Is Netherwood safe?
Plainfield, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Netherwood as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Netherwood
“Go. Netherwood is one of Plainfield's most affluent and historically intact residential districts, offering a quiet suburban feel with charming Victorian architecture. While Plainfield as a broader municipality experiences higher crime rates than the New Jersey average, Netherwood itself maintains lower incident rates and a strong sense of community stability. Standard situational awareness is sufficient when walking through the residential areas or using the commuter train station.”
About the area
Netherwood is a scenic, historic residential neighborhood on the eastern edge of Plainfield, defined by expansive turn-of-the-century homes, leafy tree-lined streets, and a classic commuter rail stop. The area offers a quiet retreat from nearby commercial corridors while maintaining easy transit connectivity into Newark and New York City.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Commuter Suburban
- Quiet / Residential
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Netherwood
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is no public bike-share program in the neighborhood; biking is best on low-traffic residential streets or within Cedar Brook Park's internal paved paths.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially higher homeownership rates and median household incomes compared to the Plainfield municipal average
- Quiet, low-density residential streets with significantly fewer violent crime incidents than central Plainfield
- Well-preserved historic architecture and active neighborhood associations fostering strong community oversight
- Direct NJ Transit rail access via Netherwood Station
Cons
- Bordering corridors closer to central Plainfield see occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins
- Limited walkability for daily retail and grocery needs, requiring a vehicle for most errands
- Fewer evening pedestrian patrols or commercial foot traffic compared to downtown districts
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in the residential blocks of Netherwood, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen near the commercial edges and rail station.
What Netherwood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with commuters walking or driving to the Netherwood train station, with dogs being walked along tree-shaded streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet throughout the residential blocks with low vehicular traffic and a very safe environment for strolls.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet as commuters return home; street lighting is residential and adequate, though caution is advised around darker intersections.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and minimal street activity; generally peaceful, though standard caution regarding opportunistic property crimes is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates rail service on the Raritan Valley Line directly from the historic Netherwood Station, alongside local NJ Transit bus routes including the 113 and 819 along nearby main avenues.
Street parking on residential roads is abundant and mostly free, while the Netherwood Station offers permit and daily commuter parking lots.
Things to do in Netherwood
- Take a self-guided architectural walking tour through the Netherwood Heights Historic District
- Enjoy outdoor recreation and tennis courts at nearby Cedar Brook Park
- Explore local dining spots along the South Avenue corridor near the rail depot
Local favorites
- Fiesta Latin Bistro · Latin American Restaurant · 4.5★ (320)A cozy, well-regarded local venue serving hearty Peruvian and Latin fusion dishes near the station corridor.
- Ray's Luncheonette · Diner / Breakfast Restaurant · 4.6★ (210)A classic neighborhood staple offering straightforward breakfast platters, sandwiches, and coffee.
- T & L Rinaldi's Deli · Italian Deli & Market · 4.6★ (185)An established neighborhood deli known for generous Italian subs, hot entrees, and catering.
Neighborhoods near Netherwood
Common questions about Netherwood
Is Netherwood safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Netherwood a good place to live?
On safety, Netherwood scores 72/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Netherwood?
Walk score 58/100 and bike score 52/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Netherwood are safer?
Watchung (94), Fanwood (93), North Edison (92) score higher nearby.
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