Is Rutherford safe?
Rutherford, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Rutherford as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Rutherford
“Go. Rutherford is an exceptionally safe, charming, and family-oriented Bergen County borough with negligible violent crime. Visitors can comfortably stroll the tree-lined residential neighborhoods and the active Park Avenue business corridor day or night.”
About the area
Known as the 'Borough of Trees,' Rutherford is a picturesque suburban community featuring historic Victorian architecture and a walkable downtown. It offers a tranquil, small-town atmosphere with convenient transit access directly into New York City.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Walkable Dining Hub
- Suburban Quiet
Walking and biking in Rutherford
Walk score: 82/100 · Bike score: 58/100
There is currently no municipal bike-share system, but residential streets are low-speed and bike-friendly despite a lack of dedicated protected bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest in the region, resting well below state and national medians.
- Strong socioeconomic stability supported by a median household income exceeding $120,000 and low poverty rates.
- High rates of homeownership and well-maintained public parks cultivate a clean, secure environment.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like unlocked vehicle entry and package theft near transit routes.
- Heavier traffic and pedestrian hazards along the Route 17 commercial corridor on the town border.
- Tight parking and commuter-related congestion during rush hours.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Rutherford, and there are no encampments or regular panhandling locations in the borough.
What Rutherford is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with commuters walking to the train station and residents jogging along leafy residential avenues.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively and very safe with casual shoppers, remote workers, and diners patronizing the Park Avenue business district.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Warm and community-focused as families and commuters fill local restaurants and walk dogs through quiet side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely calm and quiet with virtually no nightlife disruptions, feeling safe for nighttime walks.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates Rutherford Station right in downtown, offering Bergen County Line train connections to Hoboken Terminal and Secaucus Junction. NJ Transit bus route 190 also runs directly down Orient Way to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.
Metered street parking and several municipal lots are available near Park Avenue and the train plaza using pay stations or mobile parking apps. Overnight parking on residential side streets is restricted by local permit regulations.
Things to do in Rutherford
- Stroll and dine along the vibrant, tree-lined Park Avenue commercial district.
- Catch a movie, concert, or arts event at the historic Williams Center.
- Relax, play tennis, or enjoy open green space at Lincoln Park.
Local favorites
- Paisano's Ristorante · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (1280)A beloved downtown staple serving classic Northern and Southern Italian specialties in a cozy dining room.
- Rutherford Pancake House · Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant · 4.5★ (970)Popular morning cafe known for generous pancake stacks, vegan-friendly breakfast options, and omelets.
- Matera's on Park · Italian Specialty Deli · 4.8★ (390)Historic family-run gourmet market offering artisan sandwiches, cured meats, and prepared Italian foods.
Neighborhoods near Rutherford
Common questions about Rutherford
Is Rutherford safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Rutherford a good place to live?
On safety, Rutherford 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 Rutherford?
Walk score 82/100 and bike score 58/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Rutherford are safer?
Rutherford scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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