Is Newark Heights safe?
Maplewood, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Newark Heights as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Newark Heights
“Go. Newark Heights is a stable, predominantly residential section of Maplewood that offers a safe suburban environment with easy access to township amenities. Visitors should practice standard suburban situational awareness, particularly regarding vehicle security near the bordering commercial corridors.”
About the area
Situated along Maplewood's eastern boundary, Newark Heights features quiet, tree-lined residential streets lined with early-to-mid 20th-century single-family homes and modest multi-family properties. It borders the bustling Springfield Avenue commercial district, providing immediate access to local dining and community parks.
- Suburban Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Quiet
Walking and biking in Newark Heights
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is no municipal bike-share system in Maplewood, but local residential streets are low-stress for cycling, connecting easily to paths at Maplecrest Park and Memorial Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to broader Essex County urban centers
- High rates of owner-occupied housing with well-maintained single-family properties
- Active township policing and strong municipal services provided by Maplewood Township
Cons
- Periodic incidents of auto theft and vehicle break-ins typical of border suburban corridors
- Higher property crime risk along the Springfield Avenue boundary compared to Maplewood Village
- Pedestrian and traffic congestion along major bordering arterials during peak hours
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Newark Heights; occasional individuals seeking assistance may be seen along major bus stops on Springfield Avenue, but there are no encampments.
What Newark Heights is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and residents heading out for their morning commute.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-oriented around residential streets with steady local commerce on Springfield Avenue.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel with moderate neighborhood foot traffic around local restaurants and parks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally very quiet and safe, though walking with awareness and locking parked vehicles is standard practice.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates several bus lines along Springfield Avenue and Boyden Avenue (including routes 25 and 70), connecting directly to downtown Newark and surrounding towns; the Maplewood NJ Transit rail station on the Morris & Essex Line is about 1.5 miles away.
Residential street parking is readily available throughout the neighborhood, though Maplewood enforces overnight parking permit rules, while Springfield Avenue offers metered curbside spaces and small municipal surface lots.
Things to do in Newark Heights
- Enjoy sports facilities, open lawns, and community events at nearby DeHart Community Park
- Explore independent eateries, bakeries, and casual dining along the Springfield Avenue corridor
- Visit the seasonal Maplewood Farmers Market held near the neighborhood at Indiana Street
Local favorites
- Cactus Charly · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (320)A cozy, colorful neighborhood spot serving authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, and traditional platters.
- Green Way Market of Maplewood · Supermarket · 4.1★ (290)A convenient community grocery market providing fresh produce, deli items, and prepared meals.
- Artie's · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (680)Acclaimed wood-fired pizzeria and rustic Italian kitchen drawing visitors from across Essex County.
Neighborhoods near Newark Heights
Common questions about Newark Heights
Is Newark Heights safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Newark Heights a good place to live?
On safety, Newark Heights scores 78/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Newark Heights?
Walk score 62/100 and bike score 52/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Newark Heights are safer?
Newstead North (92), Newstead (90), Academy Heights (84) score higher nearby.
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