New Jersey is a small state with a major personality.
Referred to as the Garden State, New Jersey is the home to several firsts, including being the location where the first submarine was constructed, the first drive-in movie theater was opened, and the first professional basketball and baseball games were played.
In addition to its colorful history, New Jersey is ranked as the fourth safest state in the U.S.
Over the past year, the state’s violent crime rate dropped by almost six percent with 2.0 incidences per 1,000 people.
The state always saw a drop in property crimes by 13% to 11.6.
If you are interested in visiting New Jersey for its beaches, food, local culture, or history, keep reading to learn more about safety in this diverse state!
Contents
10 Safest Cities in New Jersey
10: Upper Saddle River
At the top of our list is Upper Saddle River, a charming town that lies just south of the New Jersey/New York border.
This area began as a small farming town during the 1700s and continues to maintain a historic appeal with the Hopper-Goetschius house and museum and the Saddle River Valley Cultural Center.
With a violent crime rate per capita of 6.7% and a property crime rate of 12.2%, Upper Saddle River is safe and a wonderful place to visit for its historic attractions.
Also, it is an easy daily commute into New York City.
9: Chester
If you are hunting for plenty of outdoor activities and a small-town charm, then Chester fits the bill.
Considered one of the highest-income communities in the state, Chester has real estate on the pricier side.
However, this is justified by a violent crime rate of just 7.3% and a property crime rate of 11.6%, which gives this quaint town a rating of 86% below the national crime average.
8: Norwood
Next on our list is Norwood, located near the Hudson River in upper northeastern New Jersey.
Founded by Dutch settlers, the origin of the town name is due to its location, originally described as North-Woods.
Nature lovers will enjoy Palisades Interstate Park, which straddles the border of New Jersey and New York.
Norwood is a great destination for visitors since New York City is only an hour away, perfect for day trips.
The town boasts a violent crime rating of only 7.2% and a property crime rating of 8.5%, which combine for 90% below the national average.
7: Montvale
With a crime rate of 91% below the national average (6.3% violent crime and 12.2% property crime), Montvale also borders New Jersey and New York.
This suburban destination offers plenty of outdoor activities, including multiple shopping centers, golf courses, and hiking trails, plus easy access to New York City.
If you are searching for a safe destination with a glowing reputation, then Montvale is a beautiful place to visit.
6: North Caldwell
Sixth on our safest New Jersey cities list is North Caldwell, one of the most premium areas on this list.
As a New York City suburb, North Caldwell is providing an amazing rural lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of a major city.
With an overall crime rate that’s 92% below the national average due to a 7% violent crime rate and 11.3% property crime rate, North Caldwell is an incredibly safe place to visit and live.
5: Mendham
Halfway through our list is Mendham, a town with an overall crime rating of 81% below the national average.
Violent crimes have a 6.9% rating while property crimes are situated at 9.2%.
Like many other destinations on this list, Mendham is a secure and scenic destination for visitors and locals.
Homes tend to be a little more expensive than the surrounding area, but the historic charm and serenity make it well worth the price.
To enjoy a taste of colonial New Jersey, do not miss the Black Horse Tavern & Pub, a famous local spot!
4: Tewksbury
Another tiny town with a population of only 5,800 on our list is Tewksbury, which boasts a violent crime rating of only 6.4% and a property crime rating of only 11.6%, which equates to an overall crime rate 81% below the national average.
This charming town in the New York Metropolitan Area offers a tranquil ambiance and great schools, which makes it ideal for families and visitors alike.
Additionally, Tewksbury boasts unmatched scenery, which is perfect for those who love the countryside.
The town features countless outdoor recreational experiences, such as golf courses plus the annual Tewksbury Harvest Festival.
3: Chesterfield
Coming in at number three is Chesterfield, a quaint township situated between New York City and Philadelphia.
Due to its excellent location, visitors and locals can easily take a day trip to either metropolis or if they want a more relaxing day, the town boasts a rural atmosphere chock full of history.
With a population of only 7,500, Chesterfield boasts just 6.9% violent crimes per capita and a 10.2% property crime rating.
2: Matawan
Only a few miles inland from the Jersey Shore sits Matawan, the state’s second safest city.
Established by Dutch settlers in the 1600s, Matawan has countless activities for outdoor lovers.
Whether you want to explore the picturesque Cheesequake State Park or enjoy the local beaches, Matawan is the ideal destination to visit.
The town is 96% below the national crime rate with violent crimes at 6.7% and property crimes at 13%.
1: New Hanover
…and the safest city in New Jersey is…(drumroll, please), New Hanover!
With a small population of 7,500, New Hanover has an ultra-low violent crime rate of 7.5% and a property crime rate of 7.1%.
The most common crimes that occur in this beautiful Garden State town are property and larceny.
In addition to being super safe, the area has a suburban atmosphere, which makes it an ideal location to raise a family or visit.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to New Jersey
Tip #1: Watch Your Belongings on Mass Transit
Given that most of these safest cities have easy access to New York City and Philadelphia, you will likely opt to take mass transit instead of driving and parking.
While seating on a train, bus, ferry, subway, or light rail, always keep an eye on your belongings, and never flash expensive items in public.
Tip #2: Keep Expensive Items in a Hotel Room Safe
Take tip #1 a step further by just leaving the expensive items in your hotel room.
Always lock them in a hotel room safe to ensure they are not lost or stolen.
While the above towns are safe, you should always take the proper precautions whenever traveling.
Tip #3: Know Your Route
If you are planning to be in one of the two major cities late at night, know exactly where you are going and how you are going to get there.
Apps like Google Maps can help you figure out mass transit or your driving route, so you do not end up in bad neighborhoods.
Tip #4: Research Bad Neighborhoods
Furthermore, before traveling to New Jersey, know which areas of the state, New York City, and Philadelphia to avoid.
This will save you many headaches and stress if you know where to go and where to avoid it.
Tip #5: Pack Accordingly
While New Jersey is a state with four seasons, you want to pack accordingly during the more extreme weather seasons of summer and winter.
That means, bringing and using sunblock at the beach in the summer and packing thermal clothing when visiting the higher elevation areas of the northwest part of the state in the winter.
New Jersey Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: New Jersey Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the seasonal weather like in New Jersey?
The summers in New Jersey are hot, humid, and wet, while winters are cold and snowy, depending on where you are in the state.
Spring is comfortable with some rain to help the plants grow (they do not call it the Garden State for anything).
Fall is cool and comfortable with light breezes across the state.
When is the best time to visit the Garden State?
The best time to visit New Jersey is between May and June, and September to October.
Late spring presents countless outdoor events, uncrowded streets, and comfortable weather.
Early fall is a little balmy but offers incredible foliage with small wisps of comfortable wind.
Also, you cannot go wrong visiting during the Halloween celebrations.
When is the worst time to visit?
July to August is the hottest and most humid period.
If you plan to visit during this time, then stay closer to the ocean, which provides a nice breeze, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Remember, this is high tourism season, so droves of visitors go “down the shore” to walk the boardwalk, relax on the beach, and enjoy the nightlife.
NJ continues to be on the safest US states for past decade….It gets a bad wrap but it is just certain areas that most crime takes place….
Must be from the PR people….
It’s always reassuring to know which communities prioritize safety and security. For locals, do these rankings match your experiences, and are there specific aspects that make these cities stand out?