If you dream of moving to New York City, you’re not alone—the Big Apple can be a great place to live. Job opportunities are almost endless, and there’s almost always something going on regardless of the time.
You can still find something to do even if you work late at night. With an estimated 8.25 million NYC residents, you should also expect some crime and a greater risk of being involved in an incident.
However, did you know your home address can affect your chances of being involved in a potentially dangerous incident? If you plan on moving to NYC, it’s a good idea to know a little about the area you’re getting ready to call home.
A Look at Popular Places to Live in NYC
Comprising five boroughs and countless neighborhoods, finding a place to live in New York City is relatively easy. The difficulty comes in when safety is a primary concern. Some areas are statistically safer for residents than others.
Battery Park City, Manhattan
When you think of Manhattan, the Upper and Lower East Sides typically come to mind as some go-to places.
While these upper-class neighborhoods are known for their prominent police presence and low crime rates, living costs are often out of reach. If your heart is still set on living in Manhattan but you have a limited budget, Battery Park City may be the ideal solution.
You still have access to bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. After all, you can’t be expected to navigate NYC on an empty stomach. The area is also close to the waterfront, which means plenty of green spaces. You can enjoy recreational activities like jogging and family picnics.
Battery Park City is also close to the financial district, making this the ideal neighborhood for young professionals. Property and violent crime rates tend to be lower in this family-friendly area.
Fresh Meadow, Queens
One of the five boroughs comprising NYC, Queens is an often overlooked neighborhood. However, did you know Fresh Meadows is the New York Post’s top choice for the safest NYC neighborhood in 2022?
Along with low crime rates, the neighborhood is well-positioned to deal with any flooding concerns. You’re also close to hospitals. The New York Post also looks at other factors when evaluating a neighborhood’s safety, which includes its rodent population.
Sure, some of the stories you hear about NYC and rodents are probably true. Thankfully, Fresh Meadows has a low rodent population compared to other neighborhoods in the city. You’re also situated ideally between Union Turnpike and the Long Island Expressway, so getting in and out of the Big Apple is usually a piece of cake.
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
If you’re a fan of the Beastie Boys, “No Sleep ‘Till Brooklyn” can be a personal anthem. If you want to live the song’s lyrics, you may want to consider calling Prospect Heights home.
With low crime rates and a great public school system, the Brooklyn neighborhood is quickly becoming a favorite for families. You can also enjoy a vibrant and diverse community.
The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens are located in Prospect Heights, along with the Brooklyn Museum. If you’re dying to catch a baseball game but don’t want to head to Shea Stadium, the Barclays Center is in your backyard.
Roosevelt Island, Manhattan
Located in the East River, Roosevelt Island may not be big in square mileage but it’s hard to beat the views. The small island gives its residents amazing views of the Manhattan skyline.
Along with spectacular views, the island boasts low crime rates, which means your chances of being involved in a violent crime like an assault or burglary are relatively slim. You may need to give up some amenities like closeness to restaurants and bars.
However, getting into Manhattan is a breeze. Sometimes, it’s easier to cross the East River than it is to get from the Bronx into the city.
Upper East Side, Manhattan
You’re going to need a rather extensive budget to live in the Upper East Side. However, for some residents, the price tag is worth the safety. Crime rates are statistically low which means you can usually feel safe any time of the day or night.
You’re close to Central Park and the East River. 5th Avenue is also only a few short steps away. From shopping to museums, the Upper East Side has it all.
How Safe is New York City?
The Big Apple is home to over 8 million residents so you should expect some crime. This includes burglaries and assaults, however, recent statistics indicate NYC crime rates are trending down. For example:
- Burglaries were down by 19.8%
- Felony assaults decreased slightly by 1.5%
- Grand larceny auto reported a decrease of 3.8%
- Murders decreased by 25%.
- Rapes saw a reduction of 24.4%
Crimes involving guns are also down, compared to previous years. However, this doesn’t mean you should wander the streets and not pay attention to your surroundings. Remember, NYC is a large city and there’s almost always a risk of incurring an injury.
Should You Avoid Some Areas in New York City?
Like all cities, NYC has some areas you may want to avoid. These areas aren’t limited to a specific borough, all five have neighborhoods with higher than average crime rates.
Some examples include Fordham and Hunts Point in the Bronx. You may also want to avoid Brownsville, as this is a neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its high crime rates.
Jamaica, Queens is another area with high crime statistics, along with Stapleton and Mariners Harbor both located on Staten Island. However, even these areas with higher-than-average crime rates can still be a place to consider calling home. These statistics typically don’t apply to an entire area. Usually, it’s only a few streets you want to avoid.
What to Do if You’re Injured in an Accident
If you’re injured in an accident, whether it’s a vehicle collision or a violent crime, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
It’s important to talk to an attorney about your case to explore your legal options and understand what steps to take next. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and help ensure you receive the compensation that you deserve.
