Despite what the news suggests, New York is actually one of the safest big cities in the US, and crime rates have decreased even further over the last few years. Unfortunately, however, the crime wave that the city experienced in the 1970s and 1980s has continued to leave a stain on its reputation.
But if you’re thinking of making the move to rent in NYC, you may be surprised to know just how safe the majority of its neighborhoods are and just how secure you could feel renting here.
Declining Crime Rates
Ever since the 1990s, crime rates in New York have been decreasing, and they continue to do so. In September 2023, shootings in the city were down 34.2% compared to the previous year, according to official NYPD data. Overall, index crimes reduced by 5.6% in 2023. So, while the news may portray New York as a city rife with violence and crime, the truth is a very different story.
The Crime Index
Not convinced? Check out the city’s crime index score, which reveals some surprising stats. For example, NYC ranks as mostly Moderate in all areas of crime and safety – not High, as you’d maybe have expected. Further, the city scores higher than the national average in terms of how safe residents and visitors feel walking around during the day.
High Police Presence
Another key reason that New York is a safer city than the news suggests is the presence of police on the streets, serving to both keep order and instill a sense of confidence and security. Following a rise in crime on the subway back in 2022, the governor increased the number of police officers patrolling subways throughout the city, helping to bring things back in line.
How to Feel Safer in NYC
Just because the stats say that New York is one of the safest big cities in the US doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea to take some additional steps to keep yourself and your stuff as safe as possible. Here’s what to do.
Know the Safest Neighborhoods in the City
If you’ve not lived in New York before, then getting a handle on the city’s safest neighborhoods is a great way to choose the perfect area to rent or buy. These neighborhoods include:
● Tribeca
● Kips Bay
● Battery Park City
● Park Slope
● Greenwich Village
● Brooklyn Heights
● Murray Hill
● Financial District
● Nolita
● Chelsea
Use Common Sense
Staying safe in New York often comes down to good old common sense. For example, it’s best to avoid wandering around sketchy neighborhoods after dark and frequenting deserted subway platforms late at night. And it’s always wise to maintain an awareness of who is around you, and not have your wallet on display in an open bag.
Fit Security Bars
If you rent and your landlord is agreeable to the suggestion, you may want to fit security bars or grilles to your property’s windows, to help prevent break-ins. These may be especially useful if you live in a ground-floor apartment. When choosing bars or grilles, ensure they meet safety regulations in terms of allowing escape in case of a fire.
What’s the Lighting Like?
If the lighting in the communal or shared areas of your apartment complex isn’t adequate, this can make you feel a little uneasy when you come home from work or after a night out. If you think that, say, the parking areas or hallways of your block don’t have enough lighting, this is definitely something to bring up with your landlord, who may well be happy to make some additions.
Protect Your Peace of Mind
For renters, having a renters insurance policy in place might not be a legal regulation, but it’s a vital element of protecting your stuff, and your peace of mind. Renters insurance for New Yorkers typically covers your stuff (both inside and outside your house) from dangers such as fire, theft, vandalism, etc. And it’s likely to be much more affordable than you think.
The Takeaway
New York may get something of a bad rap, especially when it comes to our perception of the city from the news we see and hear, but it’s actually a relatively safe place to live, visit, and work. If you’d love to move here but the image the city has of being a den of vice and crime has put you off, think again!
NYC is regarded as one of the very safest big cities in the whole of the US, and crime has been on a downward trend for years. Taking this into account, as well as taking some simple steps to feel safer and protect your peace of mind, may mean that now really is the perfect time to rent an apartment in the city and take a bite out of the Big Apple.
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