Is Ocean Hill safe?
Brooklyn, New York · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Ocean Hill as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Ocean Hill
“Go with care. Ocean Hill offers classic Brooklyn brownstone architecture and community roots, but crime rates remain above the New York City average. Visitors should stick to main corridors during daylight hours and maintain situational awareness, particularly after dark.”
About the area
Ocean Hill is a historic subsection of eastern Bedford-Stuyvesant bordering Brownsville, characterized by hilly streets and rows of 19th-century brownstones. It is predominantly residential with neighborhood bodegas, local eateries, and community gardens, though it lacks major commercial tourist attractions.
- Historic Brownstones
- Dense Urban
- Residential
- Transit-Oriented
Walking and biking in Ocean Hill
Walk score: 93/100 · Bike score: 78/100
Citi Bike docks are distributed across Ocean Hill, connecting cyclists to painted on-street lanes on Howard Avenue and nearby corridors heading toward Central Brooklyn.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Dense subway and bus connections provide quick access to Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn
- Scenic blocks featuring well-preserved late Victorian and Romanesque Revival brownstones
- Active local community gardens providing neighborhood green space
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates in the 73rd Precinct remain noticeably above the NYC median
- Poverty rate exceeds 25%, with lower median household income than citywide averages
- Dimly lit side streets and elevated subway corridors can feel isolated late at night
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present, mostly concentrated around the Broadway Junction transit complex and major commercial avenues. Several municipal shelters operate in the wider district, but large encampments on residential blocks are uncommon.
What Ocean Hill is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are lively and generally safe as residents commute via local subway stations and buses.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderate foot traffic around schools, parks, and bodegas creates a familiar, bustling urban vibe.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity concentrates near subway hubs and avenues, where staying alert and on well-lit streets is recommended.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic drops significantly; walking alone on quiet side streets carries increased risk of street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA New York City Subway provides extensive service via the Rockaway Av (A/C) and Chauncey St (J/Z) stations, with Broadway Junction nearby offering L and long-distance connections. Key bus routes include the B25 along Fulton Street and the B47 on Ralph Avenue.
Street parking is primarily unmetered on residential streets but heavily contested, especially during alternate side parking hours. Commercial garages are scarce, leaving street parking as the primary option.
Things to do in Ocean Hill
- Admire the historic architecture along the tree-lined residential blocks of MacDonough and Decatur Streets
- Visit Callahan-Kelly Playground for local recreation and community sports
- Tour the historic East New York Freight Tunnel overlook near Broadway Junction
Local favorites
- Daily Press Coffee and Bar · Cafe & Bar · 4.6★ (320)Laid-back neighborhood spot serving espresso drinks by day and craft beer by night.
- All Night Skate · Bar · 4.7★ (410)Retro roller-rink themed cocktail bar with vibrant decor and inventive drinks.
- Love, Nelly · Bakery · 4.8★ (195)Charming bakery crafting Colombian-inspired pastries, empanadas, and colorful sweets.
Neighborhoods near Ocean Hill
Common questions about Ocean Hill
Is Ocean Hill safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Ocean Hill a good place to live?
On safety, Ocean Hill scores 58/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Ocean Hill?
Walk score 93/100 and bike score 78/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Ocean Hill are safer?
Crown Heights (North) (68), Bushwick (East) (66), East Flatbush-Remsen Village (66) score higher nearby.
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