Safety Guide: The Best Neighborhoods to Stay In Near MetLife

For international tourists unfamiliar with the United States, navigating the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area can be intimidating. While the region surrounding MetLife Stadium is generally safe, picking the right neighborhood ensures you can walk to restaurants late at night without any anxiety.

1. Rutherford & East Rutherford

These are the two boroughs immediately surrounding the stadium complex. They are classic, upper-middle-class American suburbs. The crime rates are exceptionally low, the streets are heavily patrolled by local police on matchdays, and the downtown area (Park Avenue) is incredibly safe for families walking at night.

2. Hoboken

Hoboken is a highly gentrified, affluent city sitting on the Hudson River. Washington Street, its main artery, is packed with young professionals, families, and high-end restaurants. It is heavily policed and remains highly active and safe well past midnight, making it perfect for post-match celebrating.

3. Edgewater

Located north of Hoboken along the river, Edgewater is a wealthy, sprawling strip of luxury condos and high-end shopping centers (like City Place). It is extremely safe, quiet, and caters heavily to families and tourists looking for a relaxed, completely insulated environment.

Areas to Research Carefully

• Newark:

  While downtown Newark (near the Prudential Center and Ironbound) is largely revitalized and safe, wandering into deep residential neighborhoods late at night is not recommended for tourists.

• Paterson:

  Located north of the stadium, Paterson has incredible middle-eastern food but also struggles with higher crime rates in certain wards. Take an Uber directly to your restaurant rather than wandering.