Is Woodcliff Lake safe?
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Woodcliff Lake as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Woodcliff Lake
“Go. Woodcliff Lake is an exceptionally safe, quiet, and affluent suburban community in Bergen County with virtually non-existent violent crime. Visitors can explore local parks, reservoir views, and shopping centers with complete peace of mind. A personal vehicle is strongly recommended to get around comfortably.”
About the area
Woodcliff Lake is a picturesque, tree-lined borough in northern Bergen County characterized by spacious single-family homes, reservoir scenery, and high-end shopping plazas. It serves primarily as a tranquil residential enclave and commuter community with top-tier municipal infrastructure and well-maintained public spaces.
- Affluent Suburban
- Tranquil / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Woodcliff Lake
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 34/100
There are no public bike-share systems or designated bike lanes, but low-speed residential side streets are commonly used by recreational cyclists.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates remain among the lowest in the state and nation
- Exceptionally strong economic profile with median household income well above $200,000 and near-zero poverty
- Immaculately maintained public facilities, manicured suburban streets, and scenic reservoir views
- High homeownership rate and responsive, well-resourced local police and emergency services
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with limited pedestrian infrastructure along arterial roads
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins targeting unlocked luxury cars
- Minimal late-night entertainment or cultural attractions within municipal borders
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually non-existent in Woodcliff Lake, with no public encampments or panhandling present in the borough.
What Woodcliff Lake is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with morning joggers, dog walkers, and commuters heading toward the local rail station.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and residential with light local traffic near schools, town offices, and retail centers.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and pleasant as residents return home and families gather at local restaurants.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and silent with virtually no foot traffic, remaining exceptionally secure.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates the Woodcliff Lake rail station along the Pascack Valley Line offering service to Secaucus Junction and Hoboken, while NJ Transit bus route 165 provides commuter service toward the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Parking is free and plentiful in dedicated surface lots at shopping centers and municipal parks, though on-street parking is restricted overnight on residential streets.
Things to do in Woodcliff Lake
- Take in the tranquil waterside views along the perimeter of Woodcliff Lake Reservoir
- Shop and dine at Tice's Corner Marketplace, an upscale open-air retail center
- Stroll through Old Mill Park and enjoy its open green space, pavilion, and seasonal community events
Local favorites
- Sol Restaurant · Latin American · 4.5★ (310)A polished neighborhood bistro serving creative Latin American fare and tapas in a stylish setting.
- Bareburger · American · 4.3★ (480)An eco-minded casual eatery specializing in organic, custom-built burgers and plant-based options.
- Tice's Corner Marketplace · Shopping Mall · 4.4★ (1120)A premier lifestyle shopping center hosting specialty boutiques, premium fashion brands, and outdoor seating.
Neighborhoods near Woodcliff Lake
Common questions about Woodcliff Lake
Is Woodcliff Lake safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Woodcliff Lake a good place to live?
On safety, Woodcliff Lake scores 96/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Woodcliff Lake?
Walk score 28/100 and bike score 34/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Woodcliff Lake are safer?
Ho-Ho-Kus (97) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Woodcliff Lake? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.