Is Riverside (Paterson) safe?
Paterson, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Riverside (Paterson) as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Riverside (Paterson)
“Go with care. Riverside is a dense, working-class neighborhood that experiences moderate property crime and periodic safety issues typical of urban Paterson. Visitors coming for local Latin American dining should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly after dark.”
About the area
Riverside is a compact residential and light-industrial enclave bordered by the Passaic River and Route 20 in eastern Paterson. It is characterized by multi-family homes, industrial corridors, and vibrant strips of Dominican and Colombian bakeries, markets, and eateries along River Street.
- Working-Class
- Dense Urban
- Culturally Rich
- Industrial Edge
Walking and biking in Riverside (Paterson)
Walk score: 74/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no bike-share system or dedicated bike lane network in Riverside, and narrow roads combined with commercial truck traffic require caution.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Vibrant collection of authentic Dominican, Colombian, and Peruvian restaurants
- Close proximity to NJ Transit bus connections and nearby rail stations
- Active street life and community-oriented corner bodegas during daylight hours
Cons
- Elevated local rates of property crime, auto theft, and street-level disturbances
- Household poverty rates and economic strain above state and national averages
- Narrow streets with heavy congestion and poor pedestrian buffer space along main roads
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate, with occasional unhoused individuals or panhandling near major commercial intersections and bus stops; major social service hubs and shelters are centered further southwest in Downtown Paterson.
What Riverside (Paterson) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are lively with school commuters, bus riders, and open bakeries, generally feeling safe for a walk.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy commercial activity along River Street keeps the area active, though basic urban vigilance is advised.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity concentrates inside dining spots while side streets quiet down, warranting increased awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Walking alone is not recommended due to dim side-street lighting and elevated risks of opportunistic crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates bus routes including the 704 and 744 through the neighborhood; the Paterson Rail Station (Main/Bergen County Line) is roughly 1.5 miles southwest, with Hawthorne Station just across the Passaic River.
Street parking is notoriously difficult on narrow residential blocks, with metered spaces along commercial corridors and no public parking garages in the immediate area.
Things to do in Riverside (Paterson)
- Sample authentic Latin American cuisine and pastries along River Street
- Pick up specialty Caribbean and South American ingredients at local grocery markets
- Explore the nearby historic district and open lawns of Eastside Park just south of the neighborhood
Local favorites
- El Tropico Restaurant · Dominican Restaurant · 4.1★ (420)A neighborhood staple serving hearty Dominican stews, mofongo, and roast pork.
- D'Classico Restaurant & Lounge · Latin American Restaurant · 4.2★ (580)Lively dining room offering traditional Caribbean seafood, steaks, and weekend music.
- Rancho Mateo Paterson · Colombian Restaurant · 4.0★ (650)Casual Colombian steakhouse known for massive bandeja paisa plates and grilled meats.
Neighborhoods near Riverside (Paterson)
Common questions about Riverside (Paterson)
Is Riverside (Paterson) safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Riverside (Paterson) a good place to live?
On safety, Riverside (Paterson) scores 52/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Riverside (Paterson)?
Walk score 74/100 and bike score 48/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Riverside (Paterson) are safer?
Warren Point (90), Hawthorne (NJ) (89), Elmwood Park (NJ) (82) score higher nearby.
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