When you’re planning a move to a new area, and you have young children, it’s always prudent to research the safest neighborhoods first. If you’re moving to Manhattan, the job is less daunting than it appears: According to DNAinfo.com, nine of the borough’s 17 neighborhoods have ranked in the lower third of their Crime and Safety Report. While housing prices are typically slightly higher than what you might pay elsewhere in the city, the peace of mind you’ll get in return is worth the investment. Here are some details on five of the safest Manhattan neighborhoods.
1. Sutton Place
Only a handful of recent crimes were reported here, and of those, the majority involved theft and burglary rather than violence. The nearby Long Island Aquarium is sure to keep the little ones amused. The majority of area students attend NYC Geog District #2, but for older children, the Art & Design High School is rated very highly for its type. The downside? The median listing price for homes in the neighborhood is $1,750,000 — much higher than the New York City average.
2. Beekman
One of Address Report’s safest New York City neighborhoods, and home to the Beekman School, a private and very small high school of only 75 students. The Beekman Recreational Park hosts an after-school program — very useful for working parents. Median home prices are in the $280,000 range, making it more affordable than nearby Sutton Place.
3. Battery Park City
Despite its ominous-sounding name, crime density in Battery Park City is quite low, with shoplifting being the prime offender. According to Inside Schools, the local public school has a great science program, as well as Spanish instruction beginning as early as first grade. The median listing price for homes in the area has risen slightly of late and sits at roughly $960,000. The Esplanade on the Hudson River is perfect for family outings, and there are several interesting museums nearby, including the Irish Hunger Memorial and the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
4. Greenwich
The overall crime rate here is more than 34 percent lower than the national average — not surprising, considering the country setting. Home prices are on the rise at just under $170,000, but the trade-off is worth it. Opportunities for family-friendly activities abound, with both the Willard Mountain ski area and Hudson Crossing Park just a short distance away. Students at both the elementary school and the junior-senior high school have seen a recent marked improvement in standardized tests.
5. Carnegie Hill
Area Vibes gives this neighborhood an A for safety — one of the best reasons for choosing Carnegie Hill. The housing costs present the only red flag, with the median home price coming in at just under $400,000. The famed “Museum Mile” is located here, meaning you’ll never be at a loss for interesting things to do on the weekends. If you have straight-A high school students, consider enrolling them in the Dalton School, a member of the Ivy Preparatory School League.