Is Riverdale (NJ) safe?
Riverdale, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Riverdale (NJ) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Riverdale (NJ)
“Go. Riverdale is a quiet, highly secure Morris County borough offering peaceful suburban neighborhoods and convenient retail centers along its highway corridors. Visitors face minimal safety risks at any time of day or night. Standard awareness is all that is needed while visiting local shopping plazas or residential parks.”
About the area
Riverdale is a small, family-oriented borough nestled along the Pequannock River at the junction of Route 23 and Interstate 287. It features a mix of quiet single-family streets, modern condominium complexes, and regional shopping centers. Its peaceful environment and low crime make it a tranquil Northern New Jersey enclave.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Highway Retail Hub
Walking and biking in Riverdale (NJ)
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no local bike-share programs or dedicated protected bike lanes, though quiet residential streets are navigable for casual cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are extraordinarily low and far below national and state averages
- High median household income well above $100,000 with minimal poverty
- Well-maintained suburban housing stock and high rates of homeownership
- Active local police department with fast emergency response times
Cons
- Car-dependent layout along busy highway corridors with limited pedestrian infrastructure
- Occasional retail shoplifting or vehicle theft incidents in commercial parking lots along Route 23
- Traffic congestion during peak commute hours near the Route 23 and I-287 interchange
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in Riverdale, with no encampments or panhandling present in the borough.
What Riverdale (NJ) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet, with commuters heading toward Route 23 and locals walking dogs in residential subdivisions.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe, with moderate commercial activity around shopping centers and quiet neighborhood streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Subdued suburban atmosphere with patrons dining at local restaurants along Newark-Pompton Turnpike and Route 23.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and extremely quiet with virtually no safety concerns across residential streets.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit bus routes (including the 194 and 748) provide commuter service to Manhattan and local towns, though rail service requires driving about 10 minutes to the Pompton Lakes or Mountain View stations.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the borough, with vast surface parking lots at shopping centers and easy residential street parking.
Things to do in Riverdale (NJ)
- Tour the historic Glenburn Estate and its surrounding grounds along the Pequannock River
- Enjoy outdoor recreation, sports fields, and walking paths at Independence Park
- Access nearby hiking trails in the surrounding Morris County and Passaic County park systems
Local favorites
- Riverdale Diner · Diner · 4.4★ (1850)A classic New Jersey diner serving extensive breakfast specials, sandwiches, and comfort food staples.
- Blu Alehouse · Gastropub · 4.2★ (2100)Spacious sports bar and restaurant featuring a wide craft beer selection, burgers, and upscale pub fare.
- Tony's Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (420)Longtime local spot known for traditional thin-crust pizza, calzones, and Italian entrees.
Neighborhoods near Riverdale (NJ)
Common questions about Riverdale (NJ)
Is Riverdale (NJ) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Riverdale (NJ) a good place to live?
On safety, Riverdale (NJ) 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 Riverdale (NJ)?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Riverdale (NJ) are safer?
Pines Lake (94), Pequannock (93), Packanack Lake (93) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Riverdale (NJ)? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.