Is Preakness safe?
Wayne, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Preakness as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Preakness
“Go. Preakness is an affluent, peaceful, and safe suburban community in Wayne that presents minimal safety concerns for visitors. Standard personal awareness is sufficient when visiting shopping plazas or trailheads.”
About the area
Preakness is a well-established, upper-middle-class residential and commercial district within Wayne Township in Passaic County. Characterized by manicured subdivisions, rolling hills, and convenient retail plazas along Hamburg Turnpike, it offers a quintessential North Jersey suburban environment.
- Family-Friendly
- Suburban / Leafy
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
Walking and biking in Preakness
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 35/100
There are no municipal bike-share systems, and on-street cycling is best reserved for low-speed neighborhood side streets due to lack of dedicated bike lanes on major arterials.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low and well below state and national benchmarks
- High median household incomes exceeding $130,000 and strong rates of homeownership
- Well-maintained public spaces, responsive township emergency services, and stable residential streets
- Close proximity to extensive hiking trails at High Mountain Park Preserve
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent layout with few sidewalks along major arterials like Hamburg Turnpike
- Occasional vehicle break-ins or opportunistic retail shoplifting reported at commercial strip plazas
- Rush-hour traffic congestion on Route 23 and intersecting county corridors
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Preakness; social and supportive services for Passaic County are primarily concentrated in neighboring urban centers like Paterson.
What Preakness is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with commuters, dog walkers, and school traffic across quiet residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling retail centers along Hamburg Turnpike with steady daytime traffic and a relaxed, safe environment.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential winding roads with diners filling local restaurants and shopping centers without safety issues.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very calm and quiet; streets are dark and predominantly residential, with virtually no street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates local bus routes like the 197 and 748 along major thoroughfares, connecting to nearby transit centers, though rail service requires a drive to the Wayne/Route 23 Transit Center or Mountain View station.
Ample free surface parking is readily available in all shopping centers and commercial plazas, and residential street parking is generally unrestricted.
Things to do in Preakness
- Hike the scenic ridge trails with skyline views at High Mountain Park Preserve
- Shop and dine at the Preakness Shopping Center plaza
- Explore the historic Dey Mansion Washington's Headquarters just a short drive south
Local favorites
- Novelli Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (380)An upscale Italian eatery serving traditional pastas and seafood in an intimate dining room.
- Neil's Pizzeria · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (410)Longstanding neighborhood staple known for classic Jersey-style thin-crust pizza and hot subs.
- Positano Restaurant · Southern Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (340)Popular local BYOB venue offering classic Southern Italian dishes and generous portions.
Neighborhoods near Preakness
Common questions about Preakness
Is Preakness safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Preakness a good place to live?
On safety, Preakness scores 90/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Preakness?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 35/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Preakness are safer?
Packanack Lake (93) score higher nearby.
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