New York State: A bustling region teeming with life. But is it as safe as it seems?
While New York is known for its vibrant energy, safety is always a top priority when planning a trip or considering a move.
In this blog, we explore the safest cities within New York for 2024, including neighborhoods like the Upper East Side, Brooklyn Heights, and Battery Park City.
We’ll dive into why these areas are considered safe, highlighting factors such as low crime rates, strong community policing, and well-maintained infrastructure.
Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about where to live or visit in New York.
Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly environment, a thriving business hub, or simply a peaceful retreat, we’ll provide valuable information to help you find the perfect location.
From understanding the layered approach to security to implementing proven safety tips, this blog will serve as your comprehensive guide to navigating the state of New York State and New York City with confidence.
We’ve gathered local insights, FBI reports, and expert recommendations to help you find a city with top-notch safety and excellent quality of life—whether you’re looking to start a new life, launch a business, or simply visit with friends and family.
Crime index: New York 2024.
The good news – crimes are going down in New York State!
According to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, New York State saw 5.3 gun deaths per 100,000 residents in 2024, compared to Mississippi, which topped the list with 29.7 per 100,000 residents.
The mid NYPD complaints data includes a reduction in all valid felony, misdemeanor, and violation crimes reported to the New York city police department (NYPD) for all complete quarters in 2024.
Police presence, community policing initiatives, and targeted crime prevention programs have played an important role in New York’s safety!
“Data from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and NYPD CompStat confirms that statewide crime has dropped 6% from last year.”
Governor Hochul has invested over $800 million in crime-fighting initiatives and says
“Our approach is working, as murders, shootings, violent crime and property crime have declined statewide. But make no mistake: our work is not over, and I’ll continue working to ensure our state is safer for all.”
While the overall crime rate has decreased, it’s important to note that certain neighborhoods may still experience higher crime rates than others.
Crime map of New York State:
New York State is a diverse region with varying safety levels. The darker shaded areas in the image indicate crime hotspots, while the lighter areas represent regions less prone to crime.!
Northern New York:
- Generally safe: Known for its rural areas and smaller towns, Northern New York often has lower crime rates compared to urban centers.
- Popular destinations: Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid, and the Thousand Islands region.
Western New York:
- Mixed safety: The region around Buffalo and Niagara Falls can have higher crime rates in certain areas, especially near the city centers.
- Safe suburban areas: Many suburbs and smaller towns in Western New York are considered relatively safe.
Southern New York:
- High crime rates: New York City, the state’s largest metropolis, has varying crime rates across its five boroughs. Some areas, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn, can have higher crime rates.
- Safe neighborhoods: Many neighborhoods within New York City, particularly those with higher socioeconomic status, are considered safe.
Eastern New York:
- Mixed safety: Eastern New York, including the Hudson Valley and Catskills regions, can have varying crime rates. Some areas are considered safe, while others may have higher crime rates.
- Popular tourist destinations: The Hudson Valley and Catskills are popular tourist destinations, and many areas within these regions are safe for visitors.
What about New York City’s crime statistics?
New York City, the largest and most populous city in the U.S., is located at the southern tip of New York State. In 2024, its crime index continues to show a positive downward trend.
However, ongoing efforts are necessary to maintain this downward trend and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.
Areas to avoid in New York:
New York is a large state located in the northeastern U.S. It includes diverse regions such as the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, and Hudson Valley.
With around 19 million residents, New York is the fourth most populous state in the U.S.
A local new yorker who has lived there since 1996 gives valuable insights on the increasing crime rates in traditionally affluent neighborhoods of New York City.
He warns that even areas like the Upper East and West Sides, Midtown East, and SoHo are seeing an increase in violent crimes such as assaults, robberies, and stabbings.
Caution is advised in places like Times Square, parts of Lexington Avenue, Midtown East, Yorkville, Madison Avenue, and the Upper East Side. He also advises against traveling alone, especially at night, and recommends avoiding parks after dark.
Safest cities in New York to live:
Katie, a long-time New Yorker, feels safer in the city now than she ever has before. She credits the increased police presence in subways, Times Square, and other busy areas, which has helped to create a more secure environment even during protests and parades.
In ther podcast, Katie shares some tips for staying safe in New York City:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t get distracted by your phone or headphones, especially on the subway or train.
- Avoid walking alone in Manhattan. It’s always better to have a companion, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city.
- Stay away from loitering areas. Be cautious in transportation hubs and avoid areas with suspicious activity.
Listen to what she has to say in the podcast:
Top 5 Safest Cities in New York State 2024:
1. Sleepy hollow:
Sleepy Hollow is the safest city in New York State, with just 1 violent crime and 6 property crimes. With a total crime index of 94, it’s safer than 94% of U.S. cities!
An ideal city for settling with your family, start a new business venture or even retire and enjoy your pension!
Popular and safer neighborhoods of Sleepy Hollow:
- Philipse Manor / Sleepy Hollow Manor
- Sleepy Hollow West
- Village Center
2. New Rochelle:
It’s safer than 55% of U.S. citie.! It means your chances of being a victim to property or violent crime is 1 in 34, which still makes it safer than bigger cities such as New york City!
Popular and safer neighborhoods of New Rochelle:
- Wykagyl Park
- Wilmot Woods / Quaker Ridge
- Pinebrook / Victory Park
- East End / Homestead Park
- Eastchester Road / Highland Park
3. Bedford Hills:
Bedford Hills is safer than 93% of U.S. cities. Your chances of being a victim is 1 in 10,000!
Shocked, right? But safety comes with a price tag, it has the most expensive homes in New York State!
Popular and safer neighborhoods of Bedford town:
- Stanwood
- Bedford Hills North
- Town Center
4. Rye:
Rye is a gem in Westchester County, New York, known as one of the most secure areas in the state!
Popular and safer neighborhoods in Rye:
- Greenhaven
- Milton
- City Center
5. Scarsdale:
In Scarsdale, your chances of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 2000 people!
It’s almost 50% safer than other US cities.
Popular and safer areas in Scarsdale:
- Heathcote
- Murray Hill
- Colonial Acres / Heath Ridge
Dangerous cities in New York State for tourists:
A few years ago, areas like Times Square were prone to scams and robberies, but increased police presence has changed that.
Donald Turner, a long-time New York resident, says most areas are now safe for tourists, though a few neighborhoods still require extra caution. Here’s a breakdown:
Areas to avoid:
- Brownsville, Brooklyn: Historically known for higher crime rates.
- East New York, Brooklyn: While improvements have been made, some areas still require caution.
- South Bronx: Revitalization efforts have occurred, but certain areas may still have higher crime rates.
- Certain parts of Harlem: While rich in culture, some isolated areas may be less safe.
According to New York tourism stat in 2022, New York State welcomed an impressive 62.2 million visitors!
The state expects to attract 64.8 million tourists in 2024 and 68.1 million visitors in 2025. These tourists come not only for sightseeing but also for business opportunities.
The growing number of tourists is a clear indicator of a flourishing city. As tourism increases, so do business opportunities, contributing to the local economy and overall growth of the area.
Polls on safety in New York State!
We give you the full picture! It’s true that 545,498 people left New York for safer states like California, Texas, and Florida, leading to the largest population decline in 2023—but that was last year.
2024 is all about moving or opening a business in New York city.
A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors indicates that 53.8% of respondents have chosen New York City as their preferred destination, highlighting its vibrant atmosphere and diverse business opportunities.
In light of this interest, many businesses are bolstering their security measures by implementing state-of-the-art live video monitoring solutions!
New York State safety ranking:
Recent polls provide intriguing insights into public perceptions of safety across New York State. While these surveys offer a somewhat accurate reflection of residents’ feelings, they also reveal growing concerns among New Yorkers.
Many residents express dissatisfaction not only with crime rates but also with issues like traffic congestion, bike and pedestrian safety, and the overall reliability of subway services.
Summary of Siena Poll on Public Safety in New York:
- Concern About Crime: Over 61% of New Yorkers are either very or somewhat concerned about becoming a victim of crime.
- Family Safety: 51% express concerns for their family’s safety in public spaces (schools, stores, places of worship).
- Feeling Threatened: 36% have felt threatened in public due to a stranger’s behavior.
- Worries About Personal Safety:
- 41% have never been more worried about personal safety than they are now.
- 9% report being physically assaulted in the past year.
- The same percentage (9%) have experienced burglary in the past year.
Yes, some residents feel unsafe, but what steps are they taking? Research shows that only 40% have spent over $100 on safety measures like security systems, personal devices, guns, or defense classes.
So, what’s the real need for protecting homes and businesses? Investing in a quality security system!
How to make your business safe anywhere in New York State?
A third-party monitored security system enhanced with advanced video analytics represents the most effective form of surveillance available.
Businesses across New York are increasingly turning to remote video surveillance as a solution to combat theft, vandalism, and arson.
This approach relies on proactive detection powered by advanced AI technologies, enabling swift responses by trained operators.
AI-powered modern CCTV security camera systems can rapidly detect intrusions, slips and falls, smoke and fire, gun violence, and other threats within microseconds, triggering alarms at the remote monitoring station to ensure timely intervention.
Good read:
- What is Remote Video Surveillance, and how does it work?
- A Beginner Guide to Remote Video Monitoring in 2024.
- What Is Proactive Video Monitoring: 9 Reasons Why Your Business Needs It.
Key Takeaways:
- New York statewide crime decreased by 6% from the previous year.
- $800 million invested in crime-fighting initiatives by Governor Hochul.
- Northern New York: Generally safe, rural with lower crime rates.
- Western New York: Mixed; suburban areas are safer than city centers.
- Southern New York (NYC): High variability in crime rates; certain neighborhoods are safer.
- Eastern New York: Varies; tourist areas are mostly safe.
- Top 5 Safest Cities in New York State:
- Sleepy Hollow – Crime index of 94 (safer than 94% of U.S. cities); Violent crimes: 1. Property crimes: 6.
- New Rochelle – Safer than 55% of U.S. cities; 1 in 34 chance of being a victim.
- Bedford Hills – Safer than 93% of U.S. cities; 1 in 10,000 chance of victimization.
- Rye – Highly secure; neighborhoods include Greenhaven and Milton.
- Scarsdale – 1 in 2,000 chances of violent crime victimization.
- 61% of New Yorkers are concerned about becoming crime victims.
- 51% express concerns for their family’s safety in public.
- 41% have never felt more worried about personal safety.
- 9% experienced physical assault or burglary in the past year.
Whether your business is located in one of the safest cities in New York for 2024 or you’re looking to secure your operations anywhere in New York State, choose a proactive security solution!
Live video monitoring offers businesses and residents enhanced protection and peace of mind.
Stay vigilant against potential security threats with our live remote video monitoring services, available in New York, surrounding areas, and across North America.
Contact us today for a free consultation!
