The 10 Safest Areas in Manhattan to Live in 2025

All set to move to Manhattan to fulfill your long-held dream? It’s exciting, but we know safety is probably on your mind too. So, listen up, future New York University (NYU) and Columbia University legends! Manhattan might seem like a wild scene from "Gossip Girl" or a thriller where danger lurks around every corner, but plot twist: some neighborhoods are basically the superhero zones of urban safety. Do you know that over 114,000 students flood Manhattan's campuses every year? That's basically a small city's worth of young scholars navigating the concrete jungle! With crime rates that'll make your parents breathe easier and vibes that scream "Instagram-worthy student life," (I know you thought about the Manhattan Skyline). We're breaking down Manhattan's safest neighborhoods that are total game-changers for student living.  From cobblestone streets that look like movie sets to cafes that could be your next study refuge, we're serving up the ultimate safety scorecard for the safest area in Manhattan to stay.

Top 10 Safest Areas in Manhattan

Manhattan boasts several ultra-safe neighborhoods that stand out as one of the safest areas in Manhattan to stay for students and residents. Moving to a new place can be intimidating, and safety becomes a major concern, especially for students and young professionals. Once infamous for its crime-ridden past in the 1970s and 1980s, Manhattan has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, becoming one of the safest boroughs of New York. These neighborhoods now offer secure living environments, balancing safety, culture, and convenience in the heart of NYC. We've compiled the safest areas in Manhattan to help you make an informed choice for your new home. Let's swoop in! 

1. Washington Heights

Crime rate: 14.2% per 1000 residents
Population: 2,02, 678
Cost of living Per Person: $2,500/month (including rent, food, and other expenses)
Nearby University: Columbia University Medical Center
Nearest Subway Station: 168th Street Station (1, A, C lines)
Known For: Dominican culture and historic landmarks

Washington Heights, nestled in the northernmost part of New York County, is one of the safest neighborhoods in Manhattan NYC for students. The neighborhood offers a strong sense of community and a safety index above the city average, thanks to its well-lit streets and active local patrols. The strong community ties, active NYPD patrols, local outreach programs, and neighborhood watch programs keep the crime relatively low, making Washington Heights one of the safest areas in Manhattan.

2. Battery Park City

Crime rate: 2.1% per 1000 residents
Population: 16,107
Cost of living Per Person: $5000/month (including rent, food, and other expenses)
Nearby University: Pace University
Nearest Subway Station: Rector Street Station (1 line)
Known For: Waterfront parks and luxury residences

Battery Park City stands out as the safest area in Manhattan, with a safety index of 85.4, offering a secure and serene environment for students. With its modern infrastructure and top-tier amenities, Battery Park City stands out as the safest part of Manhattan, offering students the perfect mix of safety and urban life. 

3. Murray Hill

Crime rate: 3.2% per 1000 residents
Population: 27,500
Cost of living Per Person: $2,899- $5462/month (including rent, food, and other expenses)
Nearby University: City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center
Nearest Subway Station: 33rd Street Station (6 line)
Known For: Young professionals and great nightlife 

Murray Hill, located in Midtown Manhattan, is one of Manhattan safest neighborhoods, boasting a safety index of 83.2. The area is well-connected, ensuring easy access to popular attractions and activities to complete all the famous things to do in NYC, such as visiting the iconic New York Public Library or the Morgan Library & Museum. Murray Hill maintains safety and has a combination mix of residential families and professionals, frequent police monitoring, and well-lit streets that reduce criminal activity. 

4. Chelsea

Crime rate: 3.8% per 1000 residents
Population: 47,000
Cost of living Per Person: $4,500/month (including rent, food, and other expenses)
Nearby University: Fashion Institute of Technology
Nearest Subway Station: 23rd Street Station (C, E lines)
Known For: Art galleries and the High Line

Chelsea stands out as one of the safest areas in Manhattan to stay, with a safety index of 82.1, reflecting its well-monitored streets and strong community presence. The security cameras, active community boards, and a strong police presence contribute to the low crime rate. It is a convenient and well-rounded area for students & truly earns its place as one of the safest areas in Manhattan.

5. Roosevelt Island 

Crime rate: 2.0% per 1000 residents
Population: 12,500
Cost of living Per Person: $4,280
Nearby University: City University of New York
Nearest Subway Station: Lexington Av/63
Known For: Residential areas with river views and parks

Roosevelt Island is a peaceful residential area located in the East River, known for being one of the calmest and safest neighborhoods in New York City. With a safety index about 15% higher than the city average and a crime rate of just 10 per 1,000 residents, the island is definitely a favorite among students seeking safety and peace. The limited access points, private security, and close-knit community help reduce the crime rate, making this neighborhood. Thanks to its easy tramway and subway access, Roosevelt Island blends a quiet escape with amazing skyline views and is an unbeatable home base for focused student life.

6. Upper East Side New York

Crime rate: 2.7% per 1000 residents
Population: 1,20,800
Cost of living Per Person: $2,385-$5,628/month (including rent, food, and other expenses)
Nearby University: Hunter College
Nearest Subway Station: 86th Street Station (4, 5, 6 lines)
Known For: Museums and affluent residences

The Upper East Side consistently ranks as one of the safest places to live in Manhattan, with a safety index of 84.2, reflecting its family-friendly vibe and low crime rates. The neighborhood benefits from high foot traffic, affluent residents investing in security measures, and consistent NYPD patrols ensuring a safe environment. Hence, the Upper East Side makes it a top choice for students seeking the safest area to stay in Manhattan.

7. Upper West Side New York

Crime Rate: 2.9%  per 1000 residents
Population: 1,14,000
Cost of living Per Person: $3,600- $5,500/month (including rent, food, and other expenses)
Nearby University: Columbia University
Nearest Subway Station: 72nd Street Station (1, 2, 3 lines)
Known For: Cultural institutions and historic brownstones

Of all the safest areas Manhattan, The Upper West Side consistently ranks at the top. It has a safety index of 83.2, which offers students peace of mind and a great lifestyle. This area is among Manhattan safest neighborhoods, boasting tree-lined streets, iconic brownstones, and a wealth of cultural attractions, making it a good option for Manhattan places to stay. This area combines family-friendly housing, active neighborhood watch groups, and police engagement to maintain its low crime rate.

8. Tribeca

Crime rate: 2.1% per 1000 residents
Population: 15,500
Cost of living Per Person: $6,506/month (including rent, food, and other expenses)
Nearby University: Borough of Manhattan Community College
Nearest Subway Station: Chambers Street Station (1, 2, 3 lines)
Known For: Historic warehouses and Tribeca Film Festival

Tribeca, short for “Triangle Below Canal Street,” consistently ranks as one of the safest part of Manhattan, with a safety index of 87.2, higher than the city average. Tribeca’s private security, surveillance systems, and proactive local community boards contribute to its strong safety record. With its secure surroundings, excellent amenities, and creative vibe, Tribeca is undoubtedly one of the safest areas in Manhattan for students.

9. Financial district 

Crime rate: 3.0% per 1000 residents
Population: 60,000+
Cost of living Per Person: $3,630- $5000/month
Nearby University: Metropolitan College of New York
Nearest Subway Station: Fulton St
Known For: New York Stock Exchange, One World Trade Center

The Financial District is a powerful symbol of Manhattan’s history and ambition, and it’s also a pleasant and safe area in Manhattan for students. With a strong security presence due to its status as NYC’s financial heart, the district carries a safety reputation, convenient late-night transit, and countless historic and cultural attractions. Heavy NYPD presence, 24/7 surveillance, and bustling commercial activity reduce crime and keep the Financial District secure even after business hours. It is one of the safest areas in NYC. 

10.Greenwich Village 

Crime rate: 3.5 per 1000 residents
Population: 32,000
Cost of living Per Person: $6,121/month
Nearby University: St John’s UniversityNearest Subway Station: 14St
Known For: association with NYU, historic bohemian culture, and nightlife

Greenwich Village is a famous neighborhood for its artistic heritage, lively culture, and distinct New York charm. Known as one of the most walkable and safest areas in Manhattan, it delivers a perfect blend of energy and peace for students. Greenwich Village stays relatively safe due to active community policing, constant pedestrian activity, and careful local organizations working with law enforcement, making it one of the safest places to stay in New York City. If you’re exploring similar safe havens in Manhattan, neighborhoods like Battery Park City and the Upper East Side also promise not just security but a vibrant lifestyle. With Amber, finding safe and convenient student housing in these areas becomes effortless, ensuring you have the perfect place to call home. If you are looking for safe and convenient apartments in these safest neighborhoods in NYC, amber has a wide range of options.

1. Park Avenue East Home, New York
2. Financial District, New York 
3. Chelsea, New York

Whether you’re an NYU freshman or a Columbia grad student, the safest areas in Manhattan offer the ideal blend of security, comfort, and convenience.