Is Oakland (NJ) safe?
Oakland, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Oakland (NJ) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Oakland (NJ)
“Go. Oakland is an exceptionally safe, serene suburban borough in northwestern Bergen County with negligible violent crime. Visitors will find scenic natural surroundings, tranquil neighborhoods, and peaceful commercial strips, though a car is essential to get around.”
About the area
Oakland is a leafy, residential community situated along the Ramapo River at the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains. It provides a quintessential northern New Jersey suburban atmosphere characterized by well-tended single-family homes, neighborhood parks, and small shopping centers.
- Quiet Suburb
- Family-Friendly
- Wooded / Scenic
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Oakland (NJ)
Walk score: 32/100 · Bike score: 28/100
There is no bike-share program; while road and mountain cyclists use nearby scenic routes and trails in Ramapo Mountain State Forest, on-street bike lanes in town are virtually absent.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates are among the lowest in the state and country
- High median household income well over $150,000 paired with negligible poverty
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained housing stock
- Direct proximity to expansive outdoor recreation and mountain parklands
Cons
- Heavy car dependency with sparse sidewalk connectivity along arterial roads
- Pockets near the Ramapo River can face periodic localized flooding during severe weather
- Limited late-night dining, cultural attractions, or commercial entertainment
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Oakland, with no encampments or panhandling hubs reported.
What Oakland (NJ) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Calm and orderly with morning commuters heading to work and residents jogging through neighborhood streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quietly active around local shopping plazas and parks with zero safety concerns for visitors.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Subdued and family-oriented as local restaurants fill up and residential streets settle down.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with virtually no pedestrian presence and almost nonexistent street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates commuter bus service (Route 148) to Port Authority Bus Terminal, but there is no direct passenger rail station in Oakland; commuters typically drive to nearby stations in Ramsey or Waldwick on the Main/Bergen County Line.
Parking is free and widely available across large retail plaza lots, municipal parks, and residential roads, with no parking meters or garages needed.
Things to do in Oakland (NJ)
- Hike and explore nature trails along the Ramapo Mountain State Forest network
- Enjoy outdoor recreation, fishing, and sports fields at Great Oak Park
- Dine at classic northern New Jersey eateries and family-owned restaurants along Ramapo Valley Road
Local favorites
- Oakland Diner · Diner · 4.4★ (1150)A classic, bustling New Jersey diner serving expansive comfort food menus all day.
- Portobello Feast · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (1320)Longtime upscale Italian dining destination featuring classic pasta dishes and steaks.
- Segovia Meson · Spanish Restaurant · 4.6★ (620)Warm restaurant offering traditional Spanish cuisine, tapas, and seafood specialties.
Neighborhoods near Oakland (NJ)
Common questions about Oakland (NJ)
Is Oakland (NJ) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Oakland (NJ) a good place to live?
On safety, Oakland (NJ) scores 94/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Oakland (NJ)?
Walk score 32/100 and bike score 28/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Oakland (NJ) are safer?
Oakland (NJ) scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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