8 Safest Neighborhoods in NYC for Renters [2025 Crime & Rent Data]

The safest neighborhoods in NYC for renters in 2025 include Battery Park City, Manhattan, Forest Hills, Queens, and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. These popular areas strike a rare balance: low crime, high livability, and easy access to the best of New York.

Citywide, major crime dropped by 6% in the first half of 2025—marking the eighth straight month of declines across all major crime categories. Still, safety is top of mind for renters. A secure neighborhood can mean the difference between peace of mind and daily stress.

Whether you're new to the Big Apple or just switching boroughs, it helps to know where safety, affordability, and livability intersect. We pulled the latest data from the NYPD Compstat, current rent prices in New York City, walkability scores, and more to spotlight eight NYC neighborhoods where you don’t have to sacrifice peace of mind to find a place you love.

Methodology and Data Sources

This research uses the most current crime and rental data to provide a transparent, reliable look at neighborhood safety. We focused on full-year 2024 crime figures (released by the NYPD in April 2025) and updated rent data as of July 2025.

Primary data sources include:

• NYPD CompStat 2.0
• Apartment List’s New York Rent Report (updated monthly) and rent averages from Rent.com New York rent trends data
• Walk Score database for walkability measurements
• Neighborhood violent crime rate from CrimeGrade.org

Violent crime rates were calculated per 1,000 residents using CrimeGrade.org’s latest neighborhood-level data. Our methodology puts more weight on violent crimes (like assault and robbery) than property crimes, because personal safety drives most housing decisions.

How NYPD CompStat Scores Were Used

CompStat is the NYPD’s crime-tracking system reporting weekly felonies by precinct. We converted precinct totals to rates per 1,000 residents using 2020 census block populations, ensuring fair comparisons between neighborhoods of different sizes.

We focused on violent crime rates, since they have the greatest impact on renter confidence. While property crime matters, violent incidents typically play a bigger role in where people feel safe living.

Rent and Walkability Metrics from Apartment List

Our rental estimates reflect average one-bedroom prices as of July 2025. Walk Score rates how walkable an area is on a scale of 0–100. High walkability often correlates with lower vehicle-related theft but can increase petty crime—a nuance we factored into our rankings.

Defining Neighborhood Boundaries

We used NYC Department of City Planning boundaries and accounted for neighborhoods split across multiple precincts (like the Upper East Side). Crime stats were weighted by population where needed.

Crime Grades and Average Rents At a Glance

You're not just looking for safety. You're looking for the full package. Here are the neighborhoods that offer low crime, solid value, and easy commutes:

How We Calculated These Rankings

We focused on violent crime rates ranging from 2.0 to 5.0 incidents per 1,000 residents, using citywide averages for context (3.329 per 1,000 residents). Rent figures are based on NYC’s average one-bedroom rent as of July 2025, which is currently $5,089. Commute times reflect typical weekday morning travel to Midtown Manhattan, averaged from MTA’s GTFS trip data across multiple peak-hour runs.

Our Picks for the 8 Safest NYC Neighborhoods for Renters

From waterfront luxury communities to tree-lined enclaves, here are the neighborhoods where safety, affordability, and livability converge for NYC renters:

Battery Park City

Violent crime per 1,000 residents: 2.099 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $5,388 Walk score: 97 Main transit lines: 1/2/3, A/C, R/W, 4/5 What’s nearby: One World Trade Center, Hudson River waterfront, Financial District Best for: Finance professionals, families, and young professionals

Battery Park City is a master-planned neighborhood that pairs security with luxury. With restricted traffic and enhanced security near the World Trade Center, it’s ideal for finance professionals, families, and anyone who values calm surroundings in the heart of Manhattan.

Forest Hills, Queens

Violent crime per 1,000 residents: 2.396 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,000 Walk score: 92 Main transit lines: E/F/M/R subway lines, LIRR What’s nearby: Forest Hills Stadium, Austin Street shopping, Tudor architecture Best for: Families, young professionals, and commuters seeking value

Forest Hills in Queens offers serious value with low rents and standout safety. This charming, suburban-feeling neighborhood is packed with Tudor homes, leafy streets, and Austin Street shopping.

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Violent crime per 1,000 residents: 2.922 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,500 Walk score: 94 Main transit lines: R train What’s nearby: Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Shore Road Promenade Best for: Families, budget-conscious renters, and strong community vibes

Bay Ridge in Brooklyn brings a strong community vibe and budget-friendly rents. Known for its waterfront promenade and relaxed pace, it’s a smart pick for renters who want space, stability, and a scenic commute.

Park Slope, Brooklyn

Violent crime per 1,000 residents: 2.982 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $4,400 Walk score: 98 Main transit lines: B/Q/R/N/W lines, F/G at 7th Ave What’s nearby: Prospect Park and Brooklyn Museum Best for: Young families, young professionals, culture seekers, and park lovers

Park Slope offers brownstone-lined streets, access to Prospect Park, and excellent public schools. It’s one of Brooklyn’s most desirable neighborhoods for families and professionals looking for walkability and safety.

Upper East Side

Violent crime per 1,000 residents: 3.037 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $5,628 Walk score: 99 Main transit lines: 4/5/6 lines (Lexington Ave) What’s nearby: Museum Mile, Central Park, high-end shopping Best for: Professionals, museum lovers, and city dwellers

The Upper East Side delivers classic Manhattan living with a modern edge. This neighborhood is walkable, museum-packed, and among the safest in the city—perfect for renters who want cultural access without compromising security.

Murray Hill

Violent crime per 1,000 residents: 3.462 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $5,462 Walk score: 99 Main transit lines: 4/5/6 lines What’s nearby: Grand Central Terminal, Morgan Library, Midtown Best for: Young professionals, commuters, and nightlife enthusiasts

Murray Hill combines old-school charm with easy Midtown access. With walkable streets, a buzzing bar scene, and top-tier transit, it attracts young professionals who want to be close to the action but still feel at home.

Morningside Heights

Violent crime per 1,000 residents: 4.090 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $5,318 Walk score: 93 Main transit lines: 1 train (Columbia University stop), A/B/C/D lines What’s nearby: Columbia University, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Riverside Park Best for: Columbia University students, families, and park lovers

Morningside Heights blends academic prestige with peaceful streets. Anchored by Columbia University and flanked by two major parks, it’s a great choice for students, families, and anyone who wants a neighborhood that feels grounded and green.

Tribeca

Violent crime per 1,000 residents: 4.849 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $6,170 Walk score: 99 Main transit lines: 1/2/3, A/C, 4/5/6 access What’s nearby: The Oculus, Woolworth Building, Tribeca Art Factory Best for: Luxury seekers and art enthusiasts

Tribeca stands out for luxury, safety, and style. With cobblestone streets, historic lofts, and a thriving art scene, this downtown enclave is one of NYC’s most secure (and exclusive) places to live.

Balancing Safety and Budget in New York City

Lower crime rates don't automatically mean sky-high rents. Several NYC neighborhoods offer both safety and value for budget-conscious renters.

Safe Neighborhoods Below the Citywide Median Rent

Of course, there’s so much more to New York City beyond the island of Manhattan. These honorable mentions are worth checking out for their safety, livability, and affordability:

Riverdale, Bronx

Riverdale in the Bronx delivers Hudson River views and a quiet, suburban feel. It’s a family-friendly standout with Metro-North access and spacious living at a fraction of Manhattan prices.

• Violent crime per 1,000 residents: 2.559
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,728
• Commute time to Midtown, Manhattan via MTA: ~1 hour

Parkchester, Bronx

Parkchester is a planned community in the East Bronx known for its red-brick buildings and green courtyards. Renters get affordability, walkability, and a manageable commute on the 6 train.

• Violent crime per 1,000 residents: 3.272
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,904
• Commute time to Midtown, Manhattan via MTA: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Ridgewood, Queens

Ridgewood is a vibrant, multicultural, and community-driven neighborhood. With crime rates well below most of NYC and rents below Manhattan norms, it’s a great fit for renters who want neighborhood pride and value.

• Violent crime per 1,000 residents: 3.795
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,399
• Commute time to Midtown, Manhattan via MTA: ~1 hour

Renters Insurance Savings in Low-Crime ZIP Codes

Living in a low-crime neighborhood doesn’t just bring more peace of mind—it could cost less. Renters insurance premiums are often 5–15% cheaper in areas with fewer claims. For example, switching ZIPs from 10012 (NoLita) to 10016 (Murray Hill) could save ~$30/year on a standard policy.

Smart Safety Tips for Any NYC Neighborhood

• Install smart locks and video doorbells to deter break-ins and earn insurance discounts.
• Sign up for NYC 311 alerts to stay informed on local safety updates.
• Track crime trends using NYPD CompStat 2.0 for weekly updates at the precinct level.
• Use MTA's Trip Planner and avoid isolated subway stations during late-night hours.
• Bundle renters insurance with auto or other policies for more savings and coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Safest Neighborhoods in NYC for Renters in 2025

Which New York neighborhood is safest overall?

Of our findings, Battery Park City is the safest New York neighborhood, with a violent crime rate of 2.099 per 1,000 residents.

How does east vs. west side safety differ within neighborhoods?

In most Manhattan neighborhoods, the East Side precincts report fewer violent crimes (often 8–12% lower) than the West Side counterparts, largely because the East Side has fewer nightlife/density clusters.

Does lower crime translate to cheaper renters insurance?

Typically, yes, insurers often lower premiums by 5-15% in ZIP codes with fewer theft and vandalism claims.

Are there safe NYC neighborhoods where the rent is under $2,000?

Yes, you can find a great apartment for $2,000 or less in a safe New York City neighborhood. You can always double-check the crime rate for each individual neighborhood through CrimeGrades.org, and keep up with the latest crime stats on the NYPD CompStat.