Are you considering relocating to Philadelphia, PA? You might find exciting job opportunities in the city’s thriving education, healthcare, tech, or business service sectors. Maybe East Coast charm and rich history, along with diverse neighborhoods, are beckoning. Or maybe you simply want to regularly enjoy Philly’s legendary cheesesteak sandwiches- especially after re-creating a run up the 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art- (just like Rocky Balboa of Rocky movie fame).
Whatever your reasons for moving to the City of Brotherly Love, don’t let statistics about high crime rates deter you. Out of the 10 US cities with populations of more than 1 million residents, Philadelphia does rank above the national crime average-at 5.6/10- though at a much lower rate than Chicago’s crime index of 7.5/10. With research you will find there are also secure options in many other areas. For instance, secure living can be found further north in the safest areas of New York State, or in the south central region of the US, where the safest neighborhoods in Texas offer affordable living and low crime rates as well.
There has been a steady decline in violent crime in Philadelphia, in particular in homicides, which fell to their lowest levels in almost 10 years. (This trend was also mirrored in NYC which had major crimes drop significantly, though robbery rates rose). Steady progress in Philadelphia’s public safety has been made. Since there are high-crime areas you do want to avoid, a little research will establish which are the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia PA so you can settle in with ease.
Philadelphia’s original city plan from 1682 consisted of 6 large sections, surrounding Center City (the actual center of the city)- North Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and Northwest Philadelphia. This early grid design for the city formed a framework for Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. These neighborhoods grew up along industrial or cultural hubs, sometimes expanding beyond the original grid (as South Philadelphia, North Philadelphia and West Philadelphia did).
Ultimately, the true essence of Philadelphia lies in its vibrant distinctive neighborhoods. According to Philadelphia Magazine: “We’re neighborhood people. And that’s what Philly is: neighborhoods. That’s why this all works.”
The neighborhoods that make up these 6 sections are as diverse as the population of Philadelphia. Philadelphia’s Puerto Rican population (second in numbers only to NYC) is mostly found in the eastern North Philadelphia area, often in the Fairhill neighborhood. The Italian population makes South Philadelphia home. The Irish fill the South Philadelphia neighborhoods of Pennsport and Gray’s Ferry. Polish immigrants headed for Port Richmond in the North Philadelphia sector, while a mix of Poles and Irish settled in Kensington and Fishtown in the Northeast sector. Koreans initially moved to North Philadelphia’s neighborhood of Olney. Northeast Philadelphia has a sizable Jewish and Russian population, with Mount Airy in Northwest Philadelphia also containing a Jewish community. Philadelphia’s black population is the fourth-largest in the US- settling in West Philadelphia or North Philadelphia. West Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia have various Afro-Caribbean and African immigrant communities as well. The LGBTQ+ population has its neighborhood area too- Washington Square West, situated in the Center City area, near to landmark Independence Hall. Dubbed the Gayborhood, it is marked by rainbow-colored street signs, with many LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants, and events.
So what are your 10 best options when searching for the safest Philadelphia neighborhoods?
While there are many personal factors that influence your decision on where to live (transportation, cost of living, good schools for a family, cultural amenities, sports activities, etc.), safety is key. These rankings are based primarily on their crime rates compared to Philadelphia’s city average:
PENNYPACK PARK
is at the top of many safest neighborhood lists, with a crime rate at 71% below the city average. Located in the Northeast Philadelphia sector, it borders historic Pennypack Park, so offers great outdoor activities. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,350/month, and the average home value is $312,200. Pennypack Park is family-friendly, though for singles, its affordability may make up for its lack of nightlife. Surrounding neighborhoods such as Fox Chase, Holmesburg, Somerton East, and Mayfair offer a varied range of single-family homes and apartments, with good safety ratings.
TORRESDALE
is also in the Northeast sector of Philadelphia, has a 69% crime rate below the city’s average. Rents are around $1,245/mo and median home costs hover at $325,000. Public transport by SEPTA (Southeastern PA Transportation Authority) rail or bus here is a good option, but Torresdale’s suburban layout lends itself better to car commuting on the nearby I-95. Affordability here makes Torresdale appealing to families and singles alike.
BUSTLETON
is in Northeast Philadelphia as well and comes in with a 67% crime rate below the Philadelphia average. There are good commuting options here, and living costs are moderate (average rent for a 1 bedroom is $1,300-$1,400 and median home prices are about $350,000). Access to Pennypack Park, medical services, and various public and private schools are amenities in Bustleton as well.
UPPER ROXBOROUGH
is a suburban neighborhood in the Northwest Philadelphia area (also part of the Upper Northwest Philadelphia sector) with proximity to hiking in the Schuykill River Park and Roxborough State Park. It is popular with families and young professionals, due to its variety of well regarded schools, outdoor activities, and good shopping along Ridge AV. Socializing is available in various pubs and restaurants, but for a more vibrant nightlife, singles can venture to Manayunk or Roxborough. Median rents are $1,675 a month, and average homes can cost $362,200, though larger homes or renovated ones may be higher.
CHESTNUT HILL
in the Northwest Philadelphia sector, is affluent and suburban (home for families, professionals and retirees). It has a 61% crime rate lower than the Philadelphia average. Median rent here is $1,800-$2,300/mo and median home values typically range from $500,000 to over $1 million. It boasts colonial-era homes, and historic architecture such as the beautiful Victorian style Chestnut Hill Train Station.
FAIRMOUNT
is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Philly with a crime rate of 28% below the city crime average. It is in the North Philadelphia sector, home to the Museum of Art and scenic Fairmount Park. It attracts singles and young professionals with its lively social scene, cultural venues, and good public transportation. But Fairmount is family-friendly too, with reputable schools, and many playgrounds and parks. Housing here can be pricey- 1 bedroom apartments are $1,800-$2,200 per month, and home prices range from $400,000 to $800,000.
NORTHERN LIBERTIES
is in the North Philadelphia sector. Close to Center City, the area’s trendy restaurants and art scene have attracted a diverse community of young professionals, artists, and families. Prices reflect the revitalization of this former industrial/factory/brewhouse area, with one bedroom apartments costing $1,800-$2,500/month and house prices ranging from $400,000 to over $800,000, with newer developments costing even more.
RITTENHOUSE SQUARE
is ranked among the safest Philly neighborhoods, despite rising crime rates in the Center City area. Along with the nearby Society Hill neighborhood, these desirable neighborhoods are costly, with 1 bedroom apartment rents at $2,500-$3,500 and median home prices from $600,000 to over $1.5 million and more. These neighborhoods offer upscale restaurants and nightlife, high-end boutiques, and easy commuting, plus proximity to historical sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall (birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution).
UNIVERSAL CITY
in the Center City sector ranks at a 29% lower crime rate than the city average. Due to its proximity to University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, the area attracts students, professors and young professionals. Median rent is $1,800 to $2,500 and median home prices vary from $400,000 to over $800,000. Additionally the area has easy access to good public transportation.
WHARTON-HAWTHORNE-BELLA VISTA
are South Philadelphia neighborhoods, home to the historic Italian Market, plus iconic Geno’s and Pat’s King of Steaks cheesesteak restaurants. While this area has a rich Italian heritage, the current population is multicultural. Median rents here are $1,800-$2,300, with median house prices around $400,000 to $700,000. Wharton prices tend to be slightly lower than Bella Vista and Hawthorne ($1,600-$2,200 for 1 bedroom rents, $350,00-$600,000 for houses). Crime in this
area is around 41% lower than the city average.
With this research and careful consideration of the various neighborhoods in this historic East Coast city, you can now confidently find a secure new home in a safe neighborhood. But don’t forget to adopt some Philadelphia culture by practicing that new casual Philly greeting of “Yo!” Plus when you order your first cheesesteak, your server will ask “Wit or Witout?” Remember to say “wit” if you want cheese, or “witout” if you don’t- you’ll sound just like the local you’re becoming!
