Is North Centerville safe?
Hazlet, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates North Centerville as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on North Centerville
“Go. North Centerville is a very safe, peaceful suburban enclave in Hazlet with exceptionally low rates of violent crime and stable residential neighborhoods. Visitors can feel completely at ease walking and visiting local venues at virtually any time of day.”
About the area
North Centerville is a quiet, tree-lined residential section in the northern tier of Hazlet Township near the Bayshore. Dominated by single-family homes, local schools, and convenient retail access along Route 36, the area provides a comfortable and secure suburban atmosphere.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in North Centerville
Walk score: 36/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There is no public bike-share program available, but the nearby Henry Hudson Trail provides a scenic off-road paved greenway connecting Hazlet to neighboring Bayshore towns.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both state and national averages.
- Strong socioeconomic indicators with high median household incomes and negligible poverty rates.
- High rate of owner-occupied, well-maintained single-family housing.
- Quick access to Bayshore parks, beaches, and regional commuter corridors.
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with limited pedestrian infrastructure on some interior residential streets.
- Occasional property crimes such as opportunistic vehicle break-ins along commercial corridors.
- Route 36 can experience heavy traffic congestion during peak commuting hours.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in North Centerville, with virtually no encampments or panhandling observed.
What North Centerville is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with school buses and residents commuting out of the neighborhood.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with occasional dog walkers and light local neighborhood traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel as families settle in, with bustling dining activity along nearby Route 36.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and tranquil on residential blocks with virtually no pedestrian foot traffic or safety concerns.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates bus route 817 along the Route 36 corridor, while the Hazlet NJ Transit train station on the North Jersey Coast Line is located approximately two miles south, offering direct rail connections to Newark and New York Penn Station.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free, with ample free street parking in residential areas and expansive free surface lots serving all local shopping centers.
Things to do in North Centerville
- Enjoy outdoor sports, walking paths, and the community center at Hazlet Veterans Park.
- Take a short drive to the Keyport Waterfront Promenade for scenic views across the Raritan Bay.
- Explore the nearby paved multi-use paths along sections of the Henry Hudson Trail.
Local favorites
- Hazlet Diner · Diner · 4.3★ (1420)Classic New Jersey diner known for expansive menus, generous breakfast platters, and friendly service.
- Takara Japanese Restaurant · Japanese Restaurant · 4.4★ (540)Neighborhood spot offering fresh sushi rolls, hibachi dinners, and traditional Japanese entrees.
- The Blue Rock Cafe · Bar & Grill · 4.4★ (680)Casual local bar and grill featuring pub fare, draft beers, and weekend live entertainment.
Neighborhoods near North Centerville
Common questions about North Centerville
Is North Centerville safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is North Centerville a good place to live?
On safety, North Centerville scores 90/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is North Centerville?
Walk score 36/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near North Centerville are safer?
Willett Acres (93) score higher nearby.
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