Is Upper East Side-Yorkville safe?
Manhattan, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Upper East Side-Yorkville as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Upper East Side-Yorkville
“Go. Yorkville is one of the safest, most stable residential neighborhoods in Manhattan, characterized by extremely low rates of violent crime, tree-lined streets, and high median household incomes. Visitors can explore comfortably at virtually any hour with standard urban awareness.”
About the area
Yorkville is a historic, charming sub-neighborhood of the Upper East Side stretching east of 3rd Avenue to the East River. It blends pre-war apartment buildings, quiet residential side streets, pockets of old-world German and European heritage, and scenic waterfront parks.
- Family-Friendly
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Waterfront Access
- Walkable Dining Hub
Walking and biking in Upper East Side-Yorkville
Walk score: 99/100 · Bike score: 88/100
Citi Bike docking stations are abundant on almost every corner, with direct access to the East River Esplanade and protected bike lanes along 1st and 2nd Avenues.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- One of New York City's lowest violent crime rates overseen by the NYPD 19th Precinct
- Affluent economic foundation with median household income exceeding $135,000 and low poverty
- Abundant green space and waterfront recreation at Carl Schurz Park along the East River Esplanade
- Excellent civic infrastructure with high health insurance rates and exceptional transit connectivity
Cons
- Petty property crimes such as package theft and bicycle larceny remain occasional issues
- High population density and heavy foot traffic along major avenues like 86th Street and 2nd Avenue
- High cost of dining, services, and short-term accommodations
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low compared to central commercial hubs in Manhattan; occasional unhoused individuals may be seen near major subway entrances along 86th Street, but large encampments are not present.
What Upper East Side-Yorkville is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and exceptionally safe with joggers heading to Carl Schurz Park, dog walkers, and commuters streaming to the Q and 4/5/6 trains.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and calm with bustling avenues, open storefronts, and families filling local playgrounds and cafes.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Vibrant and secure as residents dine along 2nd Avenue and side streets remain well-lit and quiet.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally very safe and peaceful on residential blocks, with mild bar activity along 2nd Avenue requiring only ordinary urban awareness.
Transit, parking and getting around
Operated by the MTA, Yorkville is served directly by the Q train along 2nd Avenue (stations at 86th and 96th Sts) and the 4/5/6 subway lines at 86th St & Lexington Ave, complemented by M15-SBS and M86-SBS cross-town buses.
Street parking is notoriously difficult due to alternate side parking regulations and strict resident usage; commercial parking garages are widely available but typically charge $40 to $70+ per day.
Things to do in Upper East Side-Yorkville
- Stroll through Carl Schurz Park to view Gracie Mansion and watch boats along the East River
- Pick up traditional Hungarian pastries at the historic Budapest Bistro on 2nd Avenue
- Walk the scenic East River Esplanade for expansive views of Roosevelt Island and Queens
Local favorites
- Heidelberg Restaurant · German Restaurant · 4.5★ (1850)One of Yorkville's oldest surviving German institutions serving schnitzel, bratwurst, and draft beer in boots.
- Anita La Mamma del Gelato · Ice Cream Shop · 4.7★ (2300)Popular boutique gelateria known for rich artisanal flavors, baked toppings, and lively evening lines.
- Orwashers Bakery · Bakery · 4.6★ (1150)Historic artisan bakery operating since 1916, famous for traditional sourdough breads and jelly donuts.
Neighborhoods near Upper East Side-Yorkville
- Upper East Side-Carnegie Hill · Manhattan94
- East Harlem (South) · Manhattan66
- Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island · Manhattan92
- Old Astoria-Hallets Point · Queens76
- Queensbridge-Ravenswood-Dutch Kills · Queens64
- Upper West Side (Central) · Manhattan90
More: all Manhattan neighborhoods · safest neighborhoods in New York
Common questions about Upper East Side-Yorkville
Is Upper East Side-Yorkville safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Upper East Side-Yorkville a good place to live?
On safety, Upper East Side-Yorkville 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-Yorkville?
Walk score 99/100 and bike score 88/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Upper East Side-Yorkville are safer?
Upper East Side-Carnegie Hill (94) score higher nearby.
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