Is New York safe? What you should know

New York City, the "Big Apple," is a world icon known for its towering skyline, busy streets, and cultural diversity. From Times Square and its neon lights to Central Park’s peaceful greenery, NYC serves up something for everyone. Did you know it’s called the “City That Never Sleeps” because you can grab a slice of pizza at 3 AM or catch a comedy show after midnight? It’s also the place where bagels became a breakfast staple. So, thank you, New York!

While NYC dazzles with its energy, it's important to know how to navigate safely to fully enjoy the experience. We’ll explore safety from different angles, like how to blend into the city’s culture, where to enjoy nature, and what health precautions to take. Don’t worry; it’s not all serious—fun facts and tips are on the menu!

Here’s one: crossing the street in NYC can feel like an Olympic sport. But skip the jaywalking unless you want to channel your inner action movie star! And if you’re biking through the city, remember that the bike lanes are your friends, even though taxis don’t always get the memo. Whether it’s cultural tips, healthcare advice, or nature escapes, we’ll help you make the most of NYC while you stay safe!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in New York

Are you scared to explore New York? Have you heard about the high violent crime rate? Rest easy because the crime situation in New York was blown way out of proportion for comical effect! It's one of the safest cities for tourists and although it is a big city, violent crimes occur relatively rarely!

Getting from the airport to the city center

Not sure how to get to New York districts from the airports? No worries! If you've landed at JFK Airport, you can grab the Jamaica AirTrain and then the F train to get to Central Park. If you want to get to central Brooklyn, you can catch the Grey LIRR train after the Jamaica Airtrain, or the Q30 bus if you want to get to central Queens!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in New York

The absolute most common scam is the fake Uber at the airport. You might also run into a fake taxi driver or two, but these days it's mostly Ubers. They sit at the airport and ask people if they need a ride. Plus, they'll upcharge you 40-60% of actual Uber prices and pocket the extra. Sure, you can try calling them out, but honestly, it’s usually a lost cause. Just don't hop into any Ubers or cabs that are calling you over and you'll avoid the hassle!

Is tap water in New York safe to drink?

Just like New York is a safe city, the water is pretty safe too! It's definitely not one of the city's hazards so feel free to drink it! New York tap water meets all US standards of public safety. The locals even prefer tap over bottled water because of microplastics.

Safe accommodation options in New York

Are you overwhelmed by the size of the city and don't know where to stay? Here are some safe districts and accommodation options in NYC:

• The Upper East Side is known for its quiet, family-friendly streets. It's close to Central Park and Museum Mile, and New Yorkers love it because it's a really safe area. You can crash at Hotel Wales which has boutique-style rooms that start at $250 per night.
• Brooklyn Heights has beautiful tree-lined streets, brownstones, and a striking promenade with views of Manhattan. The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a luxury option that has stunning skyline views and starts at $450 per night.
• Gramercy Park is an exclusive neighborhood with fewer people than in other places. It's built around a public park and you can catch some z's at The Gramercy Park Hotel for $350 a night.

Pro tip: If you're here to watch the Yankees play on their home turf,  you don't want to think about where your stuff is! Enjoy the game after you leave your signed baseball bat, Yankee hat, and any other sports memorabilia with Bounce! Rest easy with our $10.000 protection plan!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Not sure what to expect from New Yorkers? We've got some hints for you:

• New York is a hustler's paradise, the locals may seem rude since they’re always on the go. The truth is they're just very busy! Start with a smile, and you'll break the ice faster than you can say "Philly Cheesesteak!"
• The city is a cultural powerhouse! There are whole communities and districts dedicated to foreign people and cultures. You'll find Italians, Chinese, Russians, Mexicans and more! You might even find your own people there!
• Don't worry about expressing yourself! New York is fully accepting of the LGBTQ+ community and there's a place for everyone here!
• Tipping is expected! A 15-20% tip is standard and some servers' salaries depend on them. Literally! The city's biggest threat is when a sweet older lady doesn't get a tip!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Here are a few pointers for navigating the city and keeping safe:

• New York's public transport is the preferred way locals get around! The train and subway systems are your best bet for quick travel, especially during that 5 PM rush-hour traffic! Plus, they run 24/7 so you can use them to get around safely at night too!
• Driving here isn't for the faint of heart! Traffic is heavy and parking spots are rare and expensive depending on the part of the city. If you're heading outside the city, a car is a solid option!
• The streets are flat and easy to walk (no slippery cobblestones here)! Want to show off your new wheels? The city is expanding its bike lanes all the time! If you've got a different set of wheels, New York is adapted to strollers and wheelchairs! So, you’re all set!

Nature and New York: Safety tips to keep in mind

Want to get away from the stuffy city air and touristy areas? You've got some great nature options around New York:

• You can dip your toes at the popular Coney Island, Rockaway, and Orchard Beaches that are open for swimming from late May to early September! New York is open to the Atlantic Ocean, so if you're not a good swimmer, watch out for those gnarly waves and wicked strong currents!
• Nature lovers will enjoy hiking spots like the Appalachian Trail, Breakneck Ridge, and Bear Mountain! Maybe, bring some bear spray for that last one. If you want something a bit more quiet, you can visit Franny Reese State Park, Lake Skenonto Loop, and Central Park.
• Have you ever seen a raccoon in its natural habitat, the dumpster? These trash pandas steal garbage, but are generally harmless. They're very cute, but before you ask, you can't keep them. It's illegal!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

You've all heard the US healthcare costs horror stories and we've thought up a solution! Just don't get sick! In case you do though, here are some useful pieces of info:

• US healthcare is some of the best in the world, and doctors will always take care of you no matter where you come from or if you can pay. They're under oath to help anyone in need. If you don't want to pay a fortune for treatment, you should get travel insurance! It drastically cuts down costs and helps with potential healthcare pricing "oops" moments (yes, they happen).
• 911 is the number for all emergency services. If you need them, police officers will get to you in just a few minutes. Remember, ambulances can cost a pretty penny, so if your life isn't in danger, try using a cab to save thousands of dollars.
• Street food is generally fine, but trust your instincts if a food truck looks shady!
• There aren't special vaccine rules, but you should always stay up to date with those.

So, is New York City safe?

Yes, New York is one of the safest big cities! If you're using public transportation at night, avoid empty cars and dark stops. If you're here with your family to watch that Yankees game, remember Bounce luggage spots! We take care of your luggage so you can enjoy your days worry-free!