Aerial view of Lower Manhattan on a clear summer day.

Transitioning into the Bright Lights and Cultural Melting Pot of NYC - Here’s Why You Should Choose these Safest Neighborhoods in Manhattan

New York City New York State

by Matt Lyons Posted on October 6, 2023
New York City is home to five boroughs and hundreds of neighborhoods — all with their own distinct personalities. If you’re considering a move to the Big Apple, you may feel overwhelmed deciding where exactly to live. Each borough offers so many great qualities; however, Manhattan is one special place that stands out from the rest. Situated between the Hudson and East Rivers, Manhattan is a small island with a not-so-small reputation. Home to a stellar public transportation system, a diverse population, great job opportunities, and one of the best food, fashion, arts, and culture scenes in the nation, Manhattan provides with you some of the top-notch qualities NYC has to offer. What are the safest neighborhoods in Manhattan, though?

You might not immediately think about it with all the hustle and bustle, but crime is something you should be aware of in Manhattan. Compared to the U.S. average of 22.7, is estimated to be around 37.7 incidents per 1,000 people. Other boroughs are even higher, however, with Brooklyn’s violent crime rate incidents per 1,000 people. New York City as a whole is only of other U.S. neighborhoods. That’s not to say that Manhattan’s not for you. You just need a little knowledge about the safest neighborhoods in Manhattan. And that’s where we come in.

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Safest Neighborhoods in Manhattan — FAQs

Q: What is the safest area of Manhattan?
A: With a , Battery Park City is considered one of the safest areas in Manhattan. 

Q: What is the lowest crime area in Manhattan?
A: Out of all the neighborhoods in Manhattan, Roosevelt Island, Kips Bay, and Washington Heights are among the safest neighborhoods in Manhattan with the lowest crime, . 

Q: What is the safest part of NYC in 2023?
A: , Roosevelt Island is one of the safest parts of Manhattan and all of NYC.

Q: Are there any parts of Manhattan to avoid?
A: If you look at a map of neighborhoods in Manhattan, make note of East Harlem. It’s an area known for its high crime rates, making it one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Manhattan.

Safest Neighborhoods in Manhattan

While NYC doesn’t necessarily have the best reputation when it comes to overall safety, there are still a variety of options to choose from when finding a place you feel most comfortable in. Check out just a few of the safest but also best neighborhoods in Manhattan to settle down.

A view down 6th Avenue in the Chelsea neighborhoods of Manhattan on a sunny day.

Chelsea

1. Chelsea

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
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  • Great for:
  • Chelsea has been ranked #1 on Niche’s list of “,” making it also one of the best places to live in Manhattan. This area is known for its various attractions, like the — a 1.45-mile elevated rail structure used to connect Manhattan’s West Side from Gansevoort St. all the way to 34th St. It’s also home to famous art galleries and museums, like the . This neighborhood is also home to and the .

    With a , it’s very easy to get around while living in Chelsea — especially with that easy access to the High Line! Commuters can trust the safety of Penn Station, which includes the A, C, and E trains on 8th Ave. and the 1, 2, and 3 trains on 7th Ave. You’ll also be able to catch Amtrak, Acela, and Long Island Railroad trains from Moynihan Train Hall directly across the street.

    Aerial view of Roosevelt Island in New York City, on a sunny day.

    Roosevelt Island

    2. Roosevelt Island

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,725
  • Average home value:
  • Great for:
  • Roosevelt Island is a narrow landmass located in the East River between New York City and Long Island. It features several parks that provide a view of the city skyline. One of these is the , which runs along the island's perimeter. It’s flanked by and . The location and these views make it a great spot for cyclists and runners alike.

    , which spans seven acres, is another area that can be used for barbecues. Other recreation facilities include the , an indoor pool, and a community garden.

    With a , Roosevelt Island’s walkability may not be as strong as it is in other areas, but residents can still accomplish most errands without needing a car. 

    A row of old residential buildings in the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, New York.

    Kips Bay

    3. Kips Bay

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
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  • Located in the range of Midtown, the neighborhood of Kips Bay is known for its relaxed and quiet atmosphere — similar to the East River's tranquil nature. Its convenient location, however, allows residents to easily access the fast-paced lifestyles of nearby areas. There are a variety of restaurants, bars, and shopping establishments in the area, and the eastern part of the neighborhood has a strip of hospitals and NYU institutions.

    high-rise buildings, historic townhouses, and older condominium complexes. This area is a great choice for people looking for a low-key and convenient place to live.

    Along with a convenient walking path along the East River, Kips Bay is in close proximity to other major places, such as Wall Street, Rockefeller Center, and Jersey City. Kips Bay also has a and a transit score of 100. 

    Aerial view of the Washington Heights and Hamilton Heights neighborhoods in Manhattan, New York.

    Washington Heights

    4. Washington Heights

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  • Washington Heights is a fashionable uptown district situated between Hamilton Heights and Inwood.

    The area has plenty of parks and green spaces that are ideal for both dog owners and nature lovers. Some of these include the and , which is home to Manhattan’s largest dog run and . On the east side, features a variety of facilities, including the city’s first mountain biking course and a skate park.

    Despite its uptown location, Washington Heights still has plenty of transportation options. One of these is the 168th and Broadway Station, which serves as a hub for several subway lines, including the A, C, and 1. And with a , it’s easy to get around and explore different areas of Washington Heights.

    A man is taking a sunset stroll in a park in Battery Park City, Manhattan, after the rain.

    Battery Park City
    (Source: )

    5. Battery Park City

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
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  • Battery Park City is located in southern Manhattan, and it's a mostly residential area connected to the massive green space known as Battery Park. It also boasts close access to the Hudson River and the West Side Highway.

    Battery Park City is ranked #1 on Niche’s list of “,” making it one of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan for families. This area is known for its low crime rate and various attractions, like the , , and . 

    With a , a major highlight of living in Battery Park City is that you won’t need a car. The is another option for transportation in the area. 

    Aerial view of West Street in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan during sunset.

    Tribeca

    6. Tribeca

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
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  • Located in southern Manhattan, near the Hudson River, the neighborhood of Tribeca is known for its rich and famous residents. Over the years, has helped make it a high-cost neighborhood.

    If you’re looking for family-friendly entertainment, check out , which is a great location for sand volleyball and mini golf.

    Tribeca is near other famous neighborhoods, like , , and . Nearby subway stations include Canal St. and Chambers St.; however, the 6 train is only accessible at Canal. You can find the rest at Chambers. If you’d rather walk, though, you’re in luck, as Tribeca has a . 

    Aerial view of Washington Square Park in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York.

    Greenwich Village

    7. Greenwich Village

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
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  • Located on Manhattan's west side, this neighborhood is bordered by the Hudson River. Its reputation as a safe community and location have made it an to relocate to over the years. 

    The Greenwich Village neighborhood is also one of the best places to live in Manhattan for students and young professionals, due to its proximity to New York University. is a highlight, as it’s known as a place where many avant garde artists also come together.

    With an , Greenwich Village is the ninth most walkable neighborhood in New York. Local subway stations include both 14th St. and West 4th St.

    ÐÓ°ÉPro Can Help You Move to Your New Home In Manhattan

    Once you’ve chosen one of the lively, vibrant, fun, yet safe neighborhoods in Manhattan to move to, let ÐÓ°ÉPro help you with the least enjoyable part: the actual moving! ÐÓ°ÉPro can help tackle your big-city move with their specialized City Service that offers specialized moving solutions in the busier metro areas. ÐÓ°ÉPro will provide you with a portable moving storage container to pack your belongings, and they will deliver it to your new residence for you. No need to worry about navigating a big truck through those tight Manhattan streets. And the best part? Your ÐÓ°ÉPro driver will stay with the container while you load and unload it, to ensure your belongings stay safe. Not ready to move yet? Not a problem! You can also store your belongings in one of ÐÓ°ÉPro secure storage centers for as long as you need, as well. 

    Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

     
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