Is The Island safe?
Trenton, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates The Island as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on The Island
“Go with care. The Island is a unique, geographically secluded residential enclave along the Delaware River that experiences noticeably less violent crime than other parts of Trenton. However, property crime, car break-ins, and spillover issues from nearby West Ward corridors mean visitors should stay alert and avoid wandering outside the enclave on foot after dark.”
About the area
The Island is a small, quiet pocket neighborhood nestled between Route 29, the Delaware and Raritan Canal, and the Delaware River in Trenton. Composed mainly of older single-family and semi-detached homes, it offers scenic river views and a tight-knit community feel despite being located within an economically challenged urban center.
- Quiet Residential
- Riverside Enclave
- Historic Housing
- Close-Knit
Walking and biking in The Island
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 67/100
Cyclists have convenient access to the paved Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, which connects north toward Lambertville and south through Trenton; dedicated bike-share stations are not present directly on The Island.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Geographically isolated layout reduces through-traffic and keeps violent crime rates lower than citywide averages
- Close proximity to the Delaware River and the D&R Canal State Park Trail
- Higher proportion of long-term homeowners compared to neighboring urban wards
- Scenic, tree-lined residential streets with classic architectural character
Cons
- Susceptible to spillover property crime, porch theft, and vehicle break-ins from adjacent West Trenton neighborhoods
- Limited commercial services, requiring travel outside the enclave for dining and basic retail
- Flood risk and isolated access points during severe weather events
- Proximity to high-crime urban corridors along major transit arteries just outside the neighborhood
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential streets of The Island itself. Individuals experiencing homelessness and service shelters are more commonly situated closer to downtown Trenton and the transit center.
What The Island is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and calm, with local residents walking dogs and occasional cyclists connecting to river trails.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally quiet residential streets with modest local foot traffic and good visibility throughout the neighborhood.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly as residents return home, remaining quiet though situational awareness is advised around perimeter access roads.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and isolated on several streets; foot travel is not recommended due to reduced visibility and property crime risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates local bus routes (such as Route 608) along nearby West State Street and Sullivan Way. The Trenton Transit Center (Northeast Corridor rail, SEPTA, and River LINE light rail) is roughly 2.5 miles east, accessible via a short bus or rideshare trip.
Free on-street residential parking is widely available throughout The Island's side streets without meters, though curb space can tighten during evening hours.
Things to do in The Island
- Stroll along the riverfront streets to view historic vernacular architecture and sunset views over the Delaware River
- Walk or jog along the adjacent Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail
- Visit nearby historic Cadwalader Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, located just north across the canal
Local favorites
- Little Anthony's Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.3★ (185)Neighborhood pizzeria serving classic Jersey-style thin crust pies, subs, and Italian staples just across the canal.
- Trenton Coffee House and Roaster · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (210)Cozy specialty coffee outpost offering locally roasted beans and artisan espresso drinks a short drive away in downtown.
- 1911 Smoke House Barbeque · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (465)Popular local eatery serving generous plates of smoked meats, wings, and hearty soul food sides in central Trenton.
Neighborhoods near The Island
Common questions about The Island
Is The Island safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is The Island a good place to live?
On safety, The Island scores 62/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is The Island?
Walk score 58/100 and bike score 67/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near The Island are safer?
Glendale (Ewing) (71), Hillcrest (Trenton) (64) score higher nearby.
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