Is Northfield (Livingston) safe?
Livingston, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Northfield (Livingston) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Northfield (Livingston)
“Go. Northfield in Livingston is an exceptionally safe, quiet, and affluent suburban community with virtually non-existent violent crime. Visitors have little reason to worry about personal safety at any hour, though having a vehicle is essential to explore the area.”
About the area
Northfield is a leafy residential section of Livingston centered around Northfield Road and adjacent neighborhoods. It is characterized by well-tended single-family homes, manicured lawns, and strip retail along main arteries. The neighborhood offers a peaceful suburban atmosphere with strong civic amenities and easy access to broader Essex County attractions.
- Suburban / Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Northfield (Livingston)
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 34/100
There is no local bike-share system, and dedicated bike lanes are scarce on main corridors, though neighborhood side streets are suitable for casual biking.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero and significantly lower than national averages
- High median household income exceeding $180,000 with very low poverty rates
- Well-maintained infrastructure, active municipal policing, and strong community services
- Close proximity to South Mountain Reservation and quality suburban shopping centers
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property theft targeting parked vehicles in residential driveways
- Extremely car-dependent with minimal pedestrian infrastructure on busy thoroughfares
- Limited public transit options requiring private vehicles or rideshares for most trips
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in Northfield. There are no encampments or panhandling hot spots in the area, with support services centralized in larger regional cities like Newark or Orange.
What Northfield (Livingston) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with commuters and school traffic; extremely safe for walking or jogging through residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and tranquil with standard suburban vehicle movement and safe foot traffic near parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe with residents returning home and moderate dining traffic along retail corridors.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and quiet with little activity; personal safety remains extremely high though sidewalks are poorly lit in some residential pockets.
Transit, parking and getting around
Transit access is provided by NJ Transit bus routes (such as the 73 and 70), connecting to Newark and nearby rail hubs. The nearest NJ Transit train station is Millburn or South Orange, approximately 10 to 15 minutes away by car.
Free and ample parking is standard in residential driveways, local shopping plaza lots, and township parks; street parking is generally straightforward but may be restricted overnight by municipal ordinance.
Things to do in Northfield (Livingston)
- Hike and explore the nearby scenic nature trails at South Mountain Reservation
- Enjoy recreational sports and community events at Northland Park or Memorial Park
- Browse local boutiques and dining plazas along Northfield Center and Route 10
Local favorites
- Sweet Basil's Cafe · Cafe / Brunch · 4.6★ (460)Popular local eatery serving creative, farm-to-table breakfast and lunch classics.
- Lithos Estiatorio · Greek Restaurant · 4.4★ (750)Upscale Greek dining destination known for fresh seafood and Mediterranean fare.
- Seymour's Cafe · Deli / Diner · 4.5★ (320)Traditional neighborhood staple offering classic deli sandwiches, bagels, and comfort dishes.
Neighborhoods near Northfield (Livingston)
Common questions about Northfield (Livingston)
Is Northfield (Livingston) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Northfield (Livingston) a good place to live?
On safety, Northfield (Livingston) scores 93/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Northfield (Livingston)?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 34/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Northfield (Livingston) are safer?
Essex Fells (96), Roseland (NJ) (95), Morehousetown (94) score higher nearby.
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