Is Upper West Side-Lincoln Square 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 West Side-Lincoln Square as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Upper West Side-Lincoln Square
“Go. Lincoln Square and the southern Upper West Side are among the safest and most affluent residential and cultural districts in New York City. Violent crime is exceptionally low, and visitors only need basic urban awareness regarding pickpocketing or petty theft in busy transit stations.”
About the area
Centered around the world-renowned Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, this neighborhood blends grand pre-war residential architecture with modern luxury towers. Positioned between Central Park and Riverside Park, it offers upscale dining, premier arts venues, and bustling, manicured avenues.
- Affluent & Cultural
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Walkable Dining Hub
Walking and biking in Upper West Side-Lincoln Square
Walk score: 99/100 · Bike score: 88/100
Citi Bike docks are located every two to three blocks throughout the area, offering quick access to protected lanes on Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues as well as the Hudson River Greenway.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Consistently among the lowest violent crime rates in Manhattan (NYPD 20th Precinct)
- High median household income exceeding $150,000 supports well-maintained infrastructure and public services
- Continuous, civilized foot traffic and exceptional street lighting provide excellent natural surveillance
- Immediate walking access to Central Park, Riverside Park, and top-tier cultural venues
Cons
- Opportunistic property crime such as package theft and shoplifting occurs around major commercial avenues
- Major transit nodes like 59th St-Columbus Circle occasionally experience panhandling and petty transit incidents
- Very high cost of services, dining, and vehicle parking
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate and primarily concentrated around the 59th St-Columbus Circle subway complex and Broadway entrances. Encampments are rare, and municipal outreach teams actively service the area.
What Upper West Side-Lincoln Square is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are active with dog walkers, joggers, and commuters, feeling calm and thoroughly safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling with shoppers, tourists, and university students from Juilliard and Fordham amid heavy pedestrian activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively and well-patrolled as patrons fill local restaurants and head to Lincoln Center performances.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm and largely quiet; residential side streets remain safe, though standard awareness is wise near subway hubs.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA New York City Subway serves the neighborhood directly via the 1 train at 66th St-Lincoln Center and the A, B, C, D, and 1 trains at 59th St-Columbus Circle. Key MTA bus routes include the M5, M7, M11, M66, and M72.
On-street parking is extremely scarce due to strict alternate-side parking rules and resident demand. Numerous commercial parking garages operate along Amsterdam and West End Avenues, typically costing $40 to $70 for several hours.
Things to do in Upper West Side-Lincoln Square
- Attend a world-class opera, symphony, or ballet performance at Lincoln Center
- Stroll along the pedestrian pathways and Sheep Meadow on the western edge of Central Park
- Watch indie and international cinema screenings at Film at Lincoln Center
Local favorites
- The Smith · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (5200)Lively multi-room brasserie serving upscale comfort fare, craft cocktails, and raw bar classics across from Lincoln Center.
- Boulud Sud · Mediterranean Restaurant · 4.5★ (1850)Refined Mediterranean dining by Chef Daniel Boulud focusing on coastal flavors and fine wines.
- Shun Lee West · Chinese Restaurant · 4.2★ (1400)Longstanding high-end venue offering gourmet regional Chinese specialties in an elegant white-tablecloth space.
Neighborhoods near Upper West Side-Lincoln Square
Common questions about Upper West Side-Lincoln Square
Is Upper West Side-Lincoln Square safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Upper West Side-Lincoln Square a good place to live?
On safety, Upper West Side-Lincoln Square scores 90/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Upper West Side-Lincoln Square?
Walk score 99/100 and bike score 88/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Upper West Side-Lincoln Square are safer?
Upper East Side-Carnegie Hill (94) score higher nearby.
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