New York City promises big lights, endless energy, and something new around every corner. But not every corner is where you want to drop your bags. The worst places to stay in New York are not always the ones you expect. Some seem convenient on a map but leave you far from the places you want to see. Other areas may feel overpriced, disorganized, chaotic, or deeply uncomfortable.
A city of this size contains numerous locations, which can greatly alter your visit for the worse if you choose a bad one while having no prior knowledge of them. Every wrong neighborhood choice leads to endless subway rides with little sleep and constant discomfort. The goal isn't to scare you off but to help you land in the part of the city that matches your rhythm, not work against it. Let's go!
1. East Harlem
Due to its high crime rate, East Harlem has gained recognition as one of Manhattan's worst districts and one of the most dangerous in all of New York City. The crime rate in this neighborhood is comparatively high, far higher than the city of New York's average. Car theft, drug-related offenses, burglaries, and robberies are examples of common crimes.
Although local crime rates have fallen, East Harlem remains one of New York's deadliest neighborhoods, particularly on specific streets and at night. Robberies are among the most common crimes in East Harlem. They frequently occur at night or in rural regions, particularly during economic difficulty. Burglary is also a major sort of crime in New York City's worst areas, including theft of property from automobiles, stores, and people's houses. In addition, violent crimes like fights and attacks occur on occasion.
2. Brownsville
Brownsville is one of the worst places to stay in New York. It is also the most deadly area in Brooklyn. The region has a long history of being one of New York's most dangerous neighborhoods, with a high number of drug-related deaths, killings, and murders. Given that Brownsville has a murder rate that is about four times higher than the national average, it is easy to understand why it is a neighborhood in the city that you should avoid.
The average person in New York does not think the risk is worth the crime rate. Your chances of becoming a victim of the crimes here are approximately 1 in 36. There are 1,264 violent crimes for every 100,000 individuals, and there are roughly 2,810 crimes for every 100,000 people. Regarding safety, this Brooklyn area is anything but ideal, so avoid it at all costs.
3. Bedford-Stuyvesant
The Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, also referred to as “do or die, Bed-Stuy,” is home to several well-known people, including the rappers Notorious B.I.G. and Yasiin Bey, better known by his stage name Mos Def. However, it has also been named one of the worst places to stay in New York. There are several violent encounters and robberies in Bed-Stuy.
The overall crime rate has risen in recent years, reaching 212 violent offenses per 10,000 people. You have a one-in-35 chance of becoming a crime victim. The violent crime rate is approximately 1,065 per 100,000 people, nearly double the national rate. Approximately one-fourth of the Bedford population lives in poverty, and almost one-fifth is unemployed. High crime rates and poverty might make this an unsafe place to visit or live.
4. Woodlawn-Nordwood
Woodlawn-Nordwood is situated on the outskirts of New York City, in the northwest section of the Bronx. It’s one of the worst places to stay in New York. Yonkers and points north can be reached a little further down the route. Additionally, the neighborhood is ranked as the second worst in New York. The area's 10,349 citizens frequently face financial hardship.
The economy is quite solid, but the high cost of living consumes a large portion of the locals' median income of $63,730. The median value of a home is $230,318. Woodlawn-Northwood is not without its beauties. It is home to several examples of unusual architecture, including the breathtaking St. Brendan's Church. Valentine-Varian House, built in 1758, is another example of old New York.
5. Mott Haven
Mott Haven is among the worst neighborhoods in New York City and one of the most violent parts of the Bronx. This neighborhood's overall crime rate is 2.4 times that of New York City. Violent crime is 3.5 times greater than the city's general violent crime rate, while property crime is twice as high as the total rate in New York.
Theft and street robberies are the most common crimes in the Mott Haven neighborhood; these typically occur at night or in places with few residents. The low economic standing of some neighborhood areas makes burglary offenses especially common, and residents are frequently at risk of home invasions or auto theft. Residents face some security pressures as a result of the community's level of drug dealing and associated criminal activity.
6. Midtown
Although many people would not consider Midtown to be of particular concern, crime has increased in recent years, owing in part to the city's large homelessness crisis. This makes it one of the worst places to stay in New York. In 2020 and 2021, there were multiple high-profile incidents in which homeless males attacked and stabbed bystanders in Midtown. Although violent crime is lower than in other neighborhoods, minor offenses such as stealing are common.
The bustle of tourists around Times Square and Central Park (one of the state parks in the United States) makes it simple for crooks to steal personal goods and flee. The property crime rate in this area is approximately 7,400 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate is around 1,200 per 100,000 people. Pickpocketing is more common here than violence, yet neither is preferable in everyday life. It's critical to keep an eye out, especially surrounded by tourists who make it seem like nothing can go wrong.
7. Jamaica-Queens
Jamaica, Queens is a central commercial district with numerous small businesses and retail outlets. The city also includes several government establishments. However, it has previously been connected with gang-related actions, which have since decreased. There is usually one shooting every month, which can result in many casualties. There are frequent robberies, muggings, and drug-related incidents on the streets. The likelihood of becoming a victim of the crimes here is 1 in 32, and there are 1,117 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents.
8. Hunts Point
Hunts Point is among the worst places to stay in New York. With only 11,425 residents, this ghetto neighborhood in the Bronx, directly along the East River, wins the award for the worst location to live in the largest metropolis in the country. Rape arrests have increased by a ratio of five, and the rate of serious assault is an absurd 151 per 100,000. Additionally, more than one person out of every 100 has been arrested and convicted.
In addition, there are many homeless people in this area, and the shelters for them are in horrible condition. Locals have made an effort; at the very least, they have resisted attempts to open further strip clubs in the neighborhood. People have been complaining about the crime for a long time, but nothing has been done about it. In actuality, the Bronx has been somewhat overlooked as other boroughs of New York City have better crime statistics and undergone development.
9. East New York
East New York, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, has long been regarded as one of the most dangerous places in the city. The area's crime problem is divided into two categories: property crime and violent crime. There are 1,095 violent crimes and 2,176 property crimes for every 100,000 persons. Higher poverty rates, higher unemployment rates, and a lack of adequate public services and community infrastructure are some causes of this trend.
Burglaries, robberies, armed robberies, and drug offenses are among the crimes that have a major negative influence on neighborhood safety and the standard of living for locals. Residents in East New York are worried about protecting their houses and cars because property crimes like car theft and burglaries are frequent there. The likelihood that inhabitants would be exposed to violence in this one of the riskiest neighborhoods in New York is also increased by the prevalence of violent crimes like shootings and assaults.
10. Fordham
In the Bronx, Fordham is one of New York City's most dangerous neighborhoods. It’s one of the worst places to stay in New York. The crime rate in the neighborhood is relatively high, particularly compared to New York City's overall average. Furthermore, the area's overall crime rate is 4,761/100,000 persons, compared to 2,885/100,000 in New York City.
The rate in New York City is 1.65 times lower than this. Among the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City, auto theft, robbery, drug-related crimes, gang activity, and burglary are frequent crimes. Even though the local police have improved security and monitoring, residents still worry about crime in numerous commercial and residential areas.
11. Tremont
Tremont is one of New York City's lowest-income neighborhoods. It has two different police stations to deal with crime rates that are about 200% higher than the national average. This Bronx area has long been associated with crime and is regarded as one of New York's worst neighborhoods. In Tremont, your chances of becoming a victim are approximately one in 35. The average violent crime rate is roughly 1,223 per 100,000 people, whereas the overall crime rate is about 2,898 for every 100,000 people. To avoid being a victim during the day or at night, you must be aware of your surroundings when traveling around Tremont.
Conclusion
There you have it – the worst places to stay in New York. New York can be unforgettable for all the right reasons, but staying in the wrong spot can quickly shift the mood. A great trip depends on more than sights and shows — where you sleep matters just as much. The worst places to stay in New York often lack comfort, convenience, or the right energy. Choose wisely, and the city becomes yours to enjoy, not just endure between train rides and noise.
