Is Newark safe?
Newark, Delaware · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Newark as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Newark
“Go. Newark is a welcoming, vibrant college town anchored by the University of Delaware with low rates of violent crime. Visitors will find a safe environment day and night, requiring only standard awareness of petty property theft and weekend bar crowds.”
Recent municipal and campus police focus has centered on pedestrian safety upgrades and curbing late-night party disturbances along student corridors.
About the area
Centering on the historic University of Delaware campus and bustling East Main Street, Newark blends collegiate vitality with quiet, tree-lined residential neighborhoods. It offers an active dining and retail scene alongside direct access to extensive state parks and multi-use greenways.
- College Town
- Lively Dining Hub
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Active & Outdoorsy
Walking and biking in Newark
Walk score: 72/100 · Bike score: 74/100
The city features strong bicycle infrastructure, including the Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail, which connects downtown directly to White Clay Creek State Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to regional urban hubs like Wilmington
- Strong institutional anchor in the University of Delaware, driving well-maintained infrastructure and high educational attainment
- Active dual-patrol presence from both Newark Police and UD Campus Police
Cons
- Higher frequency of opportunistic property crimes such as bicycle theft and unlocked car trespassing
- Weekend late-night alcohol-related disturbances and rowdy crowds near Main Street bars
- Heavy pedestrian-vehicle conflict zones during semester rush hours along Main Street and Delaware Avenue
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal, with occasional panhandling noted around shopping centers or major intersections, supported locally by services such as the Newark Empowerment Center.
What Newark is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Crisp and quiet, with students, dog walkers, and commuters populating coffee shops and campus paths in full safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Energetic and bustling with steady foot traffic, open storefronts, and safe, well-lit sidewalks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Main Street fills with dinner crowds and families, maintaining a pleasant, community-oriented atmosphere.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally safe, though areas around student nightlife venues experience loud, intoxicated groups and occasional minor scuffles.
Transit, parking and getting around
DART First State operates frequent local bus routes (such as Routes 16, 33, and 46), and the Newark Station provides SEPTA Regional Rail service to Philadelphia alongside select Amtrak routes.
Main Street utilizes metered street parking and several municipal lots/garages managed via the ParkMobile app, with rates typically running $1.50 to $2.50 per hour.
Things to do in Newark
- Explore the historic red-brick architecture and gardens across the University of Delaware Green
- Hike, fish, or bike the extensive forested path network at White Clay Creek State Park
- Walk the scenic 1.8-mile trail loop atop the Newark Reservoir for hilltop views of the area
Local favorites
- Caffe Gelato · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (1420)Refined Italian dining known for handmade pasta, extensive wine pairings, and artisan gelato.
- Deer Park Tavern · American Restaurant / Bar · 4.4★ (2150)Historic multilevel landmark with deep local lore, casual pub fare, and lively outdoor seating.
- Home Grown Cafe · Eclectic Restaurant · 4.5★ (1710)Artful spot offering inventive gourmet comfort foods, vegan-friendly menus, and craft cocktails.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.