Safest Places to Live in New York (2026): Costs & Safety

New York is known for its blend of bustling cities and quiet suburbs, offering a wealth of opportunities and a vibrant atmosphere. However, buying or renting a home can be costly, with median home prices and rents significantly higher than the national average. Car ownership can also be challenging due to high parking costs, heavy traffic, and high taxes, which can be difficult to manage.

In 2024, New York saw a nearly 3% reduction in crime rates and ranked 24th in safety among U.S. states, but over 60% of residents still expressed concerns about personal safety. Emergency preparedness and financial safety remain areas for improvement.

This guide will take you through New York’s most secure places to live, whether you’re drawn to city life or a peaceful retreat.

This guide highlights the safest places to live in New York State in 2025, covering both small towns outside NYC and secure neighborhoods within the five boroughs.

The community of Bedford, which you included in your list, is confirmed to be the safest city in New York for 2025, holding the top spot for the second consecutive year. The violent crime rate reported for Bedford is exceptionally low, at 0.1 per 1,000 residents, with a property crime rate of 1.3 per 1,000 residents.

Save up to 1.5% at closing when you buy

Get pre-approval and save on your home purchase with reAlpha.

Find Homes

The following communities were ranked as the top 10 safest in New York State in the 2025 report:

Notably, seven of these top 10 safest towns are located in the Hudson Valley region, just north of NYC. Across all ten of these communities, no murders were reported.

New York City has experienced a major transformation in recent decades, and overall crime saw historic reductions in the first quarter of 2025, with major crime drops reported in all five boroughs. The NYPD announced the fewest shooting incidents in recorded history and a 34.4% decline in murders through the first three months of the year compared to 2024.

While Staten Island generally has the lowest crime rates of all the boroughs, Manhattan also contains many secure, low-crime neighborhoods.

Staten Island is often considered the quietest and most family-friendly borough, offering the most suburban-like experience. The top five safest neighborhoods here, based on crime index comparison to the NYC average, include:

1. Tottenville: Considered the safest neighborhood in Staten Island, its crime index is 70% lower than the NYC average.
2. Bay Terrace: Crime index 65% lower than the NYC average.
3. Rossville: Crime index 63% lower than the NYC average.
4. Westerleigh: Crime index 60% lower than the NYC average.
5. Arden Heights: Crime index 55% lower than the NYC average.

Manhattan boasts several ultra-safe neighborhoods that rely on a strong security presence, affluent residents investing in security, and frequent NYPD patrols. The safest areas include:

• Battery Park City: Stands out as the safest area in Manhattan, noted for its private security in addition to NYPD patrols, offering a secure, waterfront environment.
• Tribeca: Consistently ranks as one of the safest parts of Manhattan, boasting a safety index of 87.2 and benefiting from private security and surveillance systems.
• Upper East Side: Consistently ranks as one of the safest places to live in Manhattan, with a safety index of 84.2, and is family-friendly.
• Upper West Side: Known for its low crime rates, strong community feel, and family-friendly atmosphere.
• Roosevelt Island: A peaceful residential area in the East River with a crime rate of 2.0% per 1,000 residents, benefiting from limited access points and private security.

• Brooklyn: Safe communities include Park Slope, known for strong community engagement and being family-friendly, and Brooklyn Heights, characterized by low crime rates and a strong community feel.
• Queens: Secure areas include Forest Hills and Bayside, both offering suburban vibes, excellent schools, and high safety ratings.
• The Bronx: Low-crime zones include Riverdale, an affluent area with a suburban feel and strong community sense, and Pelham Bay, a peaceful residential neighborhood.

While certain upstate urban centers like Buffalo and Rochester have elevated violent crime rates (exceeding 11 incidents per 1,000 residents), New York City generally has a lower violent crime rate than many large upstate cities. Mayor Eric Adams stated that thanks to strategies like precision policing, New York City remains the safest big city in America and is "only getting safer".

While New York is not as hurricane-prone as Florida, it occasionally experiences severe weather. If you’re concerned about natural disasters, here are safe towns in New York State less likely to be affected by hurricanes.

Located inland, Syracuse is one of the safest cities during hurricane season. While it’s known for its snowy winters, it faces minimal hurricane impact.

The state capital is well-positioned inland, making it less vulnerable to coastal storms. Albany’s sturdy infrastructure and reliable emergency services add to its appeal.

Situated in the Southern Tier, Binghamton is another safe option during hurricane season. The city offers a mix of urban amenities and rural charm.

Buying a Home? Get up to 1.5% Cash Back at Closing

Get pre-approval first, then start exploring homes knowing you can receive up to 1.5% of the home price back at closing.

Find your dream home

New York offers something for everyone, from vibrant city life to peaceful small towns. The crime rates in New York cities vary widely, with many areas boasting family-friendly neighborhoods and excellent schools.

New York City has a murder rate of 6.3 per 100,000, making it one of the safest large cities in the U.S. Overall crime dropped by 4.1% this year, with 377 homicides-the lowest since 2020-and shootings decreased by 7%, totaling 903 incidents. This shows the city's strong efforts to ensure safety for its residents.

• Diverse Neighborhoods
• Strong Police Presence
• Safer Public Transport
• Community Policing
• Lower Violent Crime Trends
• Cultural Opportunities

Finding a Home:

Buying a home has become more challenging due to rising property prices, increasing mortgage rates, and additional costs like realtor commissions. However, securing a safe and comfortable place to live in New York is easier when you know where to search. Explore local real estate options or check out reAlpha to start planning your move today!