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Is Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island safe?

Manhattan, New York · safety score updated nightly

92out of 100

Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.

VibeLoco rates Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island as “Go”.

What makes up this score?

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Gogo's take on Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island

“Go. This combined district—spanning the historic Upper East Side, the Lenox Hill medical corridor, and tranquil Roosevelt Island—is one of the safest and most affluent urban areas in the nation. While standard urban caution against opportunistic property theft is advised, violent crime is exceptionally low.”

About the area

This prestigious East Side enclave features tree-lined residential streets, grand pre-war architecture, renowned cultural institutions, and world-class hospital complexes. Roosevelt Island offers a peaceful, self-contained waterfront community just a tram ride across the East River.

  • Affluent / Polished
  • Historic / Tree-Lined
  • Family-Friendly
  • Waterfront Promenades

Walking and biking in Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island

Walk score: 98/100 · Bike score: 85/100

Citi Bike stations are widespread throughout the district, offering easy links to the East River Greenway, the Roosevelt Island perimeter trail, and Central Park loops.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

  • One of the lowest violent crime rates in New York City with extensive doorman security and heavy police presence.
  • Median household incomes exceed $140,000, supported by low poverty and well-maintained housing infrastructure.
  • Unmatched access to top-tier medical facilities including Weill Cornell, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Lenox Hill Hospital.

Cons

  • Petty larceny, bicycle theft, and package theft remain persistent along commercial and residential corridors.
  • Congested intersections with heavy delivery e-bike and vehicle traffic require caution when crossing avenues.
  • Subway entrances along Lexington Avenue can occasionally feel gritty or isolated during late-night hours.

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal compared to Midtown Manhattan, primarily confined to occasional individuals panhandling near major Lexington Avenue subway stations (59th, 68th, and 86th Streets). Encampments are virtually non-existent.

What Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a
Streets are energetic and completely safe with joggers, commuters, and families heading to local private and public schools.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p
Brisk, orderly foot traffic fills the sidewalks with shoppers along Madison and Third Avenues and medical professionals around York Avenue.
Evening · 5p – 10p
Avenues feature lively outdoor dining and neighborhood bistros, illuminated by warm storefronts and building canopies.
Late night · 10p – 5a
Residential streets become very quiet and peaceful; walking is safe, though quiet side streets warrant basic awareness.

Transit, parking and getting around

MTA Subway service is frequent via the 4, 5, 6 lines on Lexington Avenue, the Q line along Second Avenue, and the F train serving Roosevelt Island alongside the Roosevelt Island Tramway. Major bus corridors include the M15-SBS on 1st/2nd Avenues and the cross-town M66/M72/M79 routes.

Street parking is extremely competitive with complex alternate-side parking rules and commercial zones; paid parking garages are plentiful but costly, typically ranging from $50 to $85 per day.

Things to do in Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island

  • Ride the Roosevelt Island Tramway for sweeping skyline views and tour Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park.
  • Explore world-class art galleries along Madison Avenue and visit Museum Mile institutions adjacent to Fifth Avenue.
  • Stroll along the East River Esplanade or wander past Conservatory Water on the eastern edge of Central Park.

Local favorites

  • J.G. Melon · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (3250)
    Historic neighborhood pub renowned for classic hamburgers and green-checkered tablecloth nostalgia.
  • Bemelmans Bar · Cocktail Bar · 4.6★ (1450)
    Classic piano lounge inside The Carlyle hotel featuring original Ludwig Bemelmans murals and signature martinis.
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park · Park · 4.8★ (2920)
    Architectural memorial park designed by Louis Kahn offering expansive panoramic river views from the southern tip of Roosevelt Island.

Neighborhoods near Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island

More: all Manhattan neighborhoods · safest neighborhoods in New York

Common questions about Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island

Is Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island safe to walk at night?

Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.

Is Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island a good place to live?

On safety, Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island scores 92/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.

How walkable is Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island?

Walk score 98/100 and bike score 85/100. Most errands can be done on foot.

Which areas near Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island are safer?

Upper East Side-Carnegie Hill (94) score higher nearby.

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