Safest Neighborhoods in New Cumberland, PA: 2026 Crime Data & Analysis
Here are the safest neighborhoods in New Cumberland, PA:
- East New Cumberland/Hillside – 62% lower crime than PA average, active neighborhood watch
- Fairview Township (West) – Extremely low violent crime, newer developments with security features
- Camp Hill (adjacent) – 65% lower crime rate, top police response times
- Lemoyne – Well-lit streets, strong community policing, 58% below state average
- West New Cumberland – Tight-knit community, regular patrols, low property crime
Let's be direct: New Cumberland as a whole is significantly safer than most Pennsylvania communities. But within the area, these five neighborhoods stand out for exceptionally low crime rates, strong community watch programs, and excellent police presence.
Quick Safety Facts: New Cumberland Area
| Safety Metric | New Cumberland Area | PA Average | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 👮 Overall Crime Rate | 52% lower | Baseline | 15% higher |
| 🚨 Violent Crime | 1.2 per 1,000 residents | 2.8 per 1,000 | 4.0 per 1,000 |
| 🏠 Property Crime | 8.4 per 1,000 residents | 16.2 per 1,000 | 19.6 per 1,000 |
| 🚔 Police Response Time | 4-6 minutes average | 8-10 minutes | 11 minutes |
| ⭐ Safety Rating | 8.2/10 | 6.1/10 | 5.5/10 |
Source: NeighborhoodScout Crime Data
East New Cumberland/Hillside Area 🥇
Violent Crime: 0.8 per 1,000 (70% below PA average) | Property Crime: 6.2 per 1,000 (62% below PA average)
East New Cumberland/Hillside tops the safety list with established neighborhood character where decades-long residents create powerful community vigilance. What makes it exceptionally safe: neighbors know each other so strangers are immediately noticeable, low turnover rate (average resident stays 15+ years), well-maintained properties create "eyes on the street," dead-end streets limit access points, and close-knit community reports suspicious activity immediately. Active neighborhood watch since 1998 holds monthly meetings. Police response averages 4-6 minutes with regular patrols from New Cumberland Police Department.
Real safety infrastructure includes Reservoir Park with park rangers during daylight hours, well-lit pedestrian paths throughout, security cameras at major intersections (Bridge Street, 18th Street), and recently upgraded LED street lighting systems eliminating dark spots. The minimal through-traffic on residential-only streets adds an extra layer of security.
Choose this if: You want the lowest crime statistics in the area, value long-term community relationships, prefer quiet residential streets, and want neighbors who watch out for each other.
Skip if: You want walkability to restaurants/shops (mostly residential) or prefer newer construction (homes are 1950s-1980s).
Median Home Price: $205,000-$265,000
Fairview Township (Western Section) 🥈
Violent Crime: 0.9 per 1,000 (68% below PA average) | Property Crime: 7.1 per 1,000 (56% below PA average)
Fairview Township's western section offers modern developments with built-in security features, low-density housing, and proactive Fairview Township Police Department with 24/7 patrol coverage. What makes it safe: newer homes (2000-2020) come with modern security systems, HOA-enforced property maintenance standards, wide streets with good visibility, Ring doorbell cameras throughout with community sharing enabled, and controlled access with cul-de-sacs limiting entry points.
Safety infrastructure includes HOA-maintained LED lighting throughout, Negley Park with security patrols until 10pm, township-installed emergency call boxes, well-maintained sidewalks and crosswalks, and traffic calming measures (speed bumps, roundabouts). The proximity to major roads without being on them reduces transient traffic while maintaining convenient access to amenities like Giant Food Stores and LA Fitness.
Choose this if: You want modern security features (cameras, smart locks), prefer newer construction with better lighting, value HOA maintenance standards, and want access to amenities without urban crime.
Skip if: You're budget-conscious (homes $285K-$350K) or don't want HOA fees ($150-$300/year).
Median Home Price: $285,000-$350,000
Camp Hill 🥉
Violent Crime: 0.7 per 1,000 (75% below PA average) | Property Crime: 5.8 per 1,000 (64% below PA average)
Camp Hill delivers the absolute lowest crime rates with affluent community investment in safety infrastructure and exceptional Camp Hill Police Department. Police response time averages 3-5 minutes (fastest in region) with dedicated borough police, bike patrols, and community officers who know residents by name. What makes it exceptionally safe: higher property values mean higher investment in security, active community policing, downtown foot patrols during evenings/weekends, premium LED lighting systems with zero dark spots, and well-maintained infrastructure preventing hiding spots.
Multiple active neighborhood watch groups hold monthly safety meetings. The walkable downtown creates natural surveillance with downtown surveillance cameras at key intersections, emergency call stations every 3 blocks, crosswalk signals with pedestrian priority, and bike lanes separated from vehicle traffic. Community hubs like Cornerstone Coffeehouse and Camp Hill Shopping Center maintain security patrols and well-lit parking.
Choose this if: You want the absolute lowest crime rates, prioritize rapid police response, value walkable well-lit downtown, and budget allows premium pricing.
Skip if: You're budget-conscious (homes $310K-$425K) or want larger yards.
Median Home Price: $310,000-$425,000
Lemoyne
Violent Crime: 1.0 per 1,000 (64% below PA average) | Property Crime: 7.8 per 1,000 (52% below PA average)
Lemoyne combines small-town community policing with walkable downtown featuring natural surveillance through foot traffic and business activity. Active Lemoyne Police Department provides borough police with foot patrols in downtown, while the walkable downtown creates more "eyes on the street" naturally. Strong sense of community means people know neighbors, regular community events build social cohesion, business owners and residents act as informal watch, and low transient population maintains consistency.
Safety infrastructure includes downtown lighting designed to eliminate shadows, security cameras at municipal building, parks department patrols during events, and well-maintained sidewalks. The strong civic association organizes community events that strengthen neighborhood bonds and collective vigilance. Lemoyne Borough Building houses police substation that's always staffed, providing immediate response capability.
Choose this if: You value community policing approach, want walkable downtown with activity, prefer organic neighborhood watch (not formal), and want small-town safety feel.
Skip if: You want the absolute lowest crime stats (Camp Hill/East NC slightly safer) or need larger parking options.
Median Home Price: $240,000-$310,000
West New Cumberland
Violent Crime: 1.3 per 1,000 (54% below PA average) | Property Crime: 8.9 per 1,000 (45% below PA average)
West New Cumberland delivers tight-knit residential community where long-term residents know each other and maintain highly effective informal neighborhood watch through constant communication. What makes it safe: neighbors watch out for each other informally, low turnover creates familiarity, mostly residential layout provides predictable activity patterns, walkable to schools means parents out regularly creating natural surveillance, and tree-lined streets create defined boundaries.
Real safety infrastructure includes New Cumberland Borough Park with evening lighting, sidewalks throughout for safe walking, proximity to police station (5-minute response), and regular New Cumberland PD patrols. Local gathering spots like Carelli's Italian Restaurant and New Cumberland Public Library serve as safe community hubs. The quiet residential streets with minimal through-traffic reduce exposure to transient crime.
Choose this if: You want affordability plus safety balance ($185K-$245K), value informal community connections, prefer quiet residential streets, and want walkability to schools/parks.
Skip if: You want the absolute lowest crime statistics or need comprehensive street lighting (some gaps on side streets).
Median Home Price: $185,000-$245,000
Crime Rate Comparison: All Neighborhoods
| Neighborhood | Violent Crime (per 1,000) | Property Crime (per 1,000) | Overall Safety Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Hill | $1 | $6 | 9.2/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| East New Cumberland | $1 | $6 | 9.0/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fairview Township | $1 | $7 | 8.7/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lemoyne | $1 | $8 | 8.4/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| West New Cumberland | $1 | $9 | 8.0/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pennsylvania Average | $3 | $16 | 6.1/10 ⭐⭐⭐ |
| National Average | $4 | $20 | 5.5/10 ⭐⭐⭐ |
Source: FBI Crime Data & NeighborhoodScout
The reality: Every single neighborhood on this list is significantly safer than both state and national averages. You're choosing between "very safe" and "extremely safe."
Your Quick Safety Decision Guide
| If Your Priority Is... | Choose This Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Lowest absolute crime rates | Camp Hill or East New Cumberland |
| Best police response time | Camp Hill (3-5 min average) |
| Most modern security features | Fairview Township (Ring cameras, smart systems) |
| Walkable + safe downtown | Lemoyne or Camp Hill |
| Affordability + safety balance | West New Cumberland ($185K-$245K) |
| Family-focused community watch | East New Cumberland (active since 1998) |
| Best street lighting | Camp Hill or Fairview Township |
| Tight-knit neighbors | West or East New Cumberland |
People Also Ask
What is the safest neighborhood in New Cumberland, PA?
Camp Hill (adjacent to New Cumberland) has the lowest crime rate at 65% below the Pennsylvania average, with violent crime at just 0.7 per 1,000 residents. East New Cumberland/Hillside area is the safest within New Cumberland borough itself, with crime 62% below state average.
Is New Cumberland, PA a safe place to live?
Yes. New Cumberland's overall crime rate is 52% lower than the Pennsylvania average and 60% lower than the national average. All neighborhoods in the area score 8.0/10 or higher on safety ratings.
What is the crime rate in New Cumberland, PA?
New Cumberland has a violent crime rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents (vs. 2.8 PA average) and property crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents (vs. 16.2 PA average). This makes it significantly safer than most Pennsylvania communities.
How do New Cumberland's crime rates compare to nearby areas?
New Cumberland is safer than Harrisburg (65% lower crime), comparable to Camp Hill and Lemoyne, and slightly safer than Mechanicsburg. It ranks in the top 25% of Pennsylvania communities for safety.
What are the safest suburbs near Harrisburg, PA?
Camp Hill, East New Cumberland, Lemoyne, and Fairview Township are among the safest Harrisburg suburbs, all with crime rates 50-65% below state averages.
Verify Safety Yourself: Practical Steps
Visit at different times: Walk the neighborhood at 7am, 3pm, and 8pm. Check street lighting after dark, observe how many people are out (activity equals safety), and see if you feel comfortable walking alone.
Talk to actual residents: Ask at local coffee shops like Cornerstone in Lemoyne or visit during school pickup times to chat with parents. Attend a community event (check borough websites for schedules) and ask residents: "Do you feel safe here? Any concerns?"
Check official crime reports: Visit CrimeReports.com for recent incidents, review Pennsylvania State Police crime data, and request neighborhood-specific data from local police departments.
Research online and in person: Join neighborhood Facebook groups, check Nextdoor for recent safety discussions, drive the area multiple times at different hours, check your actual commute route (is it through safe areas?), and note conditions of streets, lighting, and property maintenance.
The Honest Truth
New Cumberland's safety isn't just about low crime rates—it's about community culture. People here wave to neighbors they don't know, report suspicious activity immediately, maintain their properties (which prevents crime), participate in community events (which builds social cohesion), and know local police officers by name. Studies show that social cohesion is the #1 predictor of neighborhood safety—even more than police presence or income levels.
All five neighborhoods are safe—you're choosing between "very safe" and "extremely safe." Your choice should come down to budget, home style preferences, and whether you prioritize absolute lowest crime (Camp Hill/East NC) or best value for safety (West New Cumberland/Fairview).
Ready to Move to One of New Cumberland's Safest Neighborhoods?
Once you've chosen your neighborhood, Making Moves PA specializes in stress-free relocations throughout the New Cumberland area. We offer residential moving with background-checked crews, packing/unpacking services to protect your valuables, long distance moving for out-of-state relocations, and senior moving with gentle, patient assistance. We've helped hundreds of families move into these exact neighborhoods and know the area intimately.
Planning your move to New Cumberland? Read our complete guide to moving to New Cumberland for comprehensive information on schools, housing costs, and local amenities.
Exploring other neighborhood options? Check out Best Family Neighborhoods in New Cumberland, Most Affordable Areas in New Cumberland, Walkable Neighborhoods in New Cumberland, and New Cumberland Suburbs Guide.
The Bottom Line
You can't go wrong with any of these five neighborhoods—they're all significantly safer than Pennsylvania and national averages. Camp Hill and East New Cumberland offer the absolute lowest crime rates (9.0-9.2/10 safety scores), Fairview Township provides modern security features in newer construction, Lemoyne delivers walkable downtown safety with strong community policing, and West New Cumberland balances affordability ($185K-$245K) with excellent safety (8.0/10).
Your next step: Visit your top 2-3 neighborhoods in person. Walk around at different times of day. Talk to people. You'll know which one feels right.








