Is Living in Manhattan Safe? A Comprehensive Guide

Life in Manhattan comes with unique benefits. You’ll have the opportunity to live a life that’s as thrilling and entertaining as you choose. However, it’s important to know the safety risks that go along with this active lifestyle. 

Crime is a significant concern for many Manhattan residents, but detailed information about crime in the borough can help you stay safer. 

Is Living in Manhattan Safe? Know Your Risks

When choosing a NYC apartment, you’ll consider a variety of factors — but few features will be as important as the safety of your neighborhood. A little research into the frequency of crime in your Manhattan community will give you the knowledge you need to practice better personal safety. 

The level of safety in Manhattan will depend on your location. When you live, work, or visit areas with a high number of tourists, you can trust that there will be stronger security measures. These areas have a more visible police presence, business owners take stricter measures to protect their customers, and residents work together to deter crime. 

But even in areas popular with tourists, it’s important to stay alert. Common criminal activity in busier Manhattan areas includes pickpocket theft and other forms of petty crime. Avoid unpopulated alleys and dark streets, and be especially careful while traveling alone.
 

In areas that are more isolated and don’t attract tourists, security will be a little more lax. When visiting these Manhattan neighborhoods, take stronger safety precautions. Avoid parking on dark streets or in lots that lack sufficient lighting. Never walk alone. Make sure others know your itinerary.

Manhattan Is Safer Today

Lower Manhattan, starting with 14th Street, is generally considered to be a safe area where crimes are infrequent. This area includes the densely populated streets of the Financial District. Even at night, the prevalence of bars and other evening venues keep the streets well-lit and busy with social activity. 

Lower Manhattan also benefits from its mix of business and residential zones. The Financial District, Tribeca, and Battery Park City feature 24-hour security patrols, CCTV coverage, and community watch programs that work in tandem with the NYPD. Proximity to major transportation hubs such as the World Trade Center Transit Hub and Fulton Street Station means more foot traffic — and more eyes on the street.
 

Crime rates are higher in Upper Manhattan, but that’s changing. As the area attracts more real estate investors and high-profile residents, community leaders have focused on keeping the streets safe. 
 

Neighborhoods like Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood have seen substantial improvements over the last decade. Community policing, local youth programs, and beautification initiatives have helped reduce property crime. The growing number of small businesses and cafes in these areas also contributes to stronger neighborhood ties and improved nighttime safety.
 

Even though rental rates and housing costs are increasing in Upper Manhattan, the improved safety makes the higher living cost a worthwhile trade-off for many residents. 

The Safest Neighborhoods in Manhattan

Is living in Manhattan safe? In Manhattan as a whole, overall crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. However, violent crime is somewhat higher, and some parts of Manhattan are safer than others. When looking at individual Manhattan neighborhoods, you’ll find that there are very safe places to live and work.

Battery Park City 

Battery Park City is serene, scenic, and exceptionally safe—a rare pocket of calm in the heart of Lower Manhattan. Designed as a master-planned residential community, it offers waterfront views, lush parks, and high-end amenities while maintaining one of the lowest crime rates in New York City.

Safety Snapshot 

• The overall crime rate is 38% below the national average, with violent crime 56% lower and property crime 35% lower.
• Thanks to a combination of private security patrols, strong collaboration with the NYPD’s 1st Precinct, and constant foot traffic from residents and visitors, serious incidents are rare.
• In recent years, crime rates have remained stable even as more people move into the area, a sign of effective community policing and careful urban design.
• Public spaces like Teardrop Park, Rockefeller Park, and the Esplanade are well-lit and monitored, encouraging safe outdoor activity day and night.

What Makes It Attractive

• Waterfront Lifestyle: Residents enjoy a peaceful, resort-like environment surrounded by the Hudson River. Jogging and cycling paths stretch for miles, offering sunrise and sunset views unique to the neighborhood.
• Modern Architecture & Amenities: Battery Park City’s luxury high-rises are newer than most Manhattan housing stock and often feature 24-hour doormen, secure lobbies, and eco-friendly designs.
• Community Design: The neighborhood’s planned layout includes schools, supermarkets, restaurants, and parks within walking distance, which reduces reliance on late-night travel and fosters community familiarity.
• Access to Downtown: Located adjacent to the Financial District and near key transit hubs like the World Trade Center PATH station and multiple subway lines, Battery Park City provides easy connectivity without the chaos of Midtown.
• Family-Friendly & Inclusive: The area attracts professionals, retirees, and young families who value safety, green space, and a close-knit community feel. Seasonal events, outdoor movie nights, and farmers’ markets reinforce its neighborly atmosphere.

Lincoln Square 

Lincoln Square blends culture, convenience, and calm—a refined Upper West Side enclave that feels both sophisticated and community-driven. Anchored by the world-renowned Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the neighborhood combines Manhattan elegance with a genuine sense of safety and accessibility.

Safety Snapshot 

• The overall crime rate sits at roughly 0.99 crimes per 1,000 residents, well below the city average.
• Violent crimes are rare and typically involve isolated incidents rather than ongoing safety issues.
• The NYPD’s 20th and 24th Precincts actively patrol the area, supported by strong community engagement programs.
• Frequent foot traffic around cultural venues, restaurants, and shops helps deter street-level crime, especially in the evenings when the neighborhood remains well-lit and lively.
• Local organizations like the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center and Business Improvement District sponsor “Safe Streets” and community-watch initiatives to maintain a visible sense of security.

What Makes It Attractive

• Cultural Hub: Home to Lincoln Center, the American Folk Art Museum, and the Juilliard School, Lincoln Square offers constant access to world-class music, art, and performance—right at residents’ doorsteps.
• Convenient Location: Sitting between 59th and 72nd Streets, the neighborhood connects easily to Columbus Circle, Central Park, and multiple subway lines, offering quick access to Midtown or Downtown.
• Elegant Housing Options: The area features a mix of pre-war co-ops, luxury high-rises, and modern condo developments—many with doormen, concierge services, and private security.
• Walkability & Green Space: Central Park and Riverside Park border Lincoln Square, providing natural beauty and safe outdoor recreation for walkers, joggers, and families.
• Vibrant Yet Calm: Despite its proximity to Broadway and major shopping corridors, Lincoln Square maintains a quiet, residential feel with tree-lined streets and a close-knit community vibe.

Chelsea

Chelsea is creative, energetic, and diverse. It’s a neighborhood that embodies New York’s artistic spirit while maintaining a strong sense of safety and community. Known for its galleries, nightlife, and iconic architecture, Chelsea attracts everyone from young professionals to longtime locals who appreciate its lively yet comfortable atmosphere.

Safety Snapshot 

• The neighborhood experiences roughly 11.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, making it 93% safer than the average American city.
• Most reported incidents involve minor property crimes, such as bike or package theft, rather than violent offenses.
• The 10th Precinct works closely with community groups and local businesses to ensure high visibility and quick response times.
• The area’s active nightlife and busy streets, especially around the High Line, Chelsea Market, and Hudson Yards, contribute to a steady presence of people and security — reducing the risk of isolated incidents.
• Community watch programs and public safety initiatives led by the Hudson Guild and neighborhood associations help residents stay informed and connected.

What Makes It Attractive

• Art & Culture: Chelsea is home to more than 200 art galleries, plus the Whitney Museum of American Art. The creative energy spills into its architecture and street life, giving it a constantly evolving identity.
• Prime Location: Centrally located between Midtown and the West Village, Chelsea offers quick access to major subway lines, Penn Station, and the Hudson River Greenway.
• Modern Living Spaces: Loft-style apartments, renovated warehouses, and sleek new developments give Chelsea a mix of historic charm and modern luxury. Many buildings feature doormen, security systems, and private courtyards that add a sense of privacy and safety.
• Outdoor Spaces: The High Line Park and Chelsea Waterside Park provide green escapes above and along the city streets, both patrolled and well-lit—perfect for evening walks or morning runs.
• Inclusive Community: Chelsea has a long history as a center of LGBTQ+ culture and activism, which continues to shape its open, welcoming, and community-focused character today.

Lenox Hill 

Lenox Hill is elegant, established, and exceptionally livable — a quintessential Upper East Side neighborhood that blends historic charm with modern sophistication. Known for its world-class healthcare institutions, luxury residences, and peaceful, tree-lined streets, Lenox Hill is one of Manhattan’s safest and most refined places to call home.

Safety Snapshot 

• The violent crime rate is approximately 286 incidents per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 463 per 100,000.
• Property crimes are also significantly lower than citywide averages, with theft and burglary rates continuing to decline year over year.
• The 19th Precinct, which serves Lenox Hill, is one of Manhattan’s most proactive, maintaining a visible presence and strong relationship with the community.
• Residential buildings with 24-hour doormen, security cameras, and controlled entry add to the neighborhood’s reputation for safety.
• The neighborhood’s active community board and block associations regularly coordinate with law enforcement on local safety concerns and pedestrian-friendly improvements.

What Makes It Attractive

• Prestigious Location: Stretching from 59th to 77th Street between Fifth Avenue and the East River, Lenox Hill offers a prime Upper East Side address close to Central Park, Madison Avenue, and Museum Mile.
• Architectural Variety: The neighborhood features a mix of historic brownstones, elegant pre-war buildings, and contemporary high-rises. Many residences offer luxury amenities like concierge service, private fitness centers, and on-site security.
• Healthcare & Wellness Hub: Home to Lenox Hill Hospital and several private medical practices, the area attracts healthcare professionals and residents who value proximity to some of the best medical care in the country.
• Walkability & Everyday Convenience: Lenox Hill’s streets are lined with cafés, boutique shops, markets, and local eateries, all within walking distance. Wide sidewalks, consistent lighting, and active street life contribute to a strong sense of security even after dark.
• Quiet, Residential Feel: Despite being close to Midtown, Lenox Hill retains a tranquil ambiance, with less congestion and a close-knit, family-friendly community.

Discover Secure and Comfortable Living

Looking to move to Manhattan and exploring co-living options? Roomrs provides co-living apartment listings for Manhattan and throughout New York City. Our available rooms to rent in Manhattan feature advanced security features, such as smart locks and bright exterior lighting. To explore more ways our rentals will provide you with an enjoyable living space, view our apartment listings today.