Is Palisades safe?
Orangetown, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Palisades as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Palisades
“Go. Palisades is an exceptionally safe, serene, and affluent Hudson River hamlet known for historic homes, parklands, and scientific institutions. Visitors face virtually no violent crime risks, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, road cyclists, and history enthusiasts.”
About the area
Palisades is a quiet, leafy residential community in the town of Orangetown, nestled between the Hudson River palisades and the New Jersey border. It offers dramatic river bluffs, colonial and mid-century architecture, and lush nature preserves alongside Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
- Affluent / Leafy
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Scenic Riverfront
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Palisades
Walk score: 22/100 · Bike score: 38/100
Route 9W through Palisades is a famous regional road cycling corridor connecting NYC to upstate trails, though cyclists must share narrow paved shoulders with automotive traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Extremely low violent and property crime rates, far below national and New York state averages.
- Affluent and stable community with high homeownership and median household incomes exceeding $160,000.
- Immediate access to premier outdoor recreation, including Tallman Mountain State Park and the Long Path hiking trail.
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with very few sidewalks along narrow, winding country roads.
- Sparse commercial infrastructure, with limited options for dining, retail, or entertainment within hamlet borders.
- Occasional opportunistic theft from unlocked vehicles parked overnight in residential driveways.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Palisades. There are no encampments or panhandling, with regional social support services situated further north in Nyack and Spring Valley.
What Palisades is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Crisp, quiet, and secure, with road cyclists cruising along Route 9W and residents walking dogs along leafy side lanes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and thoroughly safe, though pedestrians should watch for fast-moving traffic along roads without sidewalks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Peaceful and dark with minimal street lighting, remaining safe for evening walks or residential dining.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Silent and virtually devoid of street activity; personal safety risks remain exceptionally low.
Transit, parking and getting around
Rockland Coaches (Coach USA Route 9W/9T) offers commuter bus service directly to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan, but local transit is sparse and personal vehicle access is strongly recommended.
Free and ample parking is readily available in business lots, church properties, and state park trailheads, though on-street parking is restricted on narrow residential lanes.
Things to do in Palisades
- Hike the bluff trails and take in panoramic Hudson River vistas at Tallman Mountain State Park.
- Tour the historic 18th- and 19th-century architecture along Closter Road and visit the Palisades Free Library.
- Attend public science lectures and earth science exhibits during open house events at Columbia's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
Local favorites
- The Palisades Country Store · Deli / General Store · 4.6★ (115)A charming historic country store offering handcrafted sandwiches, gourmet coffee, and local pantry staples.
- The Filling Station · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (430)A popular roadside stop just off Route 9W known for grass-fed burgers, fries, and craft beers.
- Palisades Community Center · Community Center · 4.8★ (32)A restored 1870 schoolhouse hosting weekly indoor/outdoor farmers markets, artisan events, and wellness workshops.
Neighborhoods near Palisades
Common questions about Palisades
Is Palisades safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Palisades a good place to live?
On safety, Palisades 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 Palisades?
Walk score 22/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Palisades are safer?
Rockleigh (97), Ardsley-on-Hudson (96) score higher nearby.
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