Is Brooklyn Safe for Women? Crime in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is very big and depending on what area you are it can be more likely to something happen or no. Usually is a lot of people around most of the time. I’m not worried about my safety almost all the time, I’m just extra cautious nighttime and in the subway when is empty.

I’ve lived here since 2007 in multiple neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Manhattan and I’ve never felt unsafe. I will emphasize that mentally ill people are FAR LESS LIKELY to commit crimes than other groups. People like to whine about NYC crime rates because they see homeless and/or mentally ill people on the street or on transit. It’s completely overblown. Naturally, there are parts of NYC that are a little more dangerous—every city has them—but those neighborhoods are far away from anywhere you’d go, even if you were an especially adventurous traveler.

I do not feel like a fearful person. Brooklyn can be dangerous sometimes, I just think if you're minding your own business and you don't look like an easy target, then you'll be fine. Just look confident and strong. Generally just sticking with a group of people or if you're going to be alone just checking yourself and making sure you know where you're going so you're not getting lost. Generally I feel like it's great.

Brooklyn, just like most NYC boroughs, really varies from block to block. Most places feel safe though, even at night. Popular places with nightlife like Williamsburg are super safe to wander around alone. I grew up in south Brooklyn and have always felt safe there as well.

If you mind your business like a New Yorker lol you will be good. A petite 5”3 woman who works late I can say as long as u mind ya business and don’t bother ppl all is good. I take train and walk @ 12am-3am from work in the city and I have never had anything happen to nor around me. I’d say if u feel uncomfortable listen to ya instincts and just get from wherever you’re at. I personally carry pepper spray & a small knife as a just in case. But I’ve never had to use it. I also recommend paying attention to ya surroundings bcuz you just never know. Also u can roll and smoke every where but where it’s posted that it is prohibited.

Stay on streets where there are others and never stare at the crazy things you see, New Yorkers just keep on moving. I carry pepper spray if I know I’ll be on the subway late, but overall stay around others and you should be totally safe.

Solo travel

Brooklyn has authentic, tasty foods characteristic of each neighborhood. As it’s large, there are more residential areas as well as a few unsafe areas the deeper south / more east you get. However. overall there’s a clear sense of culture and history behind the city. Be sure to check out Prospect Park, Brooklyn Heights, as well as the Williamsburg / Greenpoint neighborhoods for more tourist and newer attractions.

Solo travel

I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Williamsburg. Walk down the street and find 10 things to do, most nights. Take the train to easily get from place to place. Lots of expensive shopping if you’re into that, or interesting window-shopping - that’s fun too. Some really cool vintage/thrift shops. Multiple small venues for live music. TONS of places to eat and drink. I have stayed at the Pod Hotel in Williamsburg several times, all good experiences, relatively affordable. Use common sense and you will be as safe as anywhere else in the country. Especially in Williamsburg, if you stick to the main streets after dark, you will be fine. There is a likelihood you will encounter street harassment, but nothing more than what is, unfortunately, common and to be expected. All in all, Williamsburg is interesting and fun, a good location to get to other places from, not super cheap - but you can try to stick with free events and activities, or window-shopping, the Pod Hotel is great IMO, and yeah…just go see New York, why not try Williamsburg.