Is Saint James (Smithtown) safe?
Smithtown, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Saint James (Smithtown) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Saint James (Smithtown)
“Go. Saint James is an exceptionally safe, picturesque, and affluent North Shore Long Island community with violent and property crime rates that sit far below national and regional averages. Visitors can comfortably explore local historic landmarks, parks, and downtown restaurants at any hour.”
About the area
Saint James is a quiet, historic residential hamlet within the Town of Smithtown characterized by tree-lined streets, well-preserved 19th-century architecture, and community-centered dining along Lake Avenue. It provides a peaceful suburban atmosphere with close proximity to Stony Brook and the Long Island Sound coast.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Suburban Haven
- Affluent
Walking and biking in Saint James (Smithtown)
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no municipal bike-share programs or protected bike lanes, but recreational road cycling is common on scenic North Shore corridors like Route 25A.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates are among the lowest in the state and country
- High economic stability with median household incomes well exceeding $150,000 and minimal poverty
- High rate of owner-occupied housing with impeccably maintained historic properties
- Direct rail access into New York City via the St. James LIRR station
Cons
- Suburban geography requires a personal vehicle for most errands outside the small downtown core
- Limited sidewalk coverage and minimal street lighting on wooded residential roads
- Sparse late-night transit frequency with limited local bus options
Homelessness: Homelessness is not a notable presence in Saint James, with no encampments or panhandling observed in the hamlet.
What Saint James (Smithtown) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Calm and safe with residents walking dogs and commuters heading to the LIRR station.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Relaxed suburban activity centered around local shops, bakeries, and nearby county parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Safe and peaceful with steady foot traffic outside restaurants along Lake Avenue.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and low-risk, though quiet residential streets can be very dark due to limited street lamps.
Transit, parking and getting around
The St. James Station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Port Jefferson Branch sits centrally in town, providing commuter service to Manhattan and eastern Long Island, supplemented by limited Suffolk County Transit bus routes.
Parking is generally easy and free, with dedicated surface lots at the LIRR station, county parks, and along business strips on Lake Avenue and Route 25A.
Things to do in Saint James (Smithtown)
- Browse traditional goods and historic memorabilia at the St. James General Store, dating back to 1857.
- Attend seasonal festivals or walk the grounds at the historic Deepwells Farm County Park.
- Dine at boutique restaurants along Lake Avenue and North Country Road.
Local favorites
- St. James General Store · Historic Landmark / Gift Shop · 4.7★ (460)The oldest continuously operating general store in the United States, offering vintage candy, books, and crafts.
- Kitchen A Trattoria · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (390)Cozy, upscale dining room serving rustic Italian pasta dishes and seasonal specials.
- Del Fuego St. James · Tex-Mex Restaurant · 4.4★ (780)Lively neighborhood spot serving scratch-made Tex-Mex cuisine and craft margaritas.
Neighborhoods near Saint James (Smithtown)
Common questions about Saint James (Smithtown)
Is Saint James (Smithtown) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Saint James (Smithtown) a good place to live?
On safety, Saint James (Smithtown) scores 93/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Saint James (Smithtown)?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Saint James (Smithtown) are safer?
Head of the Harbor (95), Nesconset (94) score higher nearby.
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