
Is Oakwood-Richmondtown safe?
Staten Island, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Oakwood-Richmondtown as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Oakwood-Richmondtown
“Go. Oakwood-Richmondtown is one of the safest, most tranquil residential sections of New York City, characterized by quiet suburban streets, living history, and expansive green space. Visitors will encounter minimal safety risks during day or night, though personal transportation is strongly recommended to get around.”
About the area
Oakwood-Richmondtown offers a unique suburban feel within NYC, combining historic colonial preservation at Historic Richmond Town with peaceful residential blocks and Staten Island Greenbelt parkland. It is defined by high homeownership rates, tree-lined cul-de-sacs, and a slow, family-oriented pace.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Oakwood-Richmondtown
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
Citi Bike does not operate here; cycling is primarily recreational along residential roads and multi-use paths bordering the Greenbelt.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Exceptionally low violent crime rate, ranking among the safest precincts in New York City (NYPD 122nd Precinct).
- High household median income exceeding $100,000 with strong homeownership and low poverty rates.
- Abundant natural beauty and open parkland adjacent to the Staten Island Greenbelt.
Cons
- Extremely car-dependent layout with scarce dining and retail within walking distance.
- Occasional suburban property crimes, primarily opportunistic vehicle break-ins.
- Portions of lower Oakwood remain vulnerable to coastal flooding during severe storm surges.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in this neighborhood, with virtually no encampments or panhandling observed.
What Oakwood-Richmondtown is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog-walkers, school drop-offs, and commuters heading out along quiet streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with light residential traffic and visitors touring Historic Richmond Town and local parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Subdued and secure as families settle in; streets remain very safe for evening strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark with almost no pedestrian activity, maintaining an extremely low risk of street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
The MTA provides local bus routes (S54, S74, S84) and Manhattan express buses (SIM1, SIM5, SIM7), while the Staten Island Railway (SIR) stops at the nearby Oakwood Heights station.
Street parking is free, easy, and readily available across almost all residential streets, with dedicated free lots at Historic Richmond Town and area parks.
Things to do in Oakwood-Richmondtown
- Tour Historic Richmond Town, a living history village and museum complex with structures dating back to the 1600s.
- Hike scenic wooded trails through the southern terminus of the Staten Island Greenbelt.
- Explore the nearby Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art situated on Lighthouse Hill.
Local favorites
- Historic Richmond Town · Museum / Historic Site · 4.5★ (980)Expansive living history museum complex offering historical interpretations, tours, and seasonal festivals.
- Canlon's Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.3★ (540)Beloved longtime neighborhood eatery known for traditional Italian-American entrees and warm hospitality.
- Bagel Boys · Bakery / Deli · 4.6★ (710)Popular local shop serving classic kettle-boiled New York bagels, spreads, and hot breakfast sandwiches.
Neighborhoods near Oakwood-Richmondtown
- New Dorp-Midland Beach · Staten Island84
- Todt Hill-Emerson Hill-Lighthouse Hill-Manor Heights · Staten Island93
- Great Kills-Eltingville · Staten Island89
- Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills · Staten Island84
- Westerleigh-Castleton Corners · Staten Island90
- New Springville-Willowbrook-Bulls Head-Travis · Staten Island86
More: all Staten Island neighborhoods · safest neighborhoods in New York
Common questions about Oakwood-Richmondtown
Is Oakwood-Richmondtown safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Oakwood-Richmondtown a good place to live?
On safety, Oakwood-Richmondtown scores 89/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Oakwood-Richmondtown?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Oakwood-Richmondtown are safer?
Todt Hill-Emerson Hill-Lighthouse Hill-Manor Heights (93), Westerleigh-Castleton Corners (90) score higher nearby.
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