Is South Hackensack safe?
South Hackensack, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates South Hackensack as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on South Hackensack
“Go. South Hackensack is a quiet, small suburban township with low rates of violent crime and safe residential enclaves. While commercial corridors along Route 46 have standard traffic and commercial property theft concerns, visitors face minimal personal safety risks.”
About the area
South Hackensack is a unique, three-part township in Bergen County defined by a mix of modest residential neighborhoods, light industrial logistics hubs, and busy commercial thoroughfares. Visitors primarily pass through for specialty dining, automotive services, or local family events rather than traditional tourism.
- Suburban
- Car-Dependent
- Commercial Strip
- Quiet Residential
Walking and biking in South Hackensack
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 48/100
South Hackensack lacks dedicated bike lanes and bike-share stations, making cycling along major thoroughfares like Route 46 unadvisable due to heavy motor traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are well below state and national averages.
- Strong local police presence and tight-knit community monitoring in residential sections.
- Solid median household incomes hovering near six figures with low poverty rates.
Cons
- Fragmented geography bisected by busy highways like Route 46 creates pedestrian hazards.
- Higher concentration of commercial property crime and vehicle break-ins along highway retail strips.
- Industrial pockets feel desolate and poorly lit during nighttime hours.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in residential zones, though transient individuals may occasionally be seen along commercial highway motels and bus stops on Route 46.
What South Hackensack is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with local commuters and school traffic; very safe for walking.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active with industrial deliveries and highway traffic, maintaining a safe and straightforward environment.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential streets wind down early, while restaurant plazas on commercial strips remain calm and secure.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally calm with very little pedestrian activity; industrial zones are deserted but serious crime remains rare.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by NJ Transit, primarily via local bus routes like the 161 and 772, with the nearest rail options located just outside town boundaries at the Essex Street NJ Transit commuter station in Hackensack.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free, with generous free surface parking lots at businesses along the highways and readily available residential street parking.
Things to do in South Hackensack
- Relax or catch community youth sports at Veterans Memorial Park.
- Sample diverse international dining along the Route 46 commercial corridor.
- Explore the nearby cultural and dining destinations in neighboring downtown Hackensack.
Local favorites
- Green Papaya · Vietnamese Restaurant · 4.4★ (380)Popular highway spot serving authentic pho, banh mi, and classic Vietnamese entrees.
- Tu Casa Restaurant · Latin American Restaurant · 4.3★ (420)Neighborhood eatery known for generous portions of traditional Peruvian and Latin dishes.
- Capriotti's Sandwich Shop · Sandwich Shop · 4.5★ (290)Casual counter-service stop famous for slow-roasted turkey subs and cheesesteaks.
Neighborhoods near South Hackensack
Common questions about South Hackensack
Is South Hackensack safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is South Hackensack a good place to live?
On safety, South Hackensack scores 80/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is South Hackensack?
Walk score 62/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near South Hackensack are safer?
Hasbrouck Heights (91), Teterboro (86), Bogota (84) score higher nearby.
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