There are five boroughs in New York City and although opinions vary, as a long resident my picks are the following.
The following choices are also courtesy of https://propertyclub.nyc/article/safest-neighborhoods-in-new-york-city and local crime statistics.
Safest NYC Neighborhoods
City Island - If you were to ask me for the safest neighborhoods in NYC two decades ago when I moved in and settled down I likely would have come up with City Island A Slice of NY Paradise as one of the answers. Since then, there’s been a big focus on crime reduction, and. so as time goes on, the island is still the safest place to live in NYC.
Tribeca - The next safest neighborhood in New York City is Tribeca. Located in southern Manhattan along the banks of the Hudson River, Tribeca sits in one of the most prominent parts of Manhattan for the rich and famous. One of the most prominent parts of Manhattan for the rich and famous, Tribeca is one of the safest neighborhoods in all of New York. Over the past two decades, this area’s focus on crime reduction has helped make it one of the most expensive neighborhoods in NYC. Tribeca is also one of the most popular neighborhoods for celebrities who live in New York City.
Battery Park City - The third safest place to live in New York City is Battery Park City. Nestled on the southern tip of Manhattan, Battery Park City is a mostly residential neighborhood. This 92-acre area has a central focus on the massive green space that shares the same name — Battery Park — located to the south of the city. Battery Park City is bounded by the West Side Highway on its east, the Hudson River on its west, and the Hudson River Shoreline on its north and south.
Kips Bay - This one is also one of the safest NYC neighborhoods. Kips Bay is located in midtown Manhattan, on the island’s east side. Kips Bay is bounded by the East River to the east, Third Avenue to its west, East 34th Street to its north, and East 27th Street to its south. Kips Bay used to be much larger when it was first settled in the 17th century but has reduced in size over the years as other neighborhoods have developed.
Park Slope - The neighborhood is another one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City. It's also the safest neighborhood in Brooklyn. Located in northwestern Brooklyn, the peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood is famous for its gorgeous rowhouses, organic markets, and many parks and green spaces. It has a more suburban feeling than many parts of Brooklyn, yet still offers plenty of great bars, restaurants, and entertainment options. Plus, it has a violent crime rate that is 16% lower than the national average, making it one of New York’s safest communities
Brooklyn Heights - Brooklyn Heights is also one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. Brooklyn Heights is a mainly residential neighborhood that’s been around since 1834. Sometimes also called Brooklyn Village, this neighborhood is noted for its low-rise architecture and historical buildings.
Greenwich Village - Another one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City is Greenwich Village. It's also one of the most well-known NYC neighborhoods for its appearance in movies and its many celebrity residents. Located on the west side of Manhattan, Greenwich Village is on the border of the Hudson River and is home to many celebrities due to its location and reputation, and being safe.
Murray Hill - Yet another Manhattan neighborhood that is located on the island’s east side. Nestled between the East River and Midtown Manhattan, Murray Hill is regarded as one of the most quaint neighborhoods in all of Manhattan. Throughout the 20th century, Murray Hill went from being a mercantile neighborhood to a much more upscale one, leading to a reduction in crime over the past century.
Nolita - This zone is another one of the safest places to live in NYC. The neighborhood gets its name from its geographical location relative to another Manhattan borough, Little Italy. Situated just north of Little Italy and Chinatown, Nolita used to be seen as part of Little Italy but has lost its Italian charm over the years and become its distinct neighborhood nearby.
Financial District - FiDi is another one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. Known for being the home of Wall Street and one of the largest financial centers in the world, FiDi is a very safe neighborhood that is popular among young professionals who work in the area. Plus, it doesn’t attract as much tourist traffic as other Manhattan neighborhoods and features a low crime rate for New York City. In 2023, the property crime rate was 12.8 serious crimes per 1,000 residents (versus 14.7 in all of Manhattan) and 3.7 violent crimes (compared to 5.7 in the rest of Manhattan).
Chelsea - This area is also one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City. Situated between the Garment District and Greenwich Village on the West Side of Manhattan, Chelsea is one of New York’s most coveted neighborhoods. Residents will find a variety of gorgeous townhomes, low-rise apartment buildings, and luxury high-rises, along with art galleries, cafes, museums, upscale boutiques, and happening bars. Although 50 years ago, the area was much rougher, today, Chelsea is a safe, family-friendly community with a below-average crime rate compared to the rest of NYC.