Is Old Tappan safe?
Old Tappan, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Old Tappan as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Old Tappan
“Go. Old Tappan is an exceptionally safe, affluent suburban borough in northern Bergen County with virtually non-existent violent crime and pristine residential streets. Visitors will find a tranquil, family-oriented atmosphere where the primary concerns are basic suburban wildlife and occasional regional vehicle theft.”
About the area
Old Tappan is a quiet, tree-lined enclave nestled along the New York state border, centered around residential neighborhoods, scenic waterways like Lake Tappan, and local parks. It offers a classic northern New Jersey suburban experience characterized by spacious single-family homes, manicured lawns, and upscale community facilities.
- Affluent Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet & Peaceful
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Old Tappan
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 32/100
There is no bike-share program or dedicated bike lane network, but residential side streets see casual recreational cycling despite narrow, shoulderless arterial roads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero, ranking among the safest municipalities in the state
- Median household income exceeds $180,000 with very high homeownership and minimal vacancy
- Peaceful, well-maintained parks and natural scenery around the reservoir
Cons
- Virtually no walkability outside of the small central shopping plaza
- Sparse public transportation options requiring a personal vehicle for almost all trips
- Occasional property crimes limited primarily to opportunistic vehicle break-ins
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a factor in Old Tappan, with no encampments or panhandling present in the borough.
What Old Tappan is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with residents jogging, walking dogs, and commuting along low-traffic residential roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet, dominated by school pickups and active community parks, feeling completely secure.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet suburban streets with low lighting and minimal foot traffic, presenting no safety issues for walkers.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low activity with pitch-black, tranquil neighborhoods where safety concerns are negligible beyond dark roadways.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited within the borough; Coach USA (Rockland Coaches route 14) provides limited commuter bus service to Manhattan, while the nearest NJ Transit passenger rail station is located roughly 4 miles west in Westwood or Pearl River, NY.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the borough, with spacious private lots at shopping centers and parks, though overnight street parking is restricted by municipal ordinance.
Things to do in Old Tappan
- Walk the athletic fields, paved pathways, and playground at Stone Point Park
- Explore the local history and architectural markers around the historic 1700s Haring-DeWolf House
- Enjoy quiet nature watching and scenic reservoir views along the edge of Lake Tappan
Local favorites
- Bici · Italian Restaurant · 4.7★ (235)Upscale, cozy BYOB trattoria serving fresh handmade pastas and modern Northern Italian classics.
- Vicolo Ristorante · Fine Dining · 4.6★ (310)Refined Italian establishment known for impeccable white-tablecloth service and classic dishes.
- Patisserie Florentine · Bakery & Cafe · 4.5★ (180)Charming artisan bakery featuring French pastries, savory brunch bites, and specialty espresso.
Neighborhoods near Old Tappan
Common questions about Old Tappan
Is Old Tappan safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Old Tappan a good place to live?
On safety, Old Tappan scores 96/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Old Tappan?
Walk score 24/100 and bike score 32/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Old Tappan are safer?
Old Tappan scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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