Is Somerset (Franklin) safe?
Franklin, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Somerset (Franklin) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Somerset (Franklin)
“Go. Somerset is an expansive, safe suburban community in Franklin Township characterized by quiet residential neighborhoods, well-kept parks, and diverse dining options. Standard suburban awareness is sufficient, with most activity centered along major commercial thoroughfares like Route 27 and Easton Avenue.”
About the area
Somerset is a large suburban section of Franklin Township that borders New Brunswick and the Raritan River. It features a blend of established single-family subdivisions, corporate office parks, and historic canalside parkland. Visitors generally come for recreation along the Delaware and Raritan Canal, family dining, or visits to nearby Rutgers University.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Scenic Trails
Walking and biking in Somerset (Franklin)
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 42/100
While on-street dedicated bike lanes are limited on major roads, the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath provides miles of flat, scenic multi-use trail riding for cyclists.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both national and regional urban averages.
- Strong local economy with median household incomes well exceeding $100,000 and high homeownership rates.
- Direct access to preserved green spaces, including the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
- Diverse and thriving international dining scene along Easton Avenue and Hamilton Street.
Cons
- Commercial strip corridors along Easton Avenue and Route 27 experience occasional vehicle break-ins and retail theft.
- High car dependency makes pedestrian travel along arterial roads difficult and occasionally hazardous.
- Sections bordering urban New Brunswick can see slightly higher traffic congestion and nuisance property crime.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Somerset, though occasional individuals seeking assistance may be seen near the transit hubs and retail plazas closer to the New Brunswick municipal border.
What Somerset (Franklin) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and commuters heading out along tree-lined residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe across residential areas, with steady commercial traffic around retail centers.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Bustling around local restaurants and shopping plazas with a relaxed, family-oriented vibe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark in residential subdivisions; standard vehicle vigilance is recommended in isolated commercial parking lots.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates local bus routes like the 814 and 818 connecting to New Brunswick, where travelers can catch Northeast Corridor commuter trains at the New Brunswick rail station about 2 to 4 miles away.
Parking is exceptionally easy and free in dedicated retail and park lots, with plentiful curb parking available throughout residential neighborhoods.
Things to do in Somerset (Franklin)
- Walk, run, or kayak along the historic Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park trail.
- Stroll the serene grounds and Japanese-style gardens at Colonial Park in nearby Franklin.
- Explore the historic Marconi Memorial and local open-space trails throughout the township.
Local favorites
- Stage House Tavern Somerset · American Restaurant & Pub · 4.3★ (2150)Popular gathering spot serving hearty American fare, craft beers, and outdoor patio seating.
- Sophie's Bistro · French Bistro · 4.6★ (980)Charming, cozy French restaurant known for classic dishes like steak frites and escargot.
- Destination Dogs (nearby) · Casual Restaurant · 4.5★ (1820)Eclectic dining spot featuring gourmet, globally inspired hot dogs and sausages.
Neighborhoods near Somerset (Franklin)
Common questions about Somerset (Franklin)
Is Somerset (Franklin) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Somerset (Franklin) a good place to live?
On safety, Somerset (Franklin) scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Somerset (Franklin)?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Somerset (Franklin) are safer?
Middlebush (88), Mettler (88), Voorhees (86) score higher nearby.
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