Discover the Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia: Ultimate Guide

Philadelphia is a city that offers a blend of urban living and community charm. It is well-known for its rich history and lively culture. However, for both locals and visitors, safety is the main worry.

In this article, we'll go over the safe neighborhoods in Philadelphia, talk about crime rates, and offer safety advice. This guide will assist you in locating the safest neighborhoods to live in and enjoy, whether you're moving or visiting.

Is Philadelphia Safe?

Historically, Philadelphia has carried one of the highest crime rates among major US cities. According to NeighbourhoodScout, the city holds a total crime index of 1 out of 100, which means 99% of US cities are statistically safer. That number reflects data drawn from the most recent FBI annual release (2024 calendar year, published October 2025) and remains a sobering benchmark.

But 2025 brought the most significant improvements the city has seen in decades:

• Homicides: There were 222 homicides in Philadelphia in 2025. This figure is 17% lower than 2024, and the lowest total recorded since 1966.
• Violent crime: Total violent crime fell by 7.4% from 2024 to 2025, and firearm-related violent crime declined by 15%. Shooting incidents reached a ten-year low.
• Property crime: Non-violent property crime dropped 6.5%, with retail theft down over 10% and thefts from vehicles down more than 11%. In total, the city recorded 4,393 fewer property crime incidents in 2025 than the year prior.

These figures come directly from the Philadelphia City Controller's January 2026 Municpal Money Matters report and the Philadelphia Police Department's official crime statistics.

The challenge and the opportunity is that crime in Philadelphia is not uniform. A citywide average tells only part of the story. Several neighborhoods consistently record crime rates 30–62% below the city average, offering meaningfully safer environments for residents. If you're planning a move to Philadelphia, where you choose to live matters enormously.

10 Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

We evaluated localized crime footprints using data from AreaVibes, a leading independent livability and safety database. By measuring violent incidents and property larceny against the citywide baseline, this ranking highlights the residential enclaves that offer the lowest per-capita crime rates in Philadelphia.

Bustleton

Crime rate: 2,072 per 100,000 residents - 62% below the Philadelphia average
Best for: Families, retirees, anyone prioritising low crime above all else.

Bustleton is the standout leader on this list. Located in the far northeast of the city, it records the lowest crime rate of any Philadelphia neighborhood tracked by AreaVibes, which is nearly two-thirds below the city average. It's a predominantly residential area with a quieter, suburban feel, popular with families who want city access without inner-city crime levels. Housing tends toward single-family homes, and the community has a stable, long-established character.

Chestnut Hill

Crime rate: 3,036 per 100,000 residents - 44% below the Philadelphia average
Best for: Families, professionals, and anyone who wants a walkable neighbouhood with a small-town feel inside a major city.

Chestnut Hill consistently tops "safest neighborhood" lists across multiple platforms. It has a distinctly village-like feel: cobblestone streets, independent boutiques, and tree-lined avenues. Over 94% of residents have completed high school, reflecting a tightly-knit, engaged community. Median home prices sit around $525,000, making it one of Philadelphia's pricier neighborhoods, but one where safety and quality of life justify the premium.

Fox Chase

Crime rate: 3,099 per 100,000 residents - 43% below the Philadelphia average
Best for: Professionals, healthcare workers, and families looking for a stable, low-key community.

Fox Chase sits just west of Bustleton in the northeast, and the two neighborhoods share a similar profile: quiet, residential, and consistently low-crime. It's home to Fox Chase Cancer Center, one of the country's leading research hospitals, which anchors the area with stable employment and a professional community. Streets are well-maintained, and the neighborhood has a genuine sense of pride in its local identity.

Somerton

Crime rate: 3,264 per 100,000 residents - 40% below the Philadelphia average
Best for: Families and first-time buyers looking for value and safety in tandem.

Another northeast Philadelphia neighborhood, Somerton rounds out a cluster of consistently safe communities in that part of the city. It's known for well-maintained housing stock, a strong neighborhood identity, and lower-than-average crime across both violent and property categories. According to other sources, Somerton is safer than over 81% of Pennsylvania communities and that reflects a strong result for a city neighborhood.

South Philadelphia

Crime rate: 3,339 per 100,000 residents - 39% below the Philadelphia average
Best for: Anyone who wants safety and city life, not a trade-off between the two.

South Philadelphia might surprise people who associate it purely with its historic grit but the data is clear. It ranks fifth safest in the city, and it comes with one of the strongest community identities anywhere in Philadelphia. It is also home to the iconic 9th Street Italian Market, vibrant local dining, and easy access to sports stadiums and Center City.

Olney

Crime rate: 3,492 per 100,000 residents - 36% below the Philadelphia average
Best for: Budget-conscious movers who want affordability, diversity, and lower-than-average crime.

Olney is one of Philadelphia's most diverse and densely populated neighborhoods, home to large Latino, Asian, and Caribbean communities. Its safety ranking is notable given its size and density (population: ~43,000). It offers strong public transit links, affordable housing, and a lively commercial strip along 5th Street.

Holmesburg-Torresdale

Crime rate: 3,499 per 100,000 residents - 36% below the Philadelphia average
Best for: Those who want space, quiet streets, and waterfront access.

Holmesburg-Torresdale, in Philadelphia's far northeast, is one of the city's larger neighborhoods by area (9.52 km²) and one of its most consistently safe. It has a quieter, more suburban character compared to the city's inner neighborhoods, with residential streets, parks, and easy access to the Delaware River waterfront. It shares its crime reduction percentage with Olney but serves a very different demographic as it is not only quieter but more spread out and less dense too.

Rhawnhurst

Crime rate: 3,680 per 100,000 residents - 33% below the Philadelphia average
Best for: Families and long-term residents looking for community stability.

Rhawnhurst is a tight-knit residential neighborhood in the northeast, often overlooked in favour of its neighbors Bustleton and Fox Chase. But, its safety ranking places it firmly in the top tier. It has strong community associations, good transit connections, and a population that has remained stable for decades. Housing costs are moderate, and the neighborhood retains a working-class, family-oriented character.

Cedar Brook

Crime rate: 3,687 per 100,000 residents - 32% below the Philadelphia average
Best for: Movers who want Somerton's vibe with slightly more neighborhood obscurity (and potentially more housing availability).

Cedar Brook borders Somerton and shares many of its qualities: residential calm, low crime, and a northeast Philadelphia location. It's might be less prominent name on most lists, but the numbers place it consistently in the top ten. Its population of ~27,000 gives it enough density to feel like a real community while maintaining the quieter pace of the northeast corridor.

Oak Lane

Crime rate: 3,792 per 100,000 residents — 31% below the Philadelphia average
Best for: Budget-conscious movers who want proximity to Chestnut Hill without the price tag.

Oak Lane rounds out the list with a different geographic profile. It sits in Northwest Philadelphia, bordering Chestnut Hill to the west and Logan to the south. With a population of over 43,000, it's one of the city's larger neighborhoods. It offers solid transit connections, affordable housing compared to nearby Chestnut Hill, and a crime rate that sits safely below the city average. It's a neighborhood on the rise, attracting residents priced out of pricier northwest enclaves.

Note: With Lincoln Financial Field hosting six major FIFA World Cup, South Philadelphia and the surrounding stadium districts are experiencing an unprecedented surge in international foot traffic and short-term rental bookings. If you are renting out your property to visiting fans or simply want to monitor your stoop during the match day crowds, upgrading your perimeter security is highly recommended this summer.

How to Find the Safest Places to Live in Philadelphia?

Finding the best places to live in Philadelphia involves careful research and planning. Here's a detailed guide to help you find the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia:

Crime Statistics

Start by checking out crime statistics across various neighborhoods. For instance, Fox Chase has a crime rate 43% lower than the general Philadelphia area, making it one of the safest parts of the city.

Use Safety Rankings and Resources

You can compare neighborhoods by using reliable sources to determine safety rankings. Look for areas with low crime rates and high safety ranking scores.

Resident Feedback and Satisfaction

Talk to the residents currently living in an area and ask them what their firsthand experiences are in terms of safety and lifestyle quality. Online forums and community groups are great gathering places for this feedback.

Check Local Amenities and Infrastructure

Amenities like parks, schools, and medical centers can affect a neighborhood's safety. One of the greatest neighborhoods in Philadelphia is Bustleton because of its first-quality infrastructure and low crime rate.

Evaluate Police Presence and Local Security Initiatives

Neighborhoods that have an active community policing and security initiative are usually safer. Find neighborhoods that have a strong police presence and neighborhood watch programs.

By following these steps, you can find the safest places to live in Philadelphia that meet your needs and preferences.

Tips for Staying Safe in Philadelphia

Even in the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, it is critical to take precautions to protect your safety. The following advice will help you stay safe:

Install Security Cameras

Installing security cameras is essential. It helps you keep an eye on your house even when you are away. It gives you peace of mind and deters crimes.

Take a look at the Home Hub with Argus PT Ultra kit, a wireless security system that has 4K PT standalone Wi-Fi cameras that run on batteries or solar power. It has unique anti-theft algorithms, one year of local storage, and 4K color video day and night. With compatibility for up to eight Reolink cameras, this expandable system is an excellent option for home security.

For homeowners who want to run a single camera setup and instantly secure an entire property line, the 18MP OMVI 3i PoE represents a massive leap in standalone security architecture. It eliminates the need for multiple camera installations by packing three lenses into one compact, IP66 weatherproof chassis.

Use Smart Locks

Ensure your home has smart locks and motion detectors for unauthorized access prevention. These will alert you if there is any intruder around or the lock is open.

Stay Aware

Pay attention to your surroundings, especially at night, and refrain from going anywhere by yourself. You can also keep guard dogs to ensure your safety and deter intruders.

Join Neighborhood Watch Programs

Take part in community safety initiatives to stay informed and connected with your neighbors.

These tips will help you stay safe in every area of Philadelphia, be it the safest or not.

FAQs

1. What is the safest part of Philly?

Bustleton and Chestnut Hill are two of Philadelphia's safest neighborhoods because of their peaceful surroundings and low crime rates.

2. Is Fishtown safe in 2026?

Although Fishtown might be a trendy neighborhood, caution is suggested due to its 299% higher crime rate than the national average.

3. Is South Philly or North Philly safer?

South Philly generally has a lower crime rate when compared to North Philly. This makes it one of the safest places to live in Philadelphia.

4. What Are the Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Philadelphia for Attractions?

For history and landmarks, Old City puts you steps from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. If museums are your priority, Fairmount and Logan Square are home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. For visitors who want safety, food, and culture in one package, South Philadelphia is a great place to head to.

Conclusion

Residents of this city enjoy a high standard of living in some of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia. You can locate the ideal spot by looking up crime rates, assessing nearby amenities, and complying with safety advice. As long as you take on the appropriate safety measures, Philly should be a joy to live life on.