Is Waldwick safe?
Waldwick, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Waldwick as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Waldwick
“Go. Waldwick is an exceptionally safe, quiet suburban borough in Bergen County with negligible violent crime and strong civic infrastructure. Visitors can explore local eateries and residential streets with complete peace of mind day or night. It is an ideal low-stress stop along the commuter corridor.”
About the area
Waldwick is a quintessential northern New Jersey suburban community featuring tree-lined residential neighborhoods, a historic commuter train depot, and a modest downtown corridor along Franklin Turnpike. It caters primarily to families and commuters heading into New York City or Hoboken. Visitors will find a relaxed pace, well-kept parks, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
- Quiet Suburb
- Family-Friendly
- Safe & Residential
- Commuter Hub
Walking and biking in Waldwick
Walk score: 56/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no municipal bike-share system and dedicated bike lanes are scarce, but low-speed residential side streets offer safe and easy neighborhood cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime is near-zero and property crime rates remain far below national and state averages.
- Robust economic stability with median household incomes well over $140,000 and poverty below 3%.
- Direct NJ Transit commuter rail link in the center of town with walkable access to downtown dining.
Cons
- Limited late-night entertainment and cultural attractions within municipal boundaries.
- Occasional opportunistic unlocked vehicle theft or burglary common across quiet suburban corridors.
- Car dependency for reaching major shopping centers and nature reserves outside the immediate station area.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually non-existent in Waldwick, with no encampments or panhandling presence in the borough. Countywide social services and shelters operate out of larger urban centers like Hackensack.
What Waldwick is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active with commuters walking to the train depot and residents jogging through quiet residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very peaceful, with light traffic around school zones, parks, and downtown lunch spots.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and welcoming, as commuter trains return and local restaurants fill up with families.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Exceptionally quiet and dark with virtually no foot traffic, yet completely safe for walking.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates the Waldwick Station on the Main/Bergen County Line, providing frequent direct rail service to Secaucus and Hoboken with connections into NYC. NJ Transit bus route 175 also connects the area to the George Washington Bridge Bus Station.
Street parking is straightforward and mostly free on residential roads, while municipal and permit lots surrounding the train station provide daily paid parking for commuters and visitors.
Things to do in Waldwick
- Tour the historic Waldwick Railroad Museum housed in the restored 1887 Queen Anne-style station depot.
- Relax, walk trails, or watch community games at Borough Park.
- Enjoy casual dining and local bakeries along Franklin Turnpike and Prospect Street.
Local favorites
- Nellie's Place · Pub / Pizzeria · 4.5★ (1150)Beloved neighborhood tavern known for its crispy thin-crust pizza, wings, and friendly pub atmosphere.
- The Plum and The Pear · Italian / American Bistro · 4.6★ (460)Cozy white-tablecloth bistro serving seasonal Italian-American cuisine, fresh pasta, and seafood.
- Bici · Northern Italian Restaurant · 4.7★ (360)Acclaimed upscale BYOB establishment dishing out refined, authentic northern Italian fare.
Neighborhoods near Waldwick
Common questions about Waldwick
Is Waldwick safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Waldwick a good place to live?
On safety, Waldwick scores 94/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Waldwick?
Walk score 56/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Waldwick are safer?
Allendale (NJ) (97), Ho-Ho-Kus (97), Saddle River (96) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Waldwick? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.