Is Tenafly safe?
Tenafly, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Tenafly as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Tenafly
“Go. Tenafly is an exceptionally safe, affluent Bergen County suburb offering peaceful residential streets, high-performing amenities, and nature escapes. Visitors can stroll the downtown corridor or explore local parks with virtually no safety concerns beyond routine vigilance.”
About the area
Tenafly is a historic, leafy residential borough situated along the Palisades in northeastern New Jersey. It features a compact downtown hub anchored by cafes, upscale eateries, and a historic railway station, surrounded by expansive single-family estates and wooded nature preserves.
- Affluent Suburb
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Peaceful
Walking and biking in Tenafly
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 44/100
Tenafly does not have a public bike-share system, though the area is popular with recreational road cyclists connecting to Henry Hudson Drive and Palisades trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates rank among the lowest in the state and nation
- Affluent economic profile with median household income well above $180,000 and minimal poverty
- Exceptionally well-maintained public infrastructure, parks, and civic services
Cons
- Sporadic luxury vehicle thefts and driveway break-ins target affluent residential properties
- Car dependence across hilly, sprawling residential neighborhoods outside the central core
- Very limited late-night dining and commercial activity
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Tenafly, with no encampments or panhandling observed around the borough.
What Tenafly is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with morning commuters, joggers, and school traffic across highly safe neighborhood roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and welcoming with moderate pedestrian foot traffic in the downtown shopping and dining core.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and pleasant as residents frequent local restaurants; streets are dimly lit but very safe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and mostly deserted with minimal traffic, remaining exceptionally safe throughout the night.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates direct commuter bus service to NYC via the 166 express/local lines and regional connections via the 756 bus. There is no active passenger rail service in town.
Downtown features ample metered street spaces and dedicated municipal parking lots, while residential areas provide widespread free curbside parking.
Things to do in Tenafly
- Explore wooded hiking trails, ponds, and animal exhibits at the 400-acre Tenafly Nature Center
- Browse traditional sculptures and cultural exhibits at the African Art Museum of the SMA
- Stroll and dine around the historic Tenafly Railroad Station district
Local favorites
- Cafe Angelique · Cafe · 4.3★ (850)A bustling European-style cafe in a historic former train depot serving espresso, pastries, and brunch.
- Sayola Restaurant · Spanish Restaurant · 4.5★ (620)Upscale dining room offering traditional Spanish tapas, authentic paella, and sangria.
- Tavlin · Mediterranean Restaurant · 4.7★ (510)Casual neighborhood staple serving freshly made falafel, shawarma, and Middle Eastern platters.
Neighborhoods near Tenafly
Common questions about Tenafly
Is Tenafly safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Tenafly a good place to live?
On safety, Tenafly scores 94/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Tenafly?
Walk score 52/100 and bike score 44/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Tenafly are safer?
Demarest (96) score higher nearby.
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