Palisades Park, located in Bergen County, New Jersey, is often just called Palisades Park by us.

When you ask people who actually live here or know someone who does, they all say, "It's safer than you think."

The neighborhood isn't large; it's a small municipality, and the Korean community is densely packed. Everyone knows whose son goes to which school, and what business Mr. Kim across the street runs; this information circulates through word of mouth.

As a result, safety is naturally maintained. Looking at the statistics, you can see that violent crimes like murder and robbery are almost nonexistent. The atmosphere here is very different from New York, where there are places you shouldn't go at night and areas that are considered dangerous.

However, that doesn't mean you can completely let your guard down.

One of the biggest concerns people talk about here is car-related issues. In recent years, car thefts and break-ins in the New York metro area have increased significantly.

Palisades Park is not completely free from this issue. If you leave your car parked on the street with bags, phones, or laptops visible inside, it can easily be targeted. So, make sure to keep your car empty. Some people might think, "Oh, that won't happen to me," but there are real cases where people break windows just for something small.

Also, where you park is more important than you might think. It's best to park in well-lit areas with a lot of foot traffic, preferably where there are security cameras.

Since the neighborhood around the police station is small, patrols are frequent, and people say that response times are quick when you report something. In case of an emergency, you can always call 911, and for general inquiries, you can reach them at 201-585-4150. Make sure to write this down.

Do you know what's great about Palisades Park? There are people at the police station who speak Korean. This makes it easier for elderly residents who may not speak English well or for those who have just arrived in the U.S. to report issues and get help. Additionally, there is a strong culture of neighbors looking out for each other and sharing information. If a suspicious car has been parked for days or if someone unfamiliar is loitering, it quickly becomes known and leads to reports.

To be honest about the neighborhood's atmosphere, there isn't any particular area that is especially dangerous. However, the area around Broad Avenue, where many shops are clustered, can get quiet at night, with issues like illegal parking and noise.

So, when walking alone late at night, you should exercise basic caution. It's not something to be overly tense about, but it's the kind of awareness you would have living in any city.

All things considered, Palisades Park is a really stable neighborhood, especially given its proximity to New York.

For families or those raising children, there are good reasons to feel comfortable living here. While surrounding neighborhoods may have fluctuating safety levels, when you look at Palisades Park on its own, it definitely feels like a secure place to be.