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Is Port Richmond safe?

Staten Island, New York · safety score updated nightly

64out of 100

Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.

VibeLoco rates Port Richmond as “Caution”.

What makes up this score?

Recent news

Gogo's take on Port Richmond

“Go with care. Port Richmond offers rich cultural diversity and exceptional authentic dining, particularly along Port Richmond Avenue, but it experiences higher property and violent crime rates than most of Staten Island. Staying aware of your surroundings, especially after dark and off main avenues, is recommended.”

About the area

Port Richmond is a historic North Shore Staten Island neighborhood known for its working-class roots and vibrant Latin American and West African communities. Commercial corridors buzz with local bodegas, bakeries, and taquerias, while residential side streets feature mixed single-family and multi-family homes.

  • Culturally Diverse
  • Working-Class
  • Historic
  • Foodie Destination

Walking and biking in Port Richmond

Walk score: 74/100 · Bike score: 55/100

Citi Bike does not operate on Staten Island, and dedicated bike lanes are scarce across Port Richmond, requiring cyclists to share regular traffic lanes.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

  • Rich culinary scene featuring authentic Mexican and Latin American eateries
  • Active, community-oriented commercial corridor along Port Richmond Avenue
  • Significantly lower housing and retail costs compared to the rest of New York City

Cons

  • Higher violent and property crime rates compared to overall Staten Island borough averages
  • Elevated local poverty rates and pockets of aging commercial infrastructure
  • Diminished foot traffic and inconsistent lighting on residential side streets late at night

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate, with occasional individuals congregating near busy bus transfers along Port Richmond Avenue, though large encampments are not common.

What Port Richmond is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a
Streets are lively with commuters, open markets, and students walking to school, feeling generally secure and active.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p
Port Richmond Avenue sees steady foot traffic and active commerce, presenting a safe environment with basic urban vigilance.
Evening · 5p – 10p
Activity quiets down as retail shops close, and extra caution is advisable on quieter residential blocks and dimly lit side streets.
Late night · 10p – 5a
Late-night foot traffic is sparse, and the risk of street-level disturbances or isolated crimes increases around unmonitored intersections.

Transit, parking and getting around

MTA New York City Transit operates numerous local and express bus routes such as the S40, S53, S57, and S59, offering direct connections to the St. George Ferry Terminal, though there is no active passenger train station directly in the neighborhood.

Street parking is generally easy to find on residential side streets, while metered spots and municipal lots along Port Richmond and Castleton Avenues offer affordable short-term parking.

Things to do in Port Richmond

  • Sample authentic regional Mexican cuisine along the Port Richmond Avenue dining corridor
  • Explore Faber Park on the Kill Van Kull waterfront, featuring a public pool and skate park
  • Visit the historic Reformed Church on Staten Island and its landmark colonial-era cemetery

Local favorites

  • Taqueria El Gallo Azteca · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (480)
    Beloved neighborhood spot serving authentic tacos, tortas, and traditional Mexican fare.
  • Brothers Pizzeria · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (520)
    Classic long-standing Staten Island pizzeria known for crispy thin-crust pies and calzones.
  • Pastry Lovers Cafe · Bakery · 4.4★ (210)
    Cozy local bakery and cafe serving fresh Latin pastries, espresso, and breakfast items.

Neighborhoods near Port Richmond

More: all Staten Island neighborhoods · safest neighborhoods in New York

Common questions about Port Richmond

Is Port Richmond safe to walk at night?

Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.

Is Port Richmond a good place to live?

On safety, Port Richmond scores 64/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.

How walkable is Port Richmond?

Walk score 74/100 and bike score 55/100. Most errands can be done on foot.

Which areas near Port Richmond are safer?

Westerleigh-Castleton Corners (90), Bergen Point (78), West New Brighton-Silver Lake-Grymes Hill (76) score higher nearby.

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