Top 7 Safest Neighborhoods to live in Manhattan with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Population: 119,292 (2020)
• Crime rate: 11.53 crimes per 1,000 people (23rd precinct)

East Harlem is a culturally diverse area in the northeastern portion of Manhattan. Residents praise the neighborhood’s vibrant street life, and authentic local food, which make East Harlem an ideal place to live.

The neighborhood offers good access to 116th Street station, allowing for quick journeys to other sections of Manhattan. Locals have access to Thomas Jefferson Park, and the North End of Central Park, all of which offer plenty of green space for recreation and outdoor activities.

The reported crime rate is 11.53 crimes per 1,000 people indicates a sense of safety within the community.

City data (2020) & NYPD (July 2022)

• Population: 67,089 (2020)
• Crime rate: 17.10 crimes per 1,000 people (17th precinct)

Midtown East is a bustling neighborhood known for its central location and iconic landmarks like Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, and the United Nations headquarters.

Locals often highlight Midtown East’s convenience with easy access to subway lines like Fifth Avenue/53rd Street station, as well as the nice view of the Chrysler Building and its proximity to Time Square.

Midtown East has a reported crime rate of 17.10 crimes per 1,000 people, offering a secure environment for Manhattan residents.

City data (2020) & NYPD (July 2022)

• Population: 62,413 (2020)
• Crime rate: 20.32 crimes per 1,000 people (10th precinct)

Hell’s Kitchen South, also known as Clinton, is famous for its lively atmosphere, multiple dining options, and thriving entertainment scene.

Locals love this walkable area, which has a walk score of 99 and offers unique cultural activities, fantastic music venues, and close access to Broadway theaters. They also enjoy connecting with nature by exploring Hudson River Park and DeWitt Clinton Park.

Safety is also a consideration, with the reported crime rate standing at 20.32 crimes per 1,000 people.

City data (2020) & NYPD (July 2022)

• Population: 37,419 (2020)
• Crime rate: 21.40 crimes per 1,000 people (26th precinct)

Manhattanville is a neighborhood surrounded by the Hudson River and is home to the General Grant National Memorial in Riverside Park. It is located near the West Harlem Piers, where locals can go fishing, canoeing, or kayaking from boat launches. 

Locals also have access to St. Nicholas Park, a public and spacious park in Manhattan that offers green spaces. 

In terms of safety, it has a reported crime rate of 21.40 crimes per 1,000 people, making the neighborhood feel secure.

City data (2020) & NYPD (July 2022)

• Population: 35,262 (2020)
• Crime rate: 24.91 crimes per 1,000 people (26th precinct)

Morningside Heights has easy access to one of the most renowned educational institutions, Columbia University, one of the most highly regarded universities in the world, ranking 7th overall in the US.

The neighborhood’s proximity to Riverside Park and Morningside Park provides enough recreational area for outdoor activities. In terms of safety, it has a reported crime rate of 24.87 crimes per 1,000 people, making it one of the safest places to live in Manhattan.

City data (2020) & NYPD (July 2022)

• Population: 47,867 (2020)
• Crime rate: 26.49 crimes per 1,000 people (10th precinct)

Chelsea is a place for art, with galleries showing masterpieces by different artists. There’s a park called the High Line on old train tracks that adds to Chelsea’s allure. Locals can also go to Little Island, a new floating park, and check out the nice shops there.

Locals of Chelsea say it’s a fun and pleasant place to live. The nightlife is vibrant, and getting around Manhattan is easy. In terms of safety, it has a reported combination of property and violent crime rates of 26.47 crimes per 1,000 people, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Manhattan.

City data (2020) & NYPD (July 2022)

• Population: 40,145 (2020)
• Crime rate: 34.32 crimes per 1,000 people (7th precinct)

The Lower East Side is located on the southern and eastern sides of Manhattan, close to the East River. Locals like this thriving downtown neighborhood, which is known as a nightlife area, with streets filled with trendy places to enjoy.

Locals enjoy the surrounding parks, including East River Park, a pleasant running path in Manhattan, and Corlears Hook Park, a waterfront park with breathtaking vistas, baseball fields, a playground, and dog-friendly areas.

The Lower East Side has a reported crime rate of 34.32 crimes per 1,000 residents, making it one of the safest places to live in Manhattan.

City Data (2020) & NYPD (July 2022)