Is Northwest Ridgewood safe?
Ridgewood, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Northwest Ridgewood as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Northwest Ridgewood
“Go. Northwest Ridgewood is an exceptionally safe, prosperous, and peaceful suburban enclave with virtually non-existent violent crime. Visitors can stroll the tree-lined residential streets with total peace of mind at any hour.”
About the area
Northwest Ridgewood is an upscale, picturesque residential neighborhood defined by manicured lawns, grand single-family homes, and quiet winding lanes. It offers a tranquil retreat just minutes from Ridgewood's bustling downtown village center and Bergen County parks.
- Affluent Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet & Peaceful
- Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in Northwest Ridgewood
Walk score: 35/100 · Bike score: 46/100
There is no municipal bike-share program, but low-speed residential roads are pleasant for biking and connect southward toward the paved Saddle River County Park trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest in the state and country
- Median household income exceeds $200,000 with nearly 90% homeownership and high civic investment
- Pristine public infrastructure with well-maintained streets and lush landscaping
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with minimal commercial amenities within immediate walking distance
- Occasional opportunistic overnight vehicle theft when cars or key fobs are left accessible
- Limited sidewalks and streetlights on certain residential cul-de-sacs
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in this quiet residential area. County-level shelters and social support services are situated in urban centers like Hackensack and Paterson.
What Northwest Ridgewood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Serene and lively with joggers, dog walkers, and parents walking children to local schools.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and safe with standard residential activity, landscaping crews, and delivery traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Very calm and secure as commuters return home, with quiet streets and minimal thru-traffic.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet with virtually no pedestrian presence and exceptionally high personal safety.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit commuter rail is accessible at the Ridgewood Station roughly 1.5 miles southeast, offering direct service to Hoboken and Secaucus Junction via the Main/Bergen County Line. NJ Transit bus route 164 provides regional service toward Manhattan along nearby arterials.
Free on-street residential parking is widely available during the day, though Ridgewood prohibits overnight parking on public streets without a permit. Driveways provide the primary parking throughout the neighborhood.
Things to do in Northwest Ridgewood
- Enjoy a peaceful walk or run along the scenic, tree-shaded neighborhood streets
- Visit the nearby Graydon Pool facility and surrounding recreation fields during warmer months
- Take a short drive to explore the boutique shopping and dining along East Ridgewood Avenue
Local favorites
- Raymond's · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (1850)A beloved retro-chic diner and bistro serving classic comfort fare and brunch favorites.
- Country Pancake House and Restaurant · Breakfast Restaurant · 4.4★ (2150)A landmark breakfast spot famous for gigantic portions and dozens of pancake varieties.
- Ridgewood Coffee Company · Coffee Shop · 4.5★ (410)A cozy local cafe serving specialty espresso drinks and baked treats with outdoor seating.
Neighborhoods near Northwest Ridgewood
Common questions about Northwest Ridgewood
Is Northwest Ridgewood safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Northwest Ridgewood a good place to live?
On safety, Northwest Ridgewood scores 95/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Northwest Ridgewood?
Walk score 35/100 and bike score 46/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Northwest Ridgewood are safer?
Ho-Ho-Kus (97) score higher nearby.
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