Is Wakefield-Woodlawn safe?
The Bronx, New York · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Wakefield-Woodlawn as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Wakefield-Woodlawn
“Go with care. Woodlawn is a peaceful, community-oriented residential enclave with low violent crime and a strong cultural identity, while adjacent Wakefield requires standard urban awareness, particularly after dark. Visitors exploring Woodlawn Cemetery or dining along Katonah Avenue will encounter a welcoming and largely secure daytime environment.”
About the area
Situated at the northern border of the Bronx alongside Westchester County, Wakefield-Woodlawn combines the suburban-style, historically Irish residential streets of Woodlawn Heights with the diverse, Caribbean-influenced energy of Wakefield. The area features quiet residential blocks anchored by the massive, park-like Woodlawn Cemetery and bustling commercial stretches along Katonah Avenue and White Plains Road.
- Residential Enclave
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Cultural Dining
- Suburban Feel
Walking and biking in Wakefield-Woodlawn
Walk score: 84/100 · Bike score: 58/100
Citi Bike docking stations are installed across major intersections, with nearby connections to the Bronx River Greenway and Van Cortlandt Park multi-use trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Woodlawn Heights maintains significantly lower violent crime rates compared to broader Bronx averages.
- Strong rates of long-term homeownership and stable multi-family housing foster a close-knit neighborhood atmosphere.
- Direct, secure regional transit access via Metro-North Railroad at Woodlawn Station provides swift connectivity to Grand Central.
Cons
- Property crime, especially auto theft and vehicle break-ins, is elevated along perimeter streets and commercial strips.
- Higher incidence of street-level robbery and assault along transit-adjacent stretches of White Plains Road compared to Woodlawn.
- Noticeable variance in lighting, infrastructure maintenance, and safety perception between the western and eastern sides of the neighborhood.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal across most residential side streets, though occasional panhandling is present near major subway hubs along East 233rd Street and White Plains Road.
What Wakefield-Woodlawn is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are lively with commuters heading to Metro-North and subway stations, creating a busy and safe neighborhood environment.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pedestrian foot traffic peaks around schools and commercial avenues with a relaxed, normal suburban-urban rhythm.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Katonah Avenue's dining corridor remains active and comfortable, while transit plazas on White Plains Road require standard vigilance.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Residential side streets become very quiet and generally peaceful, though caution is recommended near elevated subway stations and unlit blocks.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA operates the 2 and 5 subway trains terminating at Wakefield-241st Street, while Metro-North Railroad's Harlem Line serves Woodlawn Station, supplemented by Bx16, Bx31, Bx34, and BxM4 express bus routes.
Street parking is relatively accessible on residential blocks compared to southern Bronx neighborhoods, though metered street spaces along Katonah Avenue and White Plains Road turn over slowly during peak hours.
Things to do in Wakefield-Woodlawn
- Tour the historic monuments, mausoleums, and arboretum landscape at the 400-acre Woodlawn Cemetery.
- Experience traditional Irish fare, bakeries, and community pubs along the Katonah Avenue business corridor.
- Explore the walking paths and recreational fields at the eastern edge of neighboring Van Cortlandt Park.
Local favorites
- Rambling House · Irish Pub & Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)A popular Woodlawn gathering spot known for classic pub fare, craft beers, and live weekend entertainment.
- Ali's Roti Shop · Caribbean Restaurant · 4.3★ (460)A long-running Wakefield staple serving authentic Trinidadian roti, curry chicken, and doubles.
- Prime Cuts Irish Butchers · Butcher Shop & Specialty Market · 4.7★ (290)A revered neighborhood market offering imported Irish groceries, custom cuts of meat, and homemade sausages.
Neighborhoods near Wakefield-Woodlawn
Common questions about Wakefield-Woodlawn
Is Wakefield-Woodlawn safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Wakefield-Woodlawn a good place to live?
On safety, Wakefield-Woodlawn scores 67/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Wakefield-Woodlawn?
Walk score 84/100 and bike score 58/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Wakefield-Woodlawn are safer?
Dunwoodie Heights (80), Lincoln (Yonkers) (76), Parkside (Mount Vernon) (71) score higher nearby.
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