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

Manhattan is a unique metropolis in New York City that provides its residents with a variety of experiences, from Central Park, Grand Central, Battery Park City, Washington Square Park, notorious restaurants, landmarks, and shopping. The neighborhood is a popular location amongst many for its easily accessible public transportation and safe neighborhoods in Manhattan. 

Moving to Manhattan means embracing the city that never sleeps, however it is also crucial to take safety into account. You will find a safe neighborhood tailored to your needs, whether you are looking for a parkside residence or a city view. MovingWaldo has listed the top 7 safest neighborhoods in Manhattan with the best quality of life of 2024 to help you make your final decision!

Methodology

Our ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of crime rates derived from the Borough and Precinct Crime Statistics provided by the NYPD. To ensure accuracy, we calculated the average number of various crimes per 1000 people These crimes include murders, rapes, robberies, felonious assaults, burglaries, grand larcenies, and grand larceny of vehicles. 

The crime data utilized pertains to the year 2022. The selection of this particular year is due to the fact that agencies, on a voluntary basis, submit data encompassing the entirety of the previous year. Subsequently, there exists an administrative period required for the meticulous organization and dissemination of the data on the web platform.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we generally look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, environment (cleanliness), as well as availability of recreational facilities and parks.

Ad

Widgets Magazine

Safest Neighborhoods to live in Manhattan

Featured in this article

Ad

1. East Harlem

East Harlem - City View
  • 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)

East Harlem, Manhattan, NYC

2. Midtown East

Midtown East - Central Park
  • 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)

Midtown East, Manhattan, NYC

3. Hell's Kitchen South (Clinton)

Safest Neighborhoods to Live in Manhattan,NY: Hell's Kitchen (Clinton)
  • 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)

Hell's Kitchen South, Manhattan, NYC

4. Manhattanville

Safest Neighborhoods to Live in Manhattan, NY: Manhattanville
  • 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)

 

Manhattanville, Manhattan, NYC

5. Morningside Heights

  • 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)

Morningside Heights, Manhattan, NYC

6. Chelsea

Chelsea - Cityscape
  • 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)

Chelsea, Manhattan, NYC

7. Lower East Side

Lower East Side - Tenements
  • 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)

Lower East Side, Manhattan, NYC

Featured in this article

Conclusion

Moving to the Big Apple means immersing yourself in a fulfilling and enjoyable living experience while taking into consideration its safety. Numerous other elements are negotiable, but safety and property protection must always come first. Our list of the top 7 safest neighborhoods in Manhattan with the best quality of life in 2024 will help you make your ultimate choice. 

Choosing a suitable neighborhood takes time, so be sure to review this list carefully before making your final decision. Are you planning to move soon? Learn about the Best Manhattan movers!

Ad

Widgets Magazine

Share this article on social media

Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
How much is your move?

Find a mover

Easily compare multiple quotes

Organize your move

Guided through a checklist

Internet packages

Get up to speed on the new deals

Address change

Update your address in a few clicks

Join the network

Become a trusted vendor in your service area

For agents and brokers

MovingWaldo is a one-stop-shop that simplifies tackling moving tasks

What is MovingWaldo?

We guide millions of families through each step of their moving process, helping them save time and money, and making sure nothing gets left behind.

Trouver un déménageur

Comparez plusieurs devis

Organisez votre déménagement

Guidé à travers une checklist

Changement d’adresse

Mettez à jour votre adresse en quelques clics

Forfaits internet

Soyez au courant des nouvelles offres internet à domicile

Rejoignez le réseau

Devenez un fournisseur de confiance pour desservir votre région

Professionnels de l’immobilier

Prolongez la relation avec vos clients grâce à votre propre plateforme de déménagement personnalisé

Qu'est-ce que MovingWaldo ?

MovingWaldo est un guichet unique qui simplifie la planification du déménagement

Get our printable change of address checklist directly in your inbox