Is Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills safe?
Queens, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills
“Go. Oakland Gardens and Hollis Hills form one of the safest, most tranquil residential pockets in all of New York City. The neighborhood features manicured single-family homes, leafy streets, and excellent park access, making it exceptionally safe for visitors day and night.”
About the area
Situated in eastern Queens, Oakland Gardens and Hollis Hills offer a distinct suburban atmosphere tucked within city limits. Known for its rolling topography, top-rated schools, and expansive greenery like Alley Pond Park and Cunningham Park, it attracts families and quiet-seeking residents.
- Suburban Feel
- Quiet / Residential
- Tree-Lined Streets
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 54/100
Citi Bike does not currently operate here, but the neighborhood features excellent access to the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway (Brooklyn-Queens Greenway) for recreational off-street cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- One of the lowest violent and property crime rates across New York City (patrolled primarily by the NYPD 111th Precinct)
- High median household incomes well over $100,000 paired with high homeownership rates
- Abundant green space and recreational trails at Alley Pond and Cunningham Parks
Cons
- No direct subway access, necessitating long bus rides or a car to reach Manhattan
- Limited nightlife and sparse commercial activity after dark
- Car break-ins and catalytic converter thefts occasionally reported on quiet side streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually nonexistent in these quiet residential neighborhoods, with no encampments or permanent shelters present in the immediate area.
What Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with school commuters, joggers, and dog walkers along residential lanes and park perimeters.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-oriented, with children playing in parks and modest shopper traffic along Union Turnpike.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and secure, with minimal street activity as residents return home and dine at local commercial plazas.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very sleepy and low-traffic; streets remain safe to walk, though dimly lit residential pockets feel deserted.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA New York City Transit serves the area via local buses (Q27, Q30, Q46, Q88) and express buses (QM5, QM8, QM35) to Manhattan. There is no direct subway connection; the nearest subway stations are Jamaica-179th St (F train) or Flushing-Main St (7 train), accessible only by connecting bus.
Street parking is generally easy and free across most residential blocks, though spots near commercial strips on Bell Boulevard and Union Turnpike have meters and higher turnover.
Things to do in Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills
- Hike the wooded nature trails and visit the Environmental Center at Alley Pond Park
- Bike or walk along the historic Vanderbilt Motor Parkway trail running through the area
- Play tennis or picnic on the vast lawns of Cunningham Park
Local favorites
- Press 195 · Sandwich Shop · 4.5★ (1250)Popular local eatery known for artisanal pressed paninis, Belgian fries, and craft beers.
- Avli The Little Greek Tavern · Greek Restaurant · 4.6★ (890)Cozy neighborhood tavern serving authentic Greek mezze, grilled meats, and seafood.
- Bayside Milk Farm · Italian Deli & Market · 4.6★ (620)Longstanding gourmet market and deli offering prepared Italian dishes, fresh baked goods, and specialty groceries.
Neighborhoods near Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills
Common questions about Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills
Is Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills a good place to live?
On safety, Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills scores 91/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills?
Walk score 58/100 and bike score 54/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills are safer?
Bayside (92) score higher nearby.
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