll through the quiet, tree-canopied residential lanes of the Merrickwood tract
- Visit nearby Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve for nature trails, hilltop views, and wildlife spotting
- Explore the shops, cafes, and bakeries clustered around Merrick Road and Merrick Avenue
Local favorites
- Acqua Pasta & Trattoria · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (380)Refined Italian trattoria serving classic pasta dishes, seafood, and fine wine in an intimate setting.
- Pastosa Ravioli · Specialty Food Store · 4.7★ (290)Longstanding Italian specialty shop renowned for fresh handmade pasta, sauces, cheeses, and cured meats.
- Left Coast Kitchen & Cocktails · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (510)Lively neighborhood spot serving inventive comfort food, craft beers, and creative signature cocktails.
Neighborhoods near Merrickwood
Common questions about Merrickwood
Is Merrickwood safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Merrickwood a good place to live?
On safety, Merrickwood 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 Merrickwood?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 44/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Merrickwood are safer?
Biltmore Shores (94) score higher nearby.
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