Is Packanack Lake safe?
Wayne, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Packanack Lake as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Packanack Lake
“Go. Packanack Lake is an exceptionally safe, affluent planned lake community within Wayne Township featuring well-maintained homes and tranquil tree-lined roads. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent, and visitors will find a peaceful suburban environment with little to no street-level safety concerns.”
About the area
Packanack Lake is a picturesque residential neighborhood centered around a private 180-acre lake in southern Wayne, New Jersey. Established as a planned community in the 1920s, it offers leafy residential streets, local community amenities, and quick access to major retail corridors along Route 23.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Lakefront Community
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Packanack Lake
Walk score: 34/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no public bike-share systems in the area. Cycling is feasible on low-traffic residential side streets, but dedicated bike lanes and direct greenway connections are minimal.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Extremely low violent and property crime rates well below state and national benchmarks
- High homeownership rate and median household income exceeding $140,000
- Quiet, family-oriented neighborhood with active community maintenance and high civic involvement
- Close proximity to St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital and major regional emergency infrastructure
Cons
- Suburban design with limited pedestrian infrastructure and sidewalks on many residential streets
- Private community beach, clubhouse, and golf facilities restricted largely to association members
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle burglary or package theft reported in surrounding Wayne township areas
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Packanack Lake. Social services and emergency shelters for Passaic County are primarily located in larger urban centers like Paterson and Passaic.
What Packanack Lake is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with local joggers, dog walkers, and commuters starting their day.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with minimal traffic and children playing in yards.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and secure, with residents returning home and low ambient street noise.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and quiet due to limited streetlights, but extremely safe with virtually zero foot traffic.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by NJ Transit, with local bus routes 197 and 748 operating along the nearby Route 23 corridor. The nearest commuter rail options are Mountain View-Wayne Station and Wayne/Route 23 Transit Center, both roughly 2 to 3 miles away by car.
Residential street parking is easy and free, though restrictions on overnight on-street parking apply during winter snowstorms. Commercial spots and local businesses offer dedicated free surface parking lots.
Things to do in Packanack Lake
- Take a scenic drive or walk along Packanack Lake Road to view historic log homes and lakefront architecture
- Play a round or enjoy the grounds at Packanack Golf Club (guest access rules apply)
- Explore nearby Laurelwood Arboretum, located just a short drive north in Wayne
Local favorites
- Taphouse 15 · American Gastropub · 4.5★ (1250)Popular nearby gathering spot offering craft beers and upscale tavern dishes.
- Novelli Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (480)Cozy fine-dining Italian venue serving classic pasta and seafood specialties.
- Packanack Bakery · Bakery · 4.4★ (210)Beloved local bake shop known for fresh pastries, specialty cakes, and cookies.
Neighborhoods near Packanack Lake
Common questions about Packanack Lake
Is Packanack Lake safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Packanack Lake a good place to live?
On safety, Packanack Lake scores 93/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Packanack Lake?
Walk score 34/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Packanack Lake are safer?
Packanack Lake scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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