New Brunswick, NJ is a vibrant city located in Middlesex County, New Jersey. With a population of over 56,000 people, New Brunswick is the county seat and home to Rutgers University. The city is known for its rich cultural scene, diverse community, and excellent healthcare facilities. However, many people may be wondering whether New Brunswick is a safe place to live.

In this article, we will explore the reported crime rates in New Brunswick, initiatives to improve safety, and the pros and cons of living in the city.

Is New Brunswick NJ safe to live in?

New Brunswick, NJ is not considered one of the safest cities to live in. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in New Brunswick is 1 in 44, with a total number of 1,270 crimes reported.

The estimated crime rate in New Brunswick is 22.80 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 91% of cities and towns of all sizes in the state of New Jersey.

This higher crime rate in New Brunswick can be attributed to its dense population, as it is the 13h most populous city in New Jersey, with an annual growth rate of 0.43%. While incidents of bullying, harassment, and violence against women on university campuses are not limited to New Brunswick, they should also be taken into consideration when deciding on a place to live.

Is New Brunswick NJ Safe?

New Brunswick NJ crime rate information

Violent Crimes Reported in New Brunswick

According to reported incidents, New Brunswick, New Jersey has a higher rate of violent crime than the national average. The chances of being a victim of such a crime in New Brunswick are 1 in 225.9, a concerning statistic.

In fact, the city has a total of 246 violent crimes, which translates to a rate of 4.42 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. These crimes include murder, robbery, sexual assault, and aggravated assault. 

Property Crimes Reported in New Brunswick

Although New Brunswick has a lower property crime rate than the national average, the rate is still relatively high. The city has a total of 1,024 property crimes, which equates to a rate of 18.38 property crimes per 1,000 residents.

Annually, there are approximately 2,474 property crimes reported in the area, which translates to approximately 3,142.8 property crimes per 100,000 people.

Crime Rate in New Brunswick Compared to All of New Jersey

When compared to other cities in New Jersey, New Brunswick has a higher overall crime rate. The city has a total of 1,270 reported crimes, resulting in an estimated total crime rate of 22.80 per 1,000 residents. The chances of experiencing violent crime in New Brunswick are 1 in 225.9, while in all of New Jersey, that number is 1 in 481.

For property crimes, the chances of becoming a victim in New Brunswick are 1 in 54.5, compared to 1 in 71 for all of New Jersey. This data indicates that New Brunswick has a higher crime rate than the state average and requires extra caution when residing or visiting the city.

Initiatives to Improve Safety in New Brunswick, NJ

Is New Brunswick NJ Safe

In recent years, New Brunswick, New Jersey has implemented several initiatives to improve safety in the area and reduce crime rates. One of the major efforts has been the implementation of community policing, where police officers work closely with local residents and community organizations to identify and address safety concerns in the area.

Another initiative has been the installation of surveillance cameras in public areas, which has helped to deter criminal activity and provide evidence for investigations. In addition, the city has received funding from federal, state, and private grants to purchase body armor and increase patrols in high-crime areas.

To further engage with the community, New Brunswick has also launched programs like the Police Explorers and Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D), which provide hands-on police training and educate the community on the dangers of drug use.

The Safest Neighborhoods in New Brunswick

  • Douglas Campus Historic District/Raritan Gardens
  • Westons Mills
  • Rutgers University New Brunswick
  • New Brunswick South
  • Fifth Ward
  • New Brunswick West
  • Fifth Ward South

New Brunswick is home to several neighborhoods that are known for their safety. These neighborhoods include Douglas Campus Historic District/Raritan Gardens, Westons Mills, Rutgers University New Brunswick, New Brunswick South, Fifth Ward, New Brunswick West, Fifth Ward South, and Feaster Park. These areas have notably lower crime rates compared to other parts of the city. 

The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New Brunswick

According to available data, the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in New Brunswick, NJ are:

  • Downtown
  • Feaster Park
  • Robeson Village
  • Fourth Ward

These areas are known for experiencing more crime compared to other neighborhoods in the city. If you're looking for properties to rent or buy in New Brunswick, NJ, it's best to be cautious when considering these neighborhoods.

Pros of Living in New Brunswick, NJ

There are several potential pros of living in New Brunswick, NJ, including:

Proximity to Major Cities

  • New Brunswick is located in central New Jersey, making it relatively close to major cities such as New York City (less than an hour away by train) and Philadelphia (about an hour and a half away by car).
  • Living close to these cities can provide easy access to their job markets, cultural attractions, and entertainment options.
  • Additionally, New Brunswick itself is a college town (home to Rutgers University), which can provide a vibrant and diverse community.

Transportation Options

  • New Brunswick is well-connected to the rest of New Jersey and beyond, with the New Jersey Turnpike and several major highways running through the area.
  • For those who prefer public transportation, the city has a train station with access to both Amtrak and NJ Transit lines, as well as a bus station with connections to other parts of New Jersey and New York City.
  • The city also has a bike-share program, making it easy to get around via cycling.

Healthcare Facilities

  • New Brunswick is home to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals in New Jersey and provides a wide range of medical services.
  • Additionally, the city is home to several other healthcare facilities, including a cancer center and a children's hospital.
  • Living in an area with quality healthcare facilities can provide peace of mind and access to top-rated medical professionals.

Educational Opportunities

  • As mentioned, New Brunswick is home to Rutgers University, which is one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the United States.
  • The city is also home to several other colleges and universities, including the New Brunswick Theological Seminary and the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
  • Living in an area with a strong educational presence can provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as access to cultural and intellectual events.

Outdoor Recreation

  • New Brunswick is located near several state parks and nature reserves, including the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park and the Rutgers Ecological Preserve.
  • Additionally, the city has several parks and green spaces, including Buccleuch Park and Boyd Park, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.
  • Living in an area with access to outdoor recreation can provide opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and spending time in nature.

Cons of Living in New Brunswick, NJ

High Crime Rate

  • According to NeighborhoodScout, the city's crime rate is higher than 91%  cities and towns of all sizes in the state of New Jersey.
  • Property crime rates in particular are high in New Brunswick, with burglary and theft being relatively common.
  • Living in an area with high crime rates can lead to safety concerns and potentially impact one's quality of life.

Cost of Living

  • New Brunswick is located in central New Jersey, which is generally considered to be an expensive area to live in.
  • The cost of living in New Brunswick is higher than the national average, with housing costs being a particularly significant expense.
  • Additionally, taxes in New Jersey are generally higher than in many other states, which can impact one's financial situation.

Traffic and Parking

  • Like many cities in New Jersey, New Brunswick can be congested and difficult to navigate during rush hour and other peak times.
  • Parking in particular can be a challenge, especially in the downtown area or near Rutgers University.

What Do Residents Say About New Brunswick, NJ?

Residents of New Brunswick, NJ have expressed mixed opinions about the safety of the town. While some appreciate the historic buildings and accessible transportation, others have reported feeling generally unsafe, particularly at night.

There have been frequent reports of violent crimes and armed arrests in the area, which may contribute to a sense of unease among residents. The town's proximity to a university means that areas near the campus tend to be safer, but crime rates can increase as one moves further away. For those seeking a safer area to live in central New Jersey, other towns such as Somerville or Metuchen may be better options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the statistics suggest that New Brunswick's crime rate is a cause for concern, despite police efforts to improve safety. Therefore, at present, New Brunswick cannot be considered a safe place to live.