Is New Jersey Safe? (Honest Local Advice)

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So you want to visit New Jersey? Excellent! But when planning your journey, you might be wondering: is New Jersey safe?

I’ve been an inhabitant of the Garden State for over 30 years, and can honestly say that New Jersey is certainly safe to travel to. In fact, there are a ton of excellent activities to partake in New Jersey, and it’s one of the safest states in the nation.

Of course, there are always precautions and areas you may want to avoid, which is what we’ll cover in this article.

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Is New Jersey Safe?

For the most part, travel within New Jersey is considered safe. Most municipalities have a strong police presence, and pandemic safety measures have been extensive and diligent.

Of course, while most of New Jersey is safe to visit, there are areas you’ll want to avoid, as well as precautions to take. We’ll cover these topics in more detail in the next section.

Things to Know About Safety in New Jersey

Safe Neighborhoods and Areas in New Jersey

Safe neighborhoods and areas fluctuate depending on where in New Jersey you’d like to visit. Each County and region has its own secure and insecure areas. For example, as a whole, Essex County is fairly safe, but safety in Newark is another issue, where criminal rates can be high.

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Covid-19 Safety in New Jersey

Overall, New Jersey has done a great job helping curb the spread of Covid-19. Many businesses have implemented strict cleaning protocols to keep everyone safe.

New Jersey has the highest population density of any U.S. state. Consequently, the state experienced heightened case counts during the pandemic`s peak.

Numbers gradually decreased, and in March 2022, necessities for masks and evidence of vaccination were withdrawn. Today, some companies and medical workplaces may still have precautions, but New Jersey is experiencing a greater sense of “regular”.

For the latest stats on how Covid-19 is impacting New Jersey, see the below widget from Covid Act Now. It automatically updates to give you the most current information.

Crime in New Jersey

Crime rates in New Jersey fluctuate depending on the location. Overall, Consumer Affairs has ranked New Jersey as the safest state in the US. Crime in New Jersey is well under the national average, partly because of the concentration of Law Enforcement per municipality.

Different areas have varying crime rates. For example, in Princeton, Neighborhood Scout crime maps display the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 1,705. In Newark, it alters to approximately 1 in 203. It all relies on where in New Jersey you’re traveling to.

In most regions, property crime rates are kept at bay with a good home security system. Fortunately, the police usually maintain a strong presence in high crime rate areas.

Common Scams in New Jersey

No matter how carefully we plan journeys, issues can sometimes arise. Deceptions may occur anywhere.

Here are a few typical scams to be aware of when traveling in the Garden State, or really anywhere:

• Pickpockets – Pickpockets are constantly looking for the easiest target to swipe a wallet or phone from. Keep your belongings close to you and within your line of sight.
• Mugging – More confrontational (and bold!) than pickpockets, muggers grab your bag or other personal item and quickly make off with it, often in crowds where it`s difficult to catch them.
• Rideshare Identity – When taking rideshares like Uber or Lyft, verify all details in the app to make sure you’re getting in the correct car. Don’t accept rides if the vehicle or driver doesn’t match – regardless of their explanation.
• Panhandling/Swindling – Panhandlers aren’t ubiquitous everywhere, but they do gravitate towards fast food drive-ups. Some ask for money, others try to convince you to help them with something. Don’t do it.
• Attempts by Criminals to Obtain Victims – These wrongdoers are all around the world, and constantly devising new methods to entrap their targets. If you come back to your car and discover items on door handles or even windshield wipers, do not try to remove them. Wait until you’ve arrived in a crowded area.

Hazardous Weather and Natural Disasters

Generally, New Jersey isn’t prone to severe meteorological events. Hurricanes are very rare. In truth, the worst was Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Tornadoes can occasionally be an issue as well, though not as common as they are in the Midwest region of the US.

However, flooding can disrupt parts of New Jersey during spring and summer rains, notably low-lying and poorly drained areas. Additionally, thunderstorms occasionally produce ground lightning strikes there. Keep monitoring local forecasts wherever you travel.

For a comprehensive breakdown, check out the optimal times to visit New Jersey for more thorough advice on when to go.

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in New Jersey?

In general, the tap water quality and flavor in New Jersey varies by location. Water from Newark is rather tasty, while other areas may have some questionable water.

Even if the water tastes agreeable and meets EPA Guidelines when it leaves the plant, contaminants in pipes can make it less than ideal for drinking. It’s best to avoid the tap and drink filtered tap or bottled water. At restaurants, you can ask for sparkling water or bottled water.

5 Safety Tips for New Jersey

Tip #1 – Be Aware of your Surroundings

No matter your location, it is always important to be cognizant of one`s surroundings. Those wishing to do harm look for inattentive individuals absorbed in their phones. Look up, avoid wearing headphones in both ears, and stay alert.

Tip #2 – Try to Avoid Being Out Alone at Night

Most municipalities in New Jersey are fairly safe, even at night. However, places such as Atlantic City and Newark have a higher frequency of violent crimes after dark and you’ll want to avoid being alone outside at night.

Tip #3 – Keep Belongings In Sight

Criminals who like to steal things from others and rob people prefer to target those who are unaware of their surroundings. Due to this reality, it is wise to keep valuable possessions close to your person. Investing in a quality bag that can hang crossbody is an excellent choice. These bags are made in many styles so they match any activity or outfit. They also keep crucial things like your wallet and phone near your person.