Is Philadelphia Safe? 9 of the Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia in 2024

Philadelphia, PA, is one of the most vibrant cities on the East Coast. Not only is it a large, multicultural, bustling metropolis, but it also has plenty of opportunities if you’re looking to start or expand your career, grow your family, and/or have an array of fun activities at your fingertips. Like all big cities, though, there are always people moving in and out of Philadelphia, and it definitely has its fair share of crime. Is Philadelphia safe? Absolutely — you just need to know the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia.

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Of course crime statistics can’t be ignored. Yes, Philadelphia has higher rates of violent and property crimes compared with the rest of Pennsylvania, but it also has lower crime rates than nearby Baltimore, MD, and similar rates to Washington, D.C. In addition, crime tends to be concentrated in certain areas, which is why it’s so crucial to know which are the safest Philadelphia neighborhoods before you decide to purchase a home or rent.

If you’re considering a move to one of the safe areas in Philadelphia, you’re in luck because we have nine options that are definitely worth checking out. But before we get started, let’s cover the basics when it comes to the safe areas to live in Philadelphia.

Safest Places To Live in Philadelphia — FAQs

How dangerous is Philadelphia? Is Philly safe? What are the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia? Here are the short answers to some of your most pressing questions about life in The Birthplace of America. 

Q: Are there any safe neighborhoods in Philadelphia, PA?
A: Plenty. Pennypack Park and Somerton East are two of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia with crime rates well below the Philadelphia average. Other top picks? University City, Upper Roxborough, Academy Gardens, Fox Chase East, Fitler Square, Bella Vista, and Fairmount.

Q: What is the best area of Philadelphia to live in?
A: That depends on your personal preferences and whether you’re looking to buy or rent, but many people consider Manayunk, Fishtown, and Rittenhouse Square to be some of the best areas in Philadelphia to live. Bella Vista and Fairmount also get A+ ratings from Niche!

Q: What is the safest zip code in Philadelphia?
A: According to Niche, the 19003 zip is the best zip code in Philadelphia.

Q: Is it safe to live in downtown Philadelphia?
A: Downtown Philadelphia is a safe place to live; however, like all big-city downtown areas, you should always be aware of your surroundings and make efforts to protect yourself and property, just in case. 

Q: What is the safest part of Philadelphia?
A: There are many safe areas in Philadelphia, but according to NeighborhoodScout, one of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia is Pennypack Park. 

Q: Where is the lowest crime rate in Philadelphia?
A: The safest neighborhood, according to NeighborhoodScout’s crime rate data, is Pennypack Park.

Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

If you’re asking yourself, “Is Philadelphia safe?,” the truth is that it has a relatively high crime rate. But as with most major cities, the key is to stay aware of your surroundings — and keep a finger on the pulse of some of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Let’s explore them in more detail. 

Thanks to the large student population, University City is filled with plenty of cute coffee shops and restaurants.
(Source: University City District via Facebook)

1. University City

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,725
• Average home value: $476,000
• Great for: Diversity, outdoor activities, nightlife, commute

University City is a great place for students, families, and young professionals. Thanks to the proximity of the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, as well as medical schools and hospitals, this area is one of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia and is always bustling. You can expect to see people out and about enjoying Clark Park, farmers’ markets, and even pop-up flea markets. And with a large student population, the area is littered with plenty of cute coffee shops and restaurants that you could easily visit daily. In fact, people feel so safe in this area that it’s known for its walkability — even after dark.

2. Pennypack Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,350
• Average home value: $312,200
• Great for: Outdoor activities, nightlife, diversity

If you’ve always wanted to live near a beautiful green space but still have access to all the city amenities of Philadelphia, then consider moving to the Pennypack Park area. This neighborhood borders — you guessed it — the historic Pennypack Park, which was officially created in 1905 to protect the precious green areas in and around the city. And you’ll be so glad it was, since there are all kinds of outdoor activities to enjoy here. Whether you want to explore the wandering trails or go jogging, biking, or even horseback riding, you can do so in this lush park.

With plenty of open spaces and native trees and plants, this is also a great place to do some bird or animal watching. After some time spent in the park, you may even forget you’re in the middle of a wonderful Philly neighborhood full of local businesses, cafes, and shopping!

Upper Roxborough has enjoyed low crime rates for years, which is one reason it’s so popular with families and young professionals.
(Source: Lisa Murphy, Realtor via Facebook)

4. Somerton East

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
• Average home value: $370,700
• Great for: Diversity, outdoor activities, commute

Not only is Somerton East considered one of the safest areas in Philly, but it may also be one of the most affordable. Its location also ensures it’s an easy ride to work for commuters in the Philadelphia area, as well as to New York City and Baltimore, if you happen to work there. Additionally, there are lots of shops within easy walking distance, and residents find that it's a clean and quiet part of the city. 

This neighborhood is also close to Pennypack Park, so if you’re interested in having a beautiful green park for walking, hiking, biking, or playing with the kids, this could be the place to do it. 

Q: Is Philadelphia safer than NYC? A: When asking yourself, “Is Philadelphia safe?,” it makes sense to compare it to a city you already know well, like New York. According to NeighborhoodScout’s crime data, NYC has a slightly lower crime rate than Philadelphia. While NYC is considered safer than 6 percent of U.S. cities, Philly is considered safer than just 2 percent.

Academy Gardens is a well-regarded neighborhood that may even feel more like a suburb, thanks to the well-kept homes and children often seen playing outdoors.
(Source: Mike Bottaro, Associate Broker, Realtor via Facebook)

5. Academy Gardens

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average home value: $314,800
• Great for: Outdoor activities, cost of living

Whether you’re looking for a safe neighborhood in Philadelphia to purchase a house or you want to rent for the time being, you can’t go wrong with Academy Gardens. This is a well-regarded neighborhood that may even feel more like a suburb. People take pride in their homes, and you’ll often find children playing outside. Residents feel safe, and, therefore, the area is very walkable. You’ll have access to not only some fantastic local restaurants and bars but also to plenty of parks and playgrounds.

Fluehr Park, in particular, is a great area to explore when you just want to get outside for a bit, and the Torresdale Playground is a must for the kids. If you like golf, you’re also in luck, since there are two golf clubs in your area of town! 

6. Fox Chase East

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,275
• Average home value: $313,400
• Great for: Diversity, outdoor activities

An area that is just as good as you’ve heard (and maybe even better) is Fox Chase East, which offers residents a safe, suburban feel that’s still close to the city. With plenty of fun bars and restaurants, as well as some eclectic shops, you’ll be glad that you’re able to call this neighborhood home. Fox Chase is also close to Pennypack Park, which is a great outdoor experience for all ages. Parents love to bring their kids there for a day outside, and other residents love the miles of trails available for hiking and biking.
 
There are lots of walkable places to grab brunch or lunch on the weekends, and you’ll find that living here doesn’t give you a bad commute if you’re working elsewhere in the city. The crime rate in this area is below the city average, making it one of the safest Philadelphia neighborhoods, and citizens of the community take pride in their homes and welcome newcomers to their neighborhood.

Fitler Square residents love to take advantage of the easy access to parks — especially the Schuylkill River Trail for walks and jogs. 
(Source: Nicole Carter-Your Neighbor Your Realtor via Facebook)

7. Fitler Square

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
• Average home value: $770,000
• Great for: Families, young professionals, outdoor activities, nightlife, commute

If you’re looking for one of the safe neighborhoods in Philadelphia to call home that’s close to all the fun but on the quieter side, you should look into Fitler Square. This area, along with Devil’s Pocket and Grays Ferry, make up the larger community collectively referred to as Schuylkill. Just a short walk away is a great bar and restaurant scene, and you’ll never get tired of trying new cuisines or visiting the trendiest places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Residents feel safe walking around and love to take advantage of the easy access to parks — especially the Schuylkill River Trail for walks and jogs. But with tree-lined streets and beautiful homes, you may just choose to take your walks right there in the neighborhood!

Q: Is Philly safer than L.A.? A: Los Angeles has a lower overall crime rate than Philadelphia, per NeighborhoodScout. The L.A. crime index is 7 (meaning it’s considered safer than 7 percent of other U.S. cities), while the Philly crime index is 2. Of course, crime is less common in the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia.

8. Bella Vista

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,650
• Average home value: $497,100
• Great for: Families, commute, outdoor activities, nightlife

If you want to have a good dose of old Philly charm in the neighborhood you decide to settle down in, you can’t go wrong with Bella Vista. Named after the strong Italian influence it experienced over the years from the many immigrants that called it home, this area is also home to the largest outdoor curb market, known as the Italian Market. And while it may be called the Italian Market, you can rest assured you’re going to see food vendors from all kinds of countries, including Mexico, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This is one of the most popular areas for lots of Philadelphians to come explore, and it’s going to be right in your neighborhood!
 
This neighborhood is very walkable and includes many green spaces that residents love to use for jogging, letting the kids play, or walking with the dog. And if you’re a fan of bocce, you’ll be happy to know that beautiful Bardascino Park has a very active bocce court for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for a safe Philly neighborhood that offers a nice suburban feel but still keeps you close to all the fun, check out Bella Vista.

This residential area gives you easy access to cultural amenities such as museums, as well as a short commute to Center City. 
(Source: Steve Brady via Facebook)