Is Murray Hill-Kips Bay safe?
Manhattan, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Murray Hill-Kips Bay as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Murray Hill-Kips Bay
“Go. Murray Hill and Kips Bay form a vibrant, exceptionally safe residential and commercial corridor in East Midtown Manhattan. Violent crime is rare, and while standard urban vigilance against property theft and late-night bar crowds on Third Avenue is advised, visitors can explore with confidence.”
About the area
Murray Hill-Kips Bay is a dense East Side neighborhood blending historic 19th-century brownstones, sleek modern high-rises, and a major medical corridor. Populated by young professionals, diplomats, and healthcare workers, it offers tree-lined residential side streets alongside bustling commercial avenues.
- Young Professionals
- Historic Brownstones
- Medical Corridor
- Bustling Dining Hub
Walking and biking in Murray Hill-Kips Bay
Walk score: 99/100 · Bike score: 88/100
Citi Bike stations are densely placed on nearly every avenue block, connecting directly to protected bike lanes on 1st and 2nd Avenues and the East River Greenway.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest in Manhattan and well below national urban averages.
- Strong economic foundation with median household incomes over $140,000 and high educational attainment.
- Dense, active foot traffic and well-lit thoroughfares maintained by local business improvement districts.
Cons
- Opportunistic property crimes like package theft, shoplifting, and unattended bicycle larceny remain common.
- Rowdy late-night crowds and noise along the Third Avenue bar strip on weekend nights.
- Frequent emergency vehicle siren noise along First Avenue's hospital corridor.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is present in modest numbers, primarily around major subway stops and near the Bellevue shelter intake area on East 30th Street. Encampments are minimal and routinely addressed by municipal outreach teams.
What Murray Hill-Kips Bay is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are filled with joggers, commuters, and hospital workers grabbing coffee in a calm, orderly setting.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Sidewalks are busy with office workers, students, and shoppers, offering a highly active and secure atmosphere.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Avenues bustle with diners and after-work crowds, keeping the commercial corridors vibrant and well-populated.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally safe to navigate, though bar-heavy stretches of Third Avenue can feature noisy, alcohol-fueled crowds.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA Subway 6 train runs along Park Avenue South/Lexington Avenue with stations at 28th St and 33rd St, plus Grand Central nearby. High-frequency bus lines include the M15/M15-SBS along 1st and 2nd Avenues and the M34/M34A-SBS crosstown routes.
Street parking is extremely difficult due to alternate-side rules and commercial loading restrictions. Commercial parking garages are plentiful but costly, typically ranging from $45 to $75 per day.
Things to do in Murray Hill-Kips Bay
- Tour the historic Gilded Age library, art collections, and rare manuscripts at The Morgan Library & Museum.
- Wander the Murray Hill Historic District along East 36th to 38th Streets to admire preserved townhouses.
- Enjoy East River skyline views and grab a scenic water taxi ride from the East 34th Street Ferry Landing.
Local favorites
- The Morgan Library & Museum · Museum · 4.7★ (5200)Renowned museum and historic research library featuring J. Pierpont Morgan's rare books and illuminated manuscripts.
- Sarge's Delicatessen & Diner · Jewish Deli · 4.4★ (3300)Historic 24/7 diner famous for towering pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and classic comfort food.
- Ruby's Cafe · Australian Restaurant · 4.5★ (1450)Bustling, stylish neighborhood cafe serving Australian-inspired brunch, burgers, and espresso drinks.
Neighborhoods near Murray Hill-Kips Bay
Common questions about Murray Hill-Kips Bay
Is Murray Hill-Kips Bay safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Murray Hill-Kips Bay a good place to live?
On safety, Murray Hill-Kips Bay scores 86/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Murray Hill-Kips Bay?
Walk score 99/100 and bike score 88/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Murray Hill-Kips Bay are safer?
Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village (94), Gramercy (90) score higher nearby.
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