New York City can be an incredible place to visit or live. The city never sleeps and there is always something to see, places to go, and new neighborhoods to explore. However, just like any metropolitan city, there are certain areas you may want to avoid. Certain places in NYC can be more perilous than others.
New York City hosts some of the world’s best restaurants, theatres, and iconic landmarks. That does not mean it is without its pockets of crime. New York City is also infamous because of the city’s history of instances of high crime and social unrest. If you have been harmed on your visit to NYC, consider speaking with an attorney for serious injuries and read on to learn about the worst neighborhoods in New York.
Hunts Point
Hunts Point is considered the most unsafe neighborhood in NYC due to crime. Particularly, prostitution and drug problems have affected the area. The chances of being a victim in Hunts Point are high and 1 in 22 people become victims of a crime. Sexual assault cases have also been on the rise, making it dangerous to visit.
About half of Hunts Point’s population lives below the poverty line and the area has a history of drugs and prostitution as far back as the 1980s. Local health indicators show higher rates of premature births, teenage mothers, uninsured residents, and smokers.
On average, Hunts Point’s violent crime rate is about 1,944 per 100,000 people and the average crime rate is about 4,557 per 100,000 people. Whether you are visiting the Bronx or planning a move, it is best to avoid Hunts Point during your stay.
Brownsville
Brownsville has been referred to as the murder capital of New York by the Crime and Safety Report of DNA. Brownsville has the highest number of murders in all of NYC and is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Brownsville gets its reputation due to its history of a high rate of homicides, drug-related deaths, and murder. Brownsville’s murder rate is nearly four times the rest of New York.
Your chances of being a victim of crime in Brownsville is about 1 in 36. The violent crime rate is 1,264 per 100,000 and the overall crime rate is about 2,810 per 100,000 people. According to the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Brownsville’s assault-related hospitalizations are much higher than the national average. Brownsville also does not seem to be getting better. That is why it is important to maintain awareness when traversing the city.
Bedford-Stuyvesant
Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, also known as “do or die, Bed-Stuy”, had many famous residents, like rappers Notorious B.I.G. and Yasiin Bey, aka Mos Def, but it has also been rated as one of the worst places to visit in New York. Bed-Stuy experiences many robberies and violent encounters.
The overall crime rate has increased in recent years with 212 violent crimes per 10,000 inhabitants. You have a 1 in 35 chance of becoming a crime victim and the violent crime rate is about 1,065 per 100,000 people, which is almost double the national rate. About one in four people live below the poverty line and the unemployment rate is almost one out of every five people. High rates of crime and poverty can make this area a dangerous place to stay or live.
Jamaica, Queens
Jamaica, Queens is a significant commercial area with several small businesses and retail outlets. Jamaica, Queens also has numerous government establishments. However, it is also historically associated with gang-related activities, although these activities have dropped recently.
There is typically one shooting per month and these may result in multiple casualties. Robberies, muggings, and street-level drug activity occur often. Your chances of becoming a crime victim are 1 in 32 and the violent crime rate is 1,117 crimes per 100,000 residents. A report published by the Journal of Transport and Land Use found that Jamaica Avenue between 85th and 98th Street was one of the deadliest in the nation for pedestrians.
East Harlem
Harlem is a diverse neighborhood in upper Manhattan. Although East Harlem is notorious for its high crime, the most violent incidents primarily involve residents. Harlem is famous for its rich cultural scene and offers a unique experience for visitors interested in exploring its heritage and iconic landmarks.
The East Harlem neighborhood has gone through cycles of cultural affluence and hardship due to crimes like robberies, shootings, drug rings, sexual assaults, and grand larceny. East Harlem has a crime rate 264% higher than the national average and the chances of being a victim in East Harlem is about 1 in 22. In 2022, the poverty rate in East Harlem was one in three.
Harlem is a neighborhood rich in culture and history and that is why many tourists like to visit. Generally, most places are considered safe for tourists but visitors must remain vigilant. If you have been seriously injured, consider speaking with a professional NYC personal injury lawyer familiar with the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC.
Which Borough in NYC Has the Highest Crime Rate?
New York is famous for its many boroughs and diverse cultural landscapes. The city is known as a melting pot because of the various ethnic groups and traditions that form the city’s diverse landscape. However, all parts of the city are not safe. The most dangerous borough in New York City because of the most instances of crime is the Bronx.
The Bronx is known as the birthplace of Hip Hop music and many believe this genre was born out of the struggles of the Bronx’s residents. The Bronx faces various challenges, safety concerns, and subpar infrastructure. The Bronx ranks high in violent crimes and property crimes and all visitors should practice caution. The Bronx’s high crime rate makes it the most dangerous New York City borough.
Which of the Boroughs Is Considered the Safest?
Recent crime data shows that Queens is safer than Brooklyn, the Bronx, and even Manhattan. Although some areas of Queens are safer than others, generally, it is one of the safer boroughs to reside in or visit.
How to Stay Safe in NYC
If you are planning a trip or want to relocate to New York, it is important to be aware of the potential hazards throughout the city. Personal injury attorneys in New York City always recommend the following:
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times by practicing vigilance regardless of where you are.
- Do not walk alone at night and, if necessary, stick to well-lit, busy areas with lots of people. Practice safety by always traveling in groups whenever possible.
- Keep your valuables locked away or close to you and out of the line of sight. This is especially important for items like wallets, phones, cameras, and jewelry.
- When using public transportation, remain vigilant of your belongings at all times.
- Trust your instincts whenever you are in unfamiliar areas. If you ever feel unsafe, listen to your intuition and return to a safe place as soon as you can.
When visiting New York City, it is important to avoid the above-mentioned dangerous neighborhoods at all costs. If you find yourself in one of these neighborhoods, be extra vigilant and cautious. Whenever you practice common sense and take precautions, you will be safe while exploring NYC because relatively few people become victims. However, it is important to trust your gut, plan your routes, and remain vigilant.
Just because an area is risky, it doesn’t mean you can’t visit it. It’s best to go with a local or visit them while in the safety of a moving vehicle. Taking precautions, going in groups, and doing all that you can not to aggravate locals can also help to keep you safe. If you’re ever in doubt about whether or not a neighborhood is safe, it’s always best to stay on the side of caution and avoid it altogether.
New York City is a vibrant and beautiful city. If you get seriously injured during your stay, don’t hesitate to talk with a NYC personal injury lawyer because you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
