Is Living in Brooklyn Safe? A Comprehensive Guide

One thing that renters have in common with homebuyers is that they’re all looking for prime locations that balance affordability, convenience, and peace of mind. When choosing a room to rent in Brooklyn, you might prioritize convenience, architectural style, and cost. Of course, safety and neighborhood quality are just as important—especially if you’re new to the area.

If you educate yourself about crime trends and safe communities in Brooklyn, you can focus on finding your new home in the safest neighborhoods in the borough. 

By the Numbers: Brooklyn Crime Rates 

Brooklyn has a historically mixed reputation when it comes to crime, but that’s mostly due to the borough’s history.

In recent decades, community leaders, local law enforcement, and residents have made great strides in improving safety. While Brooklyn still has a higher violent crime rate than the rest of NYC, many neighborhoods within this community are safer today than they’ve ever been.

Statistics snapshot: 

• Crime density: About 838 crimes are reported in Brooklyn for every square mile.
• Likelihood of crime: Roughly 1 in 47 residents may experience a crime annually—this figure includes both violent and property crimes.
• Public perception: Despite concerns, over half (50%) of surveyed residents report feeling “pretty safe” in their Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Tip: Safety in Brooklyn varies dramatically by area. Focusing on the right neighborhood can make all the difference in your daily sense of security.

New York City’s safest neighborhoods

Brooklyn’s Safest Neighborhoods

When deciding where to live, knowing which areas have lower crime rates, vibrant communities, and strong local amenities can help you make a confident move. Below are four of Brooklyn’s safest neighborhoods, along with what makes each one stand out. 

Park Slope 

Even compared to national averages, Park Slope has one of the lowest crime rates in Brooklyn. Its violent crime rate is 38% lower than the U.S. average (about 498 per 100,000 residents), and its overall crime rate is 32% lower than the national average. 

Safety Snapshot: 

• Park Slope is patrolled by the New York City Police Department’s 78th Precinct, which has seen substantial reductions in crime over the decades.
• According to one source, Park Slope’s overall crime rate is about 25.99 per 1,000 residents. That places it in the ~74th percentile for safety, meaning it’s safer than about 74% of U.S. neighborhoods.
• For property crimes: about 17.40 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. 

What Makes It Attractive

• Stability & Resale Value: Because of the architecture, neighborhood character and strong demand, living here tends to be a solid investment.
• Kid-Friendly Advantages: Schools, parks, playgrounds, and the relative calm compared to busier parts of the city make it popular for families.
• Transit & Location: Easy access to Manhattan and other Brooklyn areas via subway, and living near green space gives a nicer quality of life than many city neighborhoods.
• Cultural & commerce mix: You’ll find arts, independent bookstores, cafés, music venues and a mix of old-school and new offerings.

Bonus: The neighborhood’s active community associations and regular NYPD precinct meetings help maintain its strong safety record.

Prospect Heights 

Prospect Heights is affordable, artistic, and remarkably safe which is a rare combination in NYC. The crime rate is 71% below the national average, making it ideal for renters who want city access without big-city stress.

Safety Snapshot

• In the early 1990s through 2010, crime in Prospect Heights, and neighbouring Crown Heights, dropped significantly. Overall crime fell ~79 %, robberies ~87 %, car thefts ~83 %, burglaries ~80 %.
• More recently, there have been upticks. A recent “Week in Crime” report showed that in one week the combined precincts for Prospect Heights saw a 175% increase in reports compared to the same week the year before (for one precinct) and 33% in another.
• According to one source, crime in Prospect Heights was about “15.35 and 13.91 crimes per 1,000 residents” in earlier years—which is well below Brooklyn and NYC averages. 

What Makes It Attractive

• Location & Park Access: Because it lies right north of Prospect Park (via Grand Army Plaza) and has very good transit, you get access to large green space plus relatively quick access to Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn.
• Architectural Character: Many late-19th to early-20th-century townhouse/rowhouse blocks give it historic charm.
• More Affordable: Although not cheap, it’s often more budget-friendly than nearby premium neighborhoods while still offering many premium features.
• Community & Diversity: The neighborhood retains a cultural mix, reflecting its immigrant and multi-ethnic roots, which gives it vibrancy and authenticity.
   

Why people love it: Prospect Heights has a tight-knit community atmosphere—it’s common to know your barista or bump into neighbors at the farmer’s market.

Bath Beach

If you want to live near the water without sacrificing safety, Bath Beach is an excellent choice. Historically Italian-American and now diverse and family-oriented, this neighborhood is peaceful and primarily residential, which helps keep crime low.

Safety Snapshot

• According to data from the New York City Police Department’s 62nd Precinct, which covers Bath Beach, the area reported 6.67 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2016—a figure that places it among the safer neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
• For violent crime specifically: one data-set shows about 398.8 assaults, 0 murders, and 89.5 robberies per 100,000 people annually in Bath Beach.
• More broadly, a 2024 blog post ranked Bath Beach as “among the safe places to live in Brooklyn” citing ~487 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. 
• While Bath Beach is relatively safe for a neighborhood in NYC, with lower per-capita crime than many borough averages, it is not without incidents. As in any urban area, vigilance is still recommended, especially at night, or in less trafficked spots.
   

 What Makes It Attractive

• Location & Waterfront Access: Bath Beach sits along Gravesend Bay and adjacent to the Shore Parkway Promenade, offering scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities. Its more relaxed pace and the waterfront setting give it a semi-suburban feel while still being in Brooklyn.
• Architectural & Residential Character: The neighborhood features tree-lined streets, one- and two-family homes, semi-detached houses, small apartment buildings and some historic dwellings. This mix gives it more breathing room than ultra-dense urban cores.
• More Affordable (Relatively Speaking): While not “cheap,” Bath Beach tends to offer more space and lower cost (for Brooklyn) than some of the very hot neighborhoods closer to Manhattan. For renters, apartments are available at comparatively moderate rates. 
• Community & Diversity: The neighborhood has a strong sense of local business, family-orientation, and multi-ethnic culture. That gives it vibrancy and authenticity. 
• Transportation & Commuting: With the D train and bus routes and proximity to the Belt/Shore Parkway, Bath Beach offers reasonable connectivity to other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, making it a practical choice for commuters.
   

Living vibe: Bath Beach offers a quiet, suburban feel with easy access to Coney Island and Bensonhurst. It’s a favorite among families and professionals seeking calm surroundings.

Brooklyn Heights

Is it safe to live in Brooklyn Heights? Absolutely. Often called New York’s first suburb, Brooklyn Heights combines historic charm with a low crime rate—only 21 property crimes per 1,000 residents, significantly below the city average.
 

Safety Snapshot

• The violent-crime rate in Brooklyn Heights is approximately 3.958 incidents per 1,000 residents per year. 
• On the percentile scale of neighborhood safety, Brooklyn Heights ranks in the 56th percentile, meaning it is safer than about 56% of U.S. neighborhoods, but less safe than about 44%. 
• According to local association descriptions, the neighborhood is considered a “family-friendly community … of overwhelmingly low-rise brick and brownstone row houses … with trees, playgrounds, and religious institutions of all types.”
   

 What Makes It Attractive

• Location & Park and Waterfront Access: Situated along the East River, Brooklyn Heights features the well-known Brooklyn Heights Promenade with panoramic views of Manhattan, the river and the Brooklyn Bridge. Nearby green spaces and waterfront paths enhance the outdoor lifestyle.
• Architectural & Residential Character: The area is noted for its “classic brownstones, historic townhouses, and pre-war co-ops alongside luxury high-rises.” Tree-lined streets, historic district status, and preserved architectural detail contribute to its charm. 
• More “Premium” Environment: Brooklyn Heights tends toward upscale with refined amenities, a calm setting, and high-end residential options, while still providing access to Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. The lifestyle and environment are premium.
• Community & Lifestyle: The neighborhood combines historic character with a walkable, boutique-style shopping street like Montague Street lined with cafés, independent shops, and charming local touches.
• Transit & Accessibility: With proximity to subway hubs and easy access to Downtown Brooklyn and Manhattan, it balances quiet residential living with strong connectivity.
   

Community feel: Residents often describe Brooklyn Heights as “a small town within a big city,” where neighbors greet each other by name and local businesses thrive.

Enjoy Everything Brooklyn Offers

Living in Brooklyn means enjoying a blend of culture, creativity, and convenience. If you’re considering co-living in Brooklyn, Roomrs connects renters with secure, fully furnished co-living apartments designed for both students and professionals. Our listings offer security features, energy-efficient appliances, and comfortable furnishings for a more satisfying living experience. Find an apartment that suits your needs when you view our listings.