Is North Caldwell safe?
North Caldwell, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates North Caldwell as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on North Caldwell
“Go. North Caldwell is an exceptionally safe, affluent residential borough in western Essex County known for its spacious estates, manicured lawns, and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors will find virtually zero violent crime, making it one of the safest suburban communities in the New York metropolitan area.”
About the area
North Caldwell is a wealthy, peaceful suburb characterized by rolling hills, expansive single-family homes, and quiet, leafy cul-de-sacs. While it lacks a dense commercial downtown, it offers scenic residential driving routes, pristine municipal parks, and quick access to dining in neighboring Caldwell and Montclair.
- Affluent Suburb
- Quiet & Peaceful
- Tree-Lined Estates
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in North Caldwell
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 22/100
There is no bike-share system, and cycling is limited to steep, winding residential roads that lack dedicated bike lanes; the closest multi-use path connections are at West Essex Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero, with overall crime indices among the lowest in New Jersey
- Median household income exceeds $220,000 with a homeownership rate above 93%
- Extremely well-maintained infrastructure, lush greenery, and responsive municipal services
Cons
- Virtually no commercial downtown district within borough limits
- Heavily car-dependent with hilly roads that lack sidewalks
- Periodic luxury vehicle theft and driveway trespass incidents reported across Essex County suburbs
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in North Caldwell, with no encampments or panhandling present in the borough.
What North Caldwell is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with neighborhood joggers, dog walkers, and light school-commute traffic on local roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet with pristine, sunlit residential streets and minimal vehicular congestion.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Subdued suburban atmosphere as residents return home; streets are dark but exceptionally safe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and tranquil with almost no foot traffic and virtually no late-night commercial activity.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit within North Caldwell is very limited; NJ Transit bus route 29 runs along nearby Bloomfield Avenue, and the nearest commuter rail stations (Little Falls or Montclair State University on the Montclair-Boonton Line) are about a 10-minute drive away.
Parking is effortless; residential streets and local municipal lots offer free, abundant parking, with no metered spaces or parking garages necessary.
Things to do in North Caldwell
- Visit Liberty Field and the North Caldwell Tennis Complex for community sports and recreation
- Take a scenic architectural drive to see iconic suburban estates, including the exterior made famous in 'The Sopranos'
- Explore the nearby walking paths and scenic vistas at Grover Cleveland Park on the borough border
Local favorites
- Horseshoe Cafe · Cafe / Deli · 4.6★ (110)A cozy, community-staple breakfast and lunch spot serving fresh sandwiches, wraps, and coffee.
- Cloverleaf Tavern · American Pub · 4.5★ (1850)A historic, award-winning nearby tavern on Bloomfield Ave celebrated for craft beer and classic pub fare.
- Il Vecchio Cafe · Italian Restaurant · 4.3★ (460)A refined, family-friendly Italian restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and gelato.
Neighborhoods near North Caldwell
Common questions about North Caldwell
Is North Caldwell safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is North Caldwell a good place to live?
On safety, North Caldwell scores 96/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is North Caldwell?
Walk score 18/100 and bike score 22/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near North Caldwell are safer?
North Caldwell scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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