Is Westwood (NJ) safe?
Westwood, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Westwood (NJ) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Westwood (NJ)
“Go. Westwood is an exceptionally safe, prosperous Bergen County suburb known as the Hub of the Pascack Valley. Visitors can explore its bustling downtown district with peace of mind at practically any time of day or night.”
About the area
Westwood offers a classic small-town Americana vibe centered around a vibrant, historic downtown lined with independent boutiques, eateries, and a central train station park. It combines affluent residential neighborhoods with a walkable shopping and dining corridor that attracts visitors from across northern New Jersey.
- Family-Friendly
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Walkable Dining Hub
- Peaceful Suburb
Walking and biking in Westwood (NJ)
Walk score: 74/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is no dedicated municipal bike-share system, but residential side streets are generally low-stress for cycling, though dedicated bike lanes on main arterials are limited.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero and property crime is well below state and national benchmarks.
- High median household income exceeding $120,000 and poverty rates below 4% foster stable community conditions.
- Active downtown business district with consistent daytime and evening foot traffic centered around Veteran's Memorial Park.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins reported involving unlocked cars overnight.
- Peak commuter hour traffic congestion on Westwood Avenue and Kinderkamack Road.
- Higher living and dining costs compared to regional averages.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Westwood, with no established encampments or regular panhandling.
What Westwood (NJ) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with commuters, dog walkers, and locals grabbing coffee near the train station with no safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively and welcoming with shoppers and families frequenting downtown storefronts in complete safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Vibrant and safe as patrons fill local restaurants, brewpubs, and dessert spots along Westwood Avenue.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and very secure, though activity drops off significantly after restaurants and bars close.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates rail service along the Pascack Valley Line directly from Westwood Station into Hoboken and Secaucus Junction, alongside bus route 165 offering express access to NYC's Port Authority.
Municipal metered street parking and several public pay lots are available along Center Avenue and Fairview Avenue, generally charging modest hourly rates with free parking on Sundays.
Things to do in Westwood (NJ)
- Catch a movie or grab classic homemade chocolates at nearby Conrad's Confectionery.
- Stroll and shop along Westwood Avenue through local boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores.
- Relax or attend seasonal community events at Veterans Memorial Park right across from the historic train station.
Local favorites
- Osteria Crescendo · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (460)Acclaimed upscale Italian eatery serving refined handmade pastas and craft cocktails.
- Conrad's Confectionery · Ice Cream & Candy Shop · 4.8★ (410)Historic, vintage confectionery serving homemade ice cream and chocolates since 1928.
- Five Dimes Brewery · Brewery · 4.6★ (230)Multi-level craft brewery and taproom with an outdoor rooftop deck in the heart of downtown.
Neighborhoods near Westwood (NJ)
Common questions about Westwood (NJ)
Is Westwood (NJ) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Westwood (NJ) a good place to live?
On safety, Westwood (NJ) 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 Westwood (NJ)?
Walk score 74/100 and bike score 52/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Westwood (NJ) are safer?
Haworth (97), River Vale (96), Oradell (96) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Westwood (NJ)? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.