Panic Rooms and Bulletproof Doors: The Latest Trend Among NYC’s Wealthy

The ultra-wealthy in New York are investing in panic rooms, hidden entrances, and bulletproof features instead of boats, luxury condos, and private jets.

New York’s affluent are taking extraordinary measures to defend their properties due to increased crime and immigration. This tendency is seen in more houses constructing panic rooms and bulletproof doors.

Over three-quarters of Americans think crime has grown, according to Pew Research. According to the Daily Mail, violent protest-police conflicts and horrific social media posts fuel these anxieties.

Rich New Yorkers spend thousands fortifying their homes. Hidden doors, electric door knobs, ballistic doors, and facial recognition locks are upgrades.

The New York Post reported that specialized panic rooms cost $50,000. Bulletproof rooms with night-vision gear, medical kits, and food can cost up to $1 million for premium properties.

After George Floyd’s death in 2020, anti-police-violence protests increased demand, builders said. Fortified Ballistic Security’s David Vranicar and Creative Home Engineering’s Steve Humble have seen business rise in New York. Building Consensus CEO Bill Rigdon says national anxiety and civic instability, especially surrounding the presidential election, have increased demand.

A basic panic room costs $100,000–$200,000, with upgrades costing more. Electrified handles, smoke-screen launchers, and shotgun-armed drones are among Rigdon’s security products.

After the January 6 Capitol incident and the October Hamas strike on Israel, lawmakers and Jewish homeowners are buying panic rooms.

Current trends include making closets and home offices secure havens to add security to everyday living places. Secret entrances in bookcases or window sills provide emergency escapes.

Wealthy New Yorkers are buying peace of mind amid social media’s nonstop violence.