Is Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil safe?
The Bronx, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil
“Go. Riverdale and Spuyten Duyvil form one of the safest, quietest, and most affluent residential enclaves in all of New York City. Visitors can comfortably explore its leafy residential streets, historic parks, and scenic Hudson River views with minimal safety concerns.”
About the area
Perched on high bluffs overlooking the Hudson River in the northwest corner of the Bronx, Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil feels more like a wooded suburban village than a typical NYC borough. The area features a mix of grand historic estates, luxury co-op towers, and quiet commercial avenues serving local families and professionals.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Quiet / Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Scenic Bluffs
Walking and biking in Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 42/100
Citi Bike has limited coverage at the edges of the neighborhood, and cycling can be challenging due to steep bluffs and winding narrow roads, though access to the nearby Old Croton Aqueduct Trail and Henry Hudson Greenway is reachable nearby.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest in New York City according to NYPD 50th Precinct statistics
- High median household incomes, low poverty rates, and well-maintained residential properties
- Scenic Hudson River vistas, lush greenery, and access to Wave Hill Public Garden
- Strong sense of community with quiet, family-friendly residential streets
Cons
- Steep topography and winding roads make navigation difficult without a car or bus
- Occasional property crimes such as motor vehicle break-ins along quiet residential streets
- Limited late-night commercial activity and dining options compared to lower Manhattan or Brooklyn
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Riverdale and Spuyten Duyvil, with virtually no encampments. Small amounts of occasional panhandling may occur near transit hubs like the 1 train subway terminus or major commercial intersections.
What Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and commuters heading toward the Metro-North stations and express buses.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with leisurely foot traffic around commercial corridors like Johnson Avenue and quiet residential blocks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Subdued and secure, with local residents gathering at neighborhood restaurants and outdoor patios.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with minimal foot traffic; while generally very safe, side streets are dark and hilly, so standard urban awareness is wise.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA Metro-North Railroad serves the area via the Spuyten Duyvil and Riverdale stations on the Hudson Line (25 minutes to Grand Central Terminal). MTA express buses (BxM1, BxM2, BxM18) provide direct rides to Midtown Manhattan, while local buses connect to the 1 train terminus at Van Cortlandt Park-242nd Street.
Street parking is generally accessible throughout residential neighborhoods though regulated by alternate-side parking rules; commercial zones along Johnson and Riverdale Avenues feature metered street parking and small paid municipal/private lots.
Things to do in Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil
- Stroll through the 28-acre estate, woodlands, and curated flower beds at Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center
- Enjoy waterfront views and train spotting at Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park near the mouth of the Harlem River
- Dine and browse neighborhood specialty shops along Johnson Avenue and Riverdale Avenue
Local favorites
- An Beal Bocht Cafe · Irish Pub & Cafe · 4.7★ (850)A cozy, storied cultural hub offering pints, hearty fare, live music, and poetry readings.
- Tin Marin Tapas · Spanish Tapas Bar · 4.4★ (920)Lively neighborhood spot serving traditional Spanish tapas, sangria, and craft cocktails.
- Salvatore's of Soho · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (760)Longtime local staple popular for brick-oven pizzas, classic pasta dishes, and friendly service.
Neighborhoods near Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil
Common questions about Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil
Is Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil a good place to live?
On safety, Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil scores 88/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil?
Walk score 68/100 and bike score 42/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil are safer?
Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.