Is Wood-Ridge safe?
Wood-Ridge, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Wood-Ridge as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Wood-Ridge
“Go. Wood-Ridge is an exceptionally safe, quiet suburban borough in Bergen County with minimal crime, well-kept residential streets, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Visitors will find it peaceful and secure at all hours.”
About the area
Wood-Ridge is a compact, hilltop suburban borough perched above the Meadowlands in Bergen County, New Jersey. It features tree-lined residential neighborhoods, traditional Italian eateries, and modern transit-oriented developments near its borders.
- Suburban / Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Safe & Quiet
- Commuter Hub
Walking and biking in Wood-Ridge
Walk score: 67/100 · Bike score: 45/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, and dedicated bike lanes are scarce due to narrow suburban roadways, though local residential side streets are generally safe for casual cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero with overall crime significantly below national and state averages
- High median household income exceeding $110,000 and low poverty rate under 4%
- Well-maintained, stable housing stock with high homeownership and virtually non-existent vacancy
- Active local police department ensuring rapid response and visible neighborhood patrols
Cons
- Vehicle cut-through traffic along major corridors like Route 17 and Moonachie Avenue
- Limited tourist attractions and quiet night scene that winds down early
- Occasional low-level property theft or vehicle rummaging typical of suburban commuter towns
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Wood-Ridge, with no encampments or panhandling observed in the borough.
What Wood-Ridge is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with commuters walking to train stops and buses, feeling completely safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet, suburban atmosphere with families and school traffic throughout residential neighborhoods.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and relaxed, with residents patronizing local restaurants along Hackensack Street in a secure environment.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and deserted with low ambient activity; walking is safe though streets are mostly empty.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates the Wood-Ridge Station on the Pascack Valley Line offering rail service to Hoboken and Secaucus Junction, alongside bus routes 163, 164, and 76 providing direct connections to NYC Port Authority and Hackensack.
Street parking is straightforward and mostly free on residential roads, though municipal lots along Hackensack Street have standard time limits or permit restrictions for commuters.
Things to do in Wood-Ridge
- Explore local history at the Bianchi House museum and grounds
- Enjoy outdoor sports and walking paths at Donna Ricker Memorial Park
- Sample classic regional Italian dining along Hackensack Street
Local favorites
- Il Villaggio · Italian Fine Dining · 4.6★ (1250)Upscale regional Italian cuisine served in an elegant, formal banquet setting.
- Al Di La Italian Bistro · Italian Bistro · 4.6★ (720)Cozy, warm trattoria known for house-made pastas and traditional entrees.
- Jersey Boys Grill · Bar & Grill · 4.4★ (850)Casual neighborhood sports bar featuring classic pub fare, pizza, and craft beers.
Neighborhoods near Wood-Ridge
Common questions about Wood-Ridge
Is Wood-Ridge safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Wood-Ridge a good place to live?
On safety, Wood-Ridge 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 Wood-Ridge?
Walk score 67/100 and bike score 45/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Wood-Ridge are safer?
Hasbrouck Heights (91) score higher nearby.
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