Philadelphia is a historic “City of Brotherly Love” and an East Coast destination that attracts young people. It houses the “Eds and Meds” sector, such as the University of Pennsylvania and Comcast, which is the major center for healthcare, technology, and education. However, the cost of living here is lower than in New York or Washington, D.C., that your life would be without the crushing financial burden in this city.
Whether you want to go to the prestigious Ivy League or aspire to the booming biotechnology industry, moving to Philadelphia means you will join a vibrant community.However, choosing which neighborhood to move to will be the most critical decision you will make for your future life. To help you move smoothly, we have carefully curated a Guide to the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia so that you can start your new chapter in this iconic city with peace of mind.
Is Philadelphia Safe?
Is Philadelphia safe? Before moving, you might have a question like this. Surprisingly, Philadelphia’s violent crime rate declined significantly in 2025. Homicides have plummeted by about 16% compared to the same period in 2024.
Philadelphia vs. The Rest of the World: 2025 Crime Stats
Although Philadelphia has historically had a high crime rate, the data from 2025 indicates that the city is undergoing a significant safety transformation. To give you a clearer understanding, here is a comparison of Philadelphia’s national, state, and other major city averages:
- Violent Crime Trends: By the end of 2025, the total number of violent crimes in Philadelphia had decreased by 8.8% year over year. The incidence of homicide cases has decreased significantly, dropping by 16% compared to 2024.
- The National vs. Local Gap: For a long time, Philadelphia’s violent crime rate has been significantly higher than the national average in the United States (at its peak, it was almost four times higher). However, Philadelphia was returning to the national average at a rapid pace in 2025. Its current safety index has risen to 38/100, meaning it is now safer than 38% of cities in the United States.
- State Comparison: Compared with Pennsylvania’s average, Philadelphia’s property crime rate remains relatively high, especially for theft and burglary. However, Philadelphia has launched an intensive community intervention program, and the gap in violent crimes has significantly narrowed.
- Peer City Comparison: By 2025, Philadelphia’s safety factor have surpassed that of several peer cities. While cities like Baltimore and Memphis continue to struggle with above-average violent crime rates, Philadelphia has officially been removed from the list of the “Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the United States”.
2025 Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia Table
To help you gain an intuitive understanding of the safety situation, we have compiled statistics on the most popular residential areas in the city in 2025. Safety is usually measured by the number of accidents per 1,000 residents.
| Neighborhood | Safety Rank | Violent Crime Rate (per 1k) | Property Crime Rate (per 1k) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chestnut Hill | 1 | 2.26 | 14.52 |
| Pennypack Park | 2 | 2.15 | 13.9 |
| Somerton | 3 | 1.88 | 12.37 |
| Manayunk | 4 | 2.55 | 16.36 |
| Fairmount | 5 | 2.12 | 18.45 |
| West Mount Airy | 6 | 3.03 | 14.39 |
| Bella Vista | 7 | 3.15 | 20.49 |
| University City | 8 | 3.42 | 22.1 |
| East Falls | 9 | 3.09 | 20.52 |
Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
Philadelphia offers a wide variety of safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, allowing anyone who comes to live here to find a new home of their own. Whether you prefer the rich historical atmosphere and vibrant modern culture of the city center or are seeking a quiet place to live after a long day, Philadelphia offers many safe places to meet your needs.
From the tree-lined hilltop estate of Chestnut Hill to the wide residential streets around Pennypack Park in the northeast, Philadelphia’s safest communities are more than just statistics. These safe neighborhoods are fixed by a strong neighborhood watch, first-class schools, and a neighborhood atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of the city. In the following chapters, we will introduce safest areas in Philadelphia with low crime rates and a high quality of life, helping you find a family that fits your budget and, most importantly, giving you peace of mind.
Chestnut Hill
- Population: 11,000
- Average rent: $1,975/ month
- Average home value: $842,300
- Crime rate: 61% lower than Philadelphia and 11% below the national average
- Great for: Families and young people who enjoy nightlife and outdoor sports
Chestnut Hill is one of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, renowned for its private schools, affluent residents, and magnificent architecture. On weekends, you can go hiking on Forbidden Drive, feel the charm of nature, or shop at Chestnut Hill Farmers’ Market, and have a fulfilling day. Although the environment is peaceful, that doesn’t mean life here is inconvenient. It is served by two SEPTA commuter rail lines that take you to the city center in 35 minutes. You can perfectly balance work and a peaceful life. Why is Chestnut Hill so safe? It has an active community association and a highly vigilant neighborhood watch system. Germantown Avenue has abundant street lighting and a dense array of boutiques on both sides. It is one of the few neighborhoods in Philadelphia where you can feel safe going out late at night.
Pennypack Park
- Population: 12,500
- Average rent: $1,300/ month
- Average home value: $314,800
- Crime rate: 62% lower than Philadelphia
- Great for: People who enjoy outdoor activities, nightlife and diverse cultures
If you want to live in the affordable and safest areas in Philadelphia, Pennypack Park is the top choice. The 1,600-acre Pennypack Park offers a unique sense of living in an “urban forest”. It boasts excellent community maintenance and a low-risk environment with the lowest poverty rates. You can cycle or jog along the Pennypack Trail every morning to breathe fresh air. Roosevelt Boulevard Shopping Center is also nearby and always meets your shopping needs.
Meanwhile, you can easily reach downtown Philadelphia, Temple University, and Drexel University via the Fox Chase Line or nearby highways. The sense of “neighborhood watch” here is powerful. When unfamiliar vehicles are in the residential area, they often draw attention, which can provide a sense of security.
Somerton
- Population: 26,000
- Average rent: $1,500/ month
- Average home value: $383,300
- Crime rate: 60% lower than Philadelphia and 39% lower than the national average
- Great for: People who enjoy outdoor activities and have the need for convenient commuting
If you want to get away from the bustle of downtown, Somerton is a perfect choice. It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, PA, located in the northernmost part of the city. Most residents are doctors, police officers, firefighters, or office workers in the surrounding science and technology parks. The community atmosphere is friendly and has a profound “neighborhood foundation”. Here lies the natural landscape of Poquessing Creek, allowing you to enjoy its serene beauty at any time. The large Philadelphia Mills shopping center nearby is convenient for shopping at any time. The streets here are wide and shady with green trees. Almost all the apartment communities offer ample private parking Spaces. Of course, you don’t need to worry about commuting. You can take a bus for 35 to 40 minutes to reach the city center directly, or easily embark on a long journey to New York City and Baltimore. The rentals here are cheaper and safe, making it ideal.
Manayunk
- Population: 6,000
- Average rent: $1,648/ month
- Average home value: $253,750
- Crime rate: Safer than 86% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Great for: Single, young professionals
Manayunk enables you to enjoy the hustle and bustle of social interaction while ensuring your personal safety. It is the most attractive area on the list of safe areas to stay in Philadelphia. More than 65% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which gives Manayunk a strong sense of self-governance. The bustling commercial streets and high-density houses almost keep Manayunk under “surveillance” 24 hours a day. On weekends, you can enjoy your time at the boutiques and open-air restaurants on famous Main Street. The Schuylkill River Trail is a good choice for your ride, offering scenic views of the local area. The most attractive point for young professionals is that it takes only 15 to 20 minutes to reach the city center. A quiet life and busy urban work can achieve a delicate balance.
Fairmount
- Population: 30,000
- Average rent: $2,300/ month
- Average home value: $433,900
- Crime rate: 64% lower than Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Great for: Young professionals and families who enjoy outdoor activities and nightlife
Fairmount is one of safe neighborhoods in Philadelphia, full of an artistic atmosphere. It is just a few steps from the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art, so you can visit at any time. Fairmount seamlessly blends the grandeur of downtown with the tranquility of a residential area. It is the most pedestrian-friendly and elegant neighborhood near downtown. You can take a stroll in Fairmount Park or waste your time at the open-air cafe on Fairmount Avenue, experiencing the beauty of Philadelphia.
West Mount Airy
- Population: 20,000
- Average rent: $1,375/ month
- Average home value: $473,700
- Crime rate: Safer than 66% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Great for: Families who enjoy nightlife, outdoor activities and a diverse lifestyle
West Mount Airy, on the south side of Chestnut Hill, has the city’s best natural resources. It has a very low crime rate and is recognized as one of the most livable safe places to stay in Philadelphiae, so that your pace of life would be naturally slow down. West Mount Airy is adjacent to Wissahickon Valley Park and has countless hiking and cycling trails. You can have a cup of hand-brewed coffee at High Point Cafe or purchase fresh organic ingredients at Weavers Way Co-op. There are also excellent educational resources here. There are also highly praised schools here, such as the Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School. Top-notch educational resources attract families to live here. Of course, you don’t need to worry about your daily commute. Two SEPTA commuter railways, Chestnut Hill West and East, enable you to reach the city center easily.
Bella Vista
- Population: 6,100
- Average rent: $2,500/ month
- Average home value: $507,900
- Crime rate: 42% below the Philadelphia average and 33% below the national average
- Great for: Families who enjoy nightlife and outdoor activities
Do you have a special fondness for delicious food? Bella Vista is your best choice. It is one of the safest Philadelphia neighborhoods and the most mature residential area in South Philadelphia. You can reach the famous Italian Market right outside your door, offering convenient shopping and a high level of public safety. Because the high-frequency flow of people here constitutes “Eyes on the street“.
Meanwhile, Cianfrani Park and Palumbo Park are the most favored gathering places for local families and international students. Even more surprisingly, Bella Vista is next to downtown. You only need to walk there for 15 minutes. The geographical location is highly superior.
University City
- Population: 56,000
- Average rent: $3,250/ month
- Average home value: $482,300
- Crime rate: lower than Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Great for: People who enjoy outdoor activities, nightlife and diverse cultures
For students from the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, University City is one of the safest areas in Philadelphia. This is a high-tech community brimming with scholarly atmosphere, modern apartments, and multiple security patrols. The University of Pennsylvania Campus Police (UPPD), together with the Drexel Campus Police and the University City Ambassadors, form a 24/7 patrol network to ensure your safety at all times. The ubiquitous Blue Light Stations and the fully covered surveillance system will also demonstrate extremely high criminal deterrence. As the area with the densest concentration of college students, this place has many public facilities tailored for young people and a dense 30th Street Station. It is highly convenient for daily entertainment or for traveling to New York, Washington, or the airport.
East Falls
- Population: 11,000
- Average rent: $1,600/ month
- Average home value: $3000,000
- Crime rate: lower than Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Great for: People who enjoy outdoor activities, nightlife and diverse cultures
East Falls is one of the Philadelphia safe neighborhoods. According to the latest statistics, East Falls’ safety performance was impressive, with a violent crime rate of only 3.09 per 1,000. This area is also home to Thomas Jefferson University and Drexel College of Medicine, providing a high level of safety for students, medical staff, and others. In daily life, you can head directly to the famous bike paths across the United States, cycling to art museums or the city center to experience a healthy, vibrant lifestyle. Of course, there is also a well-developed public transportation system here. You can take the train on the SEPTA Norristown Line and reach the city center in just 15 minutes. East Falls is also next to Kelly Drive and I-76. Whether you have a car or not, it is highly convenient to travel here.
Safe Student Housing in Philadelphia
For students coming to study in Philadelphia, student apartments are essential. A safe, comfortable, and convenient student apartment for commuting will bring you an excellent experience in Philadelphia. As a popular professional student apartment rental platform, uhomes.com is committed to helping students find their ideal home away from home. We conducted on-site inspections of the apartments in Philadelphia to verify that their access control systems, 24/7 CCTV, and package collection services were in place. We will also summarize our experiences and provide students with firsthand feedback on community safety and commuting routes, so that first-year students are no longer confused. Here are the best safe rental options for the three major universities in Philadelphia:
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) & Drexel University
University City and Fairmount have extensive security guarantees. UPPD will provide 24/7 patrol security for students, while Fairmount is even quieter. Every day, you only need to walk for 5 to 15 minutes to reach the campus or travel by SEPTA’s Trolley line.
Temple University
The security situation around the campus is complex, so the apartment’s location is particularly significant. You can live in Center City and choose a high-end apartment with top-tier security and convenient amenities. Of course, if your budget is limited, East Falls is served by SEPTA Regional Rail, which reaches the Temple campus in just 10 minutes.
Thomas Jefferson University & Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
These schools are located in downtown Philadelphia, and Bella Vista is a good choice. This area offers the most lively and safest living experience in Philadelphia, with Jefferson Hospital and the main campus within walking distance.
FAQ
What part of Philly is the safest?
The safest areas in Philadelphia usually include those with a suburban feel, such as Chestnut Hill, Manayunk, Roxborough, East Falls, Fishtown, Somerton, Bustleton, and the central areas like Rittenhouse Square, Fairmount, Bella Vista, and Northern Liberties. These areas are renowned for their low crime rates, strong sense of community, and high safety scores across various reports. Among them, Chestnut Hill and Wissahickon are often top choices due to their low rates of violent crime.
Which area of Philadelphia is best to live in?
The “best” area in Philadelphia depends on your needs. Fairmount, Rittenhouse Square, and Society Hill have rich cultural and dining cultures and are popular among professionals and families. Chestnut Hill is very suitable for family living. Manayunk, Bustleton, and Fox Chase are quiet suburbs with safe, peaceful neighborhoods.
Where is the lowest crime rate in PA?
Collegeville, Cecil Township, Fox Chapel, Pine Township, Willistown Township, and Upper St. Clair have consistently had extremely low rates of violence and property crimes. It is very suitable for people to live in. As there were no murders, rapes, or burglaries, Cecil Township ranked first in Safewise’s overall safety ranking, and violent incidents at Fox Chapel were almost zero.
Is Philly safer now than in the past?
Yes, Philadelphia is now much safer than it was around 2020-2022. In 2024, the number of homicides and shootings in Philadelphia dropped significantly and is expected to continue into 2025. Although serious problems such as poverty and the drug crisis still exist, public safety is the top concern for residents. By the end of 2024, the homicide rate will drop to its lowest level in a decade, thanks to the post-pandemic normalcy, new policing strategies, and community programs.
