Philadelphia, PA is known for its key roles in American history. It is home to the Liberty Bell and was the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed. But along with these historical aspects, Philadelphia also offers many great places to live.
You may be looking into Philadelphia neighborhoods because you’re thinking about moving here. And while there are neighborhoods you’ll want to avoid, the city still has a strong supply of safe neighborhoods where you can live comfortably with peace of mind.
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Crime Stats in Philadelphia, PA
Some communities in Philadelphia, PA have seen their crime rates increase year after year, while others maintain a safe, welcoming atmosphere. But due to the more crime-ridden areas, the total crime rate in Philadelphia is 55% higher than the national average.
Here are some more Philadelphia crime stats you should know as you consider relocating to the city:
- In Philadelphia, you have a 1 in 25 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
- There were 356 total homicides in 2019, which was about the same as in 2018.
- Violent crime is 139% higher in Philadelphia than the rest of the nation.
- Property crime in Philadelphia is 41% higher than the U.S. average.
- Philadelphia is safer than 5% of the cities across the U.S.
- Check out this interactive Philadelphia crime map.
Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
1. Bustleton – The Safest Philadelphia Neighborhood to Live In
- Population: 31,993
- Crime: Total crime in Bustleton is 51% lower than the national average.
- Median Home Listing Price: $310,000
- Great for: Older married couples and established family households. Nearly 40% of the Bustleton population are families with kids under 18 years old.
This popular Philadelphia community fits its name perfectly as it is bustling with young families and happy retirees. Residents of Bustleton enjoy crime rates that are 68% lower than the Philadelphia average. This places it atop the leaderboard of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
The community has beautiful homes for sale with prices that are about 60% higher than the city’s average cost for real estate. This plays a part in the area’s slightly higher cost of living, though the neighborhood’s perks and amenities certainly make up for the extra expense.
2. Somerton – Quiet Living in Philadelphia
- Population: 30,102
- Crime: Total crime in Somerton is 39% lower than the national average.
- Median Home Listing Price: $297,000
- Great for: 40% of the population are families with kids under 18 years old. Somerton has a median age of 45 years old.
The gorgeous Philadelphia suburb known as Somerton is safer than 81% of the other neighborhoods in Pennsylvania. With nice homes across the community and a pleasant atmosphere, locals experience safe living conditions within this area. There is only a 1 in 64 chance of becoming a victim of a crime for residents in Somerton.
With a cost of living in Somerton that is about 8% higher than the Philadelphia average, homes and other expenses may be slightly more expensive in this part of town.
3. Chestnut Hill – Affluent & Peaceful Community in Philadelphia
- Population: 11,011
- Crime: Total crime in Chestnut Hill is 41% lower than the national average.
- Median Home Listing Price: $925,000
- Great for: The median age in Chestnut Hill is 30% higher than Philadelphia, making this area perfect for seniors and older couples whose kids have moved out of their homes.
The cost of living in the wealthy Philadelphia neighborhood of Chestnut Hill is around 36% higher than the city average. Along with being one of the most affluent communities in Philadelphia, it is also among the safest. In fact, it is safer than 83% of other neighborhoods across town.
Newcomers looking at homes on the market in this area will find a wide range of classy and comfortable options. But they will also need to make sure they can afford it since real estate in this upscale Philadelphia neighborhood is 193% more expensive.
4. Rhawnhurst – Welcoming Philadelphia Community for All
- Population: 30,805
- Crime: Total crime in Rhawnhurst is 24% lower than the national average.
- Median Home Listing Price: $260,000
- Great for: The median age in Rhawnhurst is 41 years old, making this a fairly average area for singles, families, and older married couples.
With only a 1 in 52 chance of becoming a victim of crime, this large community offers an enjoyable lifestyle in Philly. Crime rates in Rhawnhurst are 51% lower than the Philadelphia average, making this area safer than 73% of other parts of the city.
The cost of living in Rhawnhurst is only about 5% higher than the Philadelphia average, but local housing is still 31% higher as well.
5. Fox Chase – Affordable, Safe Philadelphia Neighborhood
- Population: 23,450
- Crime: Total crime in Fox Chase is 38% lower than the national average.
- Median Home Listing Price: $246,000
- Great for: As another great place for families, Fox Chase offers attainable living for people of all ages.
When it comes to crime rates in Fox Chase, they are 60% lower than the average in Philadelphia. Thanks to these stats, this community is safer than four out of five neighborhoods across town. Local residents have a limited 1 in 63 chance of becoming a victim of a crime while they are residing in Fox Chase.
The cost of living in Fox Chase is only 4% higher than the city average, making this an affordable option for people who want safe and inexpensive housing.
6. Academy Gardens – Pleasant Community in Philadelphia
- Population: 27,044
- Crime: Total crime in Fox Chase is 38% lower than the national average.
- Median Home Listing Price: $251,000
- Great for: Academy Gardens has a median age of 44 years old, leading this community to have more people who are looking for a calm, quiet neighborhood.
The Philadelphia neighborhood of Academy Gardens is a highly affordable area with much to offer its residents. Along with a handful of fun activities nearby, the community is safer than 74% of the other neighborhoods in Philly. Crime rates are low, providing peace of mind to everyone who lives here.
Local homes in Academy Gardens can be a bit more pricey but there are various options that make it possible to find something befitting your budget.
High Crime Areas of Philadelphia
While it’s important to know the best neighborhoods to live in, you should also be aware of the local Philadelphia neighborhoods to avoid. This will help you narrow down your options even further and make it easier to find the right community for you.
The bad areas of Philadelphia tend to be closer to downtown and the southern side of the city.
A few of the high crime areas in Philadelphia include:
- Tioga-Nicetown (population: 17,382) – 8,977 total crimes per 100,000 people every year. 190% more crime than the Philadelphia average.
- Alleghany West (population: 18,676) – 7,768 total crimes per 100,000 people every year. Violent crimes in Alleghany West are 546% higher than the national average
- North Central Philadelphia (population: 21,880) – 8,264 total crimes per 100,000 people every year. Total crime rates are 220% higher than the national average
- Strawberry Mansion (population: 19,690) – 5,941 total crimes per 100,000 people every year. 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
- Harrowgate (population: 17,456) – 8,392 total crimes per 100,000 people every year. 1 in 12 chance of becoming a victim of crime in the Harrowgate neighborhood.
Safest Philadelphia Neighborhoods FAQ
Is downtown Philadelphia safe?
Also known as City Center, downtown Philadelphia is the main part of town to avoid when it comes to crime. Certain areas of downtown Philly have crime rates which are 188% higher than the national average.
Residents of City Center have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of crime, a ratio that is 165% higher than the rest of the U.S.
Even compared to the rest of Philadelphia, the downtown area crime rates are 86% higher.
Is it safe to live in Philadelphia, PA?
Like many cities across the United States, Philadelphia has good and bad areas of town. While there are certain Philadelphia communities you should stay away from, the city does have many nice parts of town where visitors and residents can enjoy safety.
What parts of Philadelphia should I avoid?
The most dangerous areas of Philadelphia you should avoid include:
- Tioga-Nicetown
- Alleghany West
- North Central Philadelphia
- Strawberry Mansion
- Harrowgate
Safe Philadelphia Neighborhoods Map
Find the Safest Philadelphia Neighborhood for You
A large part of maintaining your safety and the safety of your loved ones is avoiding dangerous situations as much as you can. By choosing to live in safe and secure Philadelphia neighborhoods, you can dramatically reduce your risk of becoming a victim of a crime.
Once you’ve found a safe community in Philadelphia where you’d love to live, we have a team who would be happy to assist with your relocation. Our crew of top-rated Philadelphia movers is highly-trained and ready to serve. Give us a call today at (610) 314-6868 or complete the Request a Quote form above for a free Philadelphia moving estimate!
