The Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Center City Philadelphia is composed of some of the most notable and exciting neighborhoods in the world. Philly, as a city, is experiencing a tremendous boom in real estate, as newcomers flock to the most dynamic city on the East Coast. If you are thinking about moving to the City of Brotherly Love, you undoubtedly are concerned about safety. Everyone who moves wants to know that their new neighborhood is an okay place to walk after dark and count on not having their car broken into. Luckily, Philly is packed with diverse, fascinating nabes that also score high on the safety meter. Read on to get a feel for some of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, and what you can expect from these communities in terms of culture and quality of life.

Old City

Home of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, Old City is also a great, safe place to call home. Right in the midst of everything that downtown Philadelphia has to offer without being smack in the middle of the glass-and-concrete bubble of Center City, you’ll find that the area is supremely walkable and charming. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the United States, so by buying here, you are becoming a part of living history. Tourists stroll by on walking tours, and every day you will wake up amazed by the beauty of the place where you live. Join in the fun of the well-loved monthly First Friday event, which features open houses by many local art/design galleries and clothing boutiques. Check home listings in Old City.

Manayunk

In all of Philadelphia, picturesque Manayunk features one of the lowest crime rates per-person. As far as statistics, Manayunk has two percent total crimes per person, two percent property crimes per person, and six percent violent crimes per person. It is an overall safe area that has 45 percent fewer crimes than the rest of the city. The quirky name of the neighborhood is Native American in origin, translating to “where we go to drink.” In this case, the indigenous settlers of pre-colonial Philadelphia were referring to the proximity of the Schuylkill River! This used to be a mostly industrial area, but in recent years it has transformed to one of Philly’s hottest nabes. Security and the “it” factor? What more could you ask for, really? Check home listings in Manayunk.

Fishtown

One of Philly’s hottest neighborhoods for young professionals is also one of its lowest in the crime department. Residents of Fishtown have only a 1 in 35 chance of being victimized in a crime, which is inclusive of the averages for violent crimes, property crimes, and total crimes. Art, music, and food thrive in Fishtown, echoing the neighborhood’s status as another big “up and coming” community. Fishtown comes from humble roots and decades as a working-class neighborhood, which you can see reflected in its narrow streets and ubiquitous rowhouses. Behind the doors of these rowhouses, however, a transformation has occurred in the form of plenty of trendy, upscale renos. Check home listings in Fishtown.

Pennsport

This sleepy neighborhood, bordered by the Delaware River, is currently undergoing a revitalization as coffee shops, restaurants, and bars start to burst up like popcorn along once-quiet streets. It has 31 percent less crime than the Philadelphia average, making it very safe indeed. Pennsport is also known as being the home of many Mummers’ clubhouses – the Mummers, of course, being the stars of the city’s traditional parade that kicks off the New Year. There is always a raucous after party in the streets on this day, which is a beloved tradition with many residents. Check home listings in Pennsport.

Point Breeze

In Philadelphia, where the real estate market is booming, it can feel as a buyer like you are always one step behind the hottest neighborhood trends – when you find a place that you love, it has recently exploded out of your price range and into hipster hell. That’s why I’m telling you to move to Point Breeze. There are still rent-controlled apartments here, but that won’t last for long. Prices are already slowly rising, but there’s plenty of inventory in condos, so you’ll have your pick. With a high Walk Score and a great proximity to Center City, you couldn’t ask for a more desirable place to live. Check home listings in Point Breeze.

Now you know some of the safest places to live in Philadelphia, but this is not an exhaustive list! We also cover the best neighborhoods for families, students, and the trendiest ones, too.

Shop our full real estate listings, and get in touch with one of our agents to learn more about the character of the various neighborhoods that make Philly so unique.