New Jersey has so many safe, charming towns, but we also have a few seedier spots. While these places all have a lot to offer, it’s probably best to use caution and common sense at night. This list of the most dangerous places in New Jersey is based on the State Police’s Uniform Crime Report for 2013 and factors in only violent crime.
- Camden
Flickr/Chris Hunkeler This probably comes as a surprise to no one. Camden is one of the most dangerous cities in all of the United States, but it does have some pretty amazing attractions along the waterfront including Adventure Aquarium and the USS New Jersey. You’ll also find the Camden Children’s Garden and Walt Whitman House. There were 25.4 violent crimes per 1,000 residents reported in 2013, so it’s definitely the most dangerous city in New Jersey. Camden, NJ, USA
- Atlantic City
Flickr/SortOfNatural There’s a lot to love about the East Coast’s adult playground. In addition to gambling and live performances, you’ll find incredible restaurants like Chef Vola’s and funky spots like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum and the Noyes Arts Garage. Still, the city has a seedier side with 17.7 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents. Atlantic City, NJ, USA
- Wildwood
Flickr/hjhipster It wouldn’t be summer for me without a trip to the Wildwoods, but perhaps all the tourists are bringing the crime rate up. There’s nothing like a night at Morey’s Piers, but 17.1 violent crimes per 1,000 residents were reported in 2013. Wildwood, NJ 08260, USA
- Asbury Park
Flickr/T M Codispodi A shore town with a fantastic music scene and thriving boardwalk, Asbury Park did unfortunately have 16.6 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents in 2013, earning it a place on the list of dangerous places in New Jersey. Still, I’d brave it for a show at the Stone Pony. During the day, visit Silverball Museum and Pinball Arcade along with dining options like Hoagitos. Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
- Irvington
Wikipedia/Jim Henderson In July of 2015, this city was classified as one of 30 “transit villages” in New Jersey, which came with certain benefits to aid in revitalization. While Jerry Lewis and Queen Latifah both graduated high school here, the school system was recently ranked among the bottom 10 in the Garden State. There were 15.3 violent crimes per 1,000 residents reported in 2013. Irvington, NJ 07111, USA
- Bridgeton
Wikipedia/Smallbones This historic town was once well-known for its fine educational institutions but is now better known for its crime rate. In 2013, 13.5 violent crimes were reported per 1,000 residents. Still, the town does have a must-see attraction. Take a day trip to the Cohanzick Zoo - the zoo is New Jersey’s oldest, and free to the public. Bridgeton, NJ 08302, USA
- Newark
Flickr/A. Duarte If this list factored in property crimes like car theft, Newark would likely rank higher. However, it comes in at #7 with 13.4 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents. So while some of the city qualifies as a dangerous place to avoid in New Jersey, Newark has some lovely areas. It is known for mouthwatering Portuguese food, the beautiful Branch Brook Park (famous for its cherry blossoms) and the Newark Museum and Planetarium. I’m a huge fan of this museum, which offers a bit of everything. Newark, NJ, USA
- Trenton
Flickr/mtstradling Our state capital is rich with history and home to the Old Barracks, which date all the way back to the French and Indian War (1758). You’ll also find the New Jersey State Museum here. Trenton had a violent crime rate of 13.4/1,000 residents in 2013. Trenton, NJ, USA
- Orange
Wikipedia/Britta Gustafson This city is home to the famous Star Tavern Pizza and very near to attractions like the Thomas Edison National Historic Park, Turtle Back Zoo and South Mountain Reservation. There were 12.3 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents in 2013. City of Orange, NJ 07050, USA
- Paterson
Wikipedia/BJT11091 Rounding out the list of the most dangerous places in New Jersey is Paterson. The gorgeous great falls are located in this city (our state’s 3rd most populous), along with historic Lambert Castle. Once a thriving mill town, there were 10.7 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents in 2013. Paterson, NJ, USA
Did any of these cities surprise you? Even though New Jersey may have several more dangerous spots, we still have so many wonderful places. For a few positives, check out our happiest cities, smartest cities and healthiest cities.
Flickr/Chris Hunkeler
This probably comes as a surprise to no one. Camden is one of the most dangerous cities in all of the United States, but it does have some pretty amazing attractions along the waterfront including Adventure Aquarium and the USS New Jersey. You’ll also find the Camden Children’s Garden and Walt Whitman House. There were 25.4 violent crimes per 1,000 residents reported in 2013, so it’s definitely the most dangerous city in New Jersey.
Camden, NJ, USA
Flickr/SortOfNatural
There’s a lot to love about the East Coast’s adult playground. In addition to gambling and live performances, you’ll find incredible restaurants like Chef Vola’s and funky spots like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum and the Noyes Arts Garage. Still, the city has a seedier side with 17.7 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents.
Atlantic City, NJ, USA
Flickr/hjhipster
It wouldn’t be summer for me without a trip to the Wildwoods, but perhaps all the tourists are bringing the crime rate up. There’s nothing like a night at Morey’s Piers, but 17.1 violent crimes per 1,000 residents were reported in 2013.
Wildwood, NJ 08260, USA
Flickr/T M Codispodi
A shore town with a fantastic music scene and thriving boardwalk, Asbury Park did unfortunately have 16.6 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents in 2013, earning it a place on the list of dangerous places in New Jersey. Still, I’d brave it for a show at the Stone Pony. During the day, visit Silverball Museum and Pinball Arcade along with dining options like Hoagitos.
Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Wikipedia/Jim Henderson
In July of 2015, this city was classified as one of 30 “transit villages” in New Jersey, which came with certain benefits to aid in revitalization. While Jerry Lewis and Queen Latifah both graduated high school here, the school system was recently ranked among the bottom 10 in the Garden State. There were 15.3 violent crimes per 1,000 residents reported in 2013.
Irvington, NJ 07111, USA
Wikipedia/Smallbones
This historic town was once well-known for its fine educational institutions but is now better known for its crime rate. In 2013, 13.5 violent crimes were reported per 1,000 residents. Still, the town does have a must-see attraction. Take a day trip to the Cohanzick Zoo - the zoo is New Jersey’s oldest, and free to the public.
Bridgeton, NJ 08302, USA
Flickr/A. Duarte
If this list factored in property crimes like car theft, Newark would likely rank higher. However, it comes in at #7 with 13.4 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents. So while some of the city qualifies as a dangerous place to avoid in New Jersey, Newark has some lovely areas. It is known for mouthwatering Portuguese food, the beautiful Branch Brook Park (famous for its cherry blossoms) and the Newark Museum and Planetarium. I’m a huge fan of this museum, which offers a bit of everything.
Newark, NJ, USA
Flickr/mtstradling
Our state capital is rich with history and home to the Old Barracks, which date all the way back to the French and Indian War (1758). You’ll also find the New Jersey State Museum here. Trenton had a violent crime rate of 13.4/1,000 residents in 2013.
Trenton, NJ, USA
Wikipedia/Britta Gustafson
This city is home to the famous Star Tavern Pizza and very near to attractions like the Thomas Edison National Historic Park, Turtle Back Zoo and South Mountain Reservation. There were 12.3 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents in 2013.
City of Orange, NJ 07050, USA
Wikipedia/BJT11091
Rounding out the list of the most dangerous places in New Jersey is Paterson. The gorgeous great falls are located in this city (our state’s 3rd most populous), along with historic Lambert Castle. Once a thriving mill town, there were 10.7 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents in 2013.
Paterson, NJ, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Dangerous Places in New Jersey March 23, 2022 Danielle Schwartz What is the oldest city in New Jersey? The oldest city in New Jersey is Gloucester City. It was originally founded in 1623 by the Dutch, and its first name was Fort Nassau. It is located in Camden County by the Walt Whitman Bridge. Gloucester City is a physically tiny city, with just 2.8 square miles of space. There are about 11,500 residents living here, so it’s also on the small side population-wise. What are the most highly rated restaurants in New Jersey? When you’re looking for a special night out in a beautiful neighborhood in New Jersey, you’ll definitely want to check out The Capital Grille and Scarborough Fair Restaurant. The Capital Grille is known for its fine dining and elegant atmosphere, as well as its seafood and steak options. You can find it in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Scarborough Fair Restaurant is located in Sea Girt, New Jersey, and is best known for its romantic feel and excellent wine list. Scarborough is perfect for a special date night! What are the most unique towns in New Jersey? There are lots of charming small towns in New Jersey, but two of the most unique are Frenchtown and Montclair. Frenchtown is famous for its sweet shops, perhaps most notably Frenchtown Pottery. Its name, of course, comes from its original settlers, and its atmosphere carries the special French charm. Frenchtown is located on the banks of the Delaware River, so it has pretty water views, too. Montclair is known for a great artistic scene, including the Montclair Film Festival, a new arts complex by the Wellmont Theater, and lots of public performances. The lovely suburban neighborhoods feature lots of beautiful homes!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Dangerous Places in New Jersey
March 23, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What is the oldest city in New Jersey? The oldest city in New Jersey is Gloucester City. It was originally founded in 1623 by the Dutch, and its first name was Fort Nassau. It is located in Camden County by the Walt Whitman Bridge. Gloucester City is a physically tiny city, with just 2.8 square miles of space. There are about 11,500 residents living here, so it’s also on the small side population-wise. What are the most highly rated restaurants in New Jersey? When you’re looking for a special night out in a beautiful neighborhood in New Jersey, you’ll definitely want to check out The Capital Grille and Scarborough Fair Restaurant. The Capital Grille is known for its fine dining and elegant atmosphere, as well as its seafood and steak options. You can find it in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Scarborough Fair Restaurant is located in Sea Girt, New Jersey, and is best known for its romantic feel and excellent wine list. Scarborough is perfect for a special date night! What are the most unique towns in New Jersey? There are lots of charming small towns in New Jersey, but two of the most unique are Frenchtown and Montclair. Frenchtown is famous for its sweet shops, perhaps most notably Frenchtown Pottery. Its name, of course, comes from its original settlers, and its atmosphere carries the special French charm. Frenchtown is located on the banks of the Delaware River, so it has pretty water views, too. Montclair is known for a great artistic scene, including the Montclair Film Festival, a new arts complex by the Wellmont Theater, and lots of public performances. The lovely suburban neighborhoods feature lots of beautiful homes!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The oldest city in New Jersey is Gloucester City. It was originally founded in 1623 by the Dutch, and its first name was Fort Nassau. It is located in Camden County by the Walt Whitman Bridge. Gloucester City is a physically tiny city, with just 2.8 square miles of space. There are about 11,500 residents living here, so it’s also on the small side population-wise.
What are the most highly rated restaurants in New Jersey?
When you’re looking for a special night out in a beautiful neighborhood in New Jersey, you’ll definitely want to check out The Capital Grille and Scarborough Fair Restaurant. The Capital Grille is known for its fine dining and elegant atmosphere, as well as its seafood and steak options. You can find it in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Scarborough Fair Restaurant is located in Sea Girt, New Jersey, and is best known for its romantic feel and excellent wine list. Scarborough is perfect for a special date night!
What are the most unique towns in New Jersey?
There are lots of charming small towns in New Jersey, but two of the most unique are Frenchtown and Montclair. Frenchtown is famous for its sweet shops, perhaps most notably Frenchtown Pottery. Its name, of course, comes from its original settlers, and its atmosphere carries the special French charm. Frenchtown is located on the banks of the Delaware River, so it has pretty water views, too. Montclair is known for a great artistic scene, including the Montclair Film Festival, a new arts complex by the Wellmont Theater, and lots of public performances. The lovely suburban neighborhoods feature lots of beautiful homes!
