Top 10 Safest Neighborhoods In Philadelphia (2023)

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The safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia are some of the most gentrified neighborhoods in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These neighborhoods did not become safe and serene automatically; it took planning and consistent improvements to achieve their current status; these are the top picks for families and young professionals looking to move to new places for the purpose of putting down roots, and to pursue their professions.

The criteria for these listings are the prevalence of crime, or the lack thereof. Areas where low crime statistics are reported are generally considered safe; although what is considered “low” in this context maybe relative, depending on what background the individual may choose to contrast the data.

Safest Neighborhoods In Philadelphia

1. Bustleton

Population: 31,993

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 199

Property Crime Per 100k: 1,107

Bustleton is a neighborhood in the northeast of Philadelphia. Some of the nearby areas include; Rhawnhurst, Fox Chase, and Somerton. Bustleton has a population of 31,993 people, and the area is largely residential, and has a very diverse ethnic identities living in the area.

There is hardly any industrial presence in the neighborhood, but there are commercial areas such as rows of shops, cafés, and other such commercial establishments; they serve the needs of the people of the area.

Bustleton is the safest area in the neighborhood; there were only 199 violent crimes, and 1,107 property crimes recorded in the period under review.

2. Chestnut Hill

Population: 11,011

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 258

Property Crime Per 100k: 1,305

Chestnut Hill is a neighborhood that is also in the Northwest Philadelphia section of Philadelphia. The neighborhood is the exclusive preserve of the rich families; real estate prices are quite high, and the general cost of living is also high in this area. The area is also known for its private schools.

Chestnut is well planned out neighborhood; there are no hiding places for criminals, which is why this neighborhood of 11,011 people has only 258 violent crimes recorded, and 1,305 property crimes as well, during the period under consideration.

3. Somerton

Population: 30,102

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 287

Property Crime Per 100k: 1,329

Somerton is a neighborhood in also in the Northeast section of Philadelphia, which is in Pennsylvania. Some of the nearby neighborhoods include Bustleton, Normandy, and Byberry; all of which are similarly gentrified neighborhoods, with a high class of people living in them.

This neighborhood only recorded 287 violent crimes in a recent year under review, and 1,329 property crimes, making it one of the quietest areas in Philadelphia; with very diversified demographics. Many of the residents of this neighborhood come from Russia, Ukraine, and India.

4. Fox Chase

Population: 23,450

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 277

Property Crime Per 100k: 1,367

Fox Chase is a neighborhood also located in the northeast of Philadelphia. Fox Chase is known for its beautiful parks, the Fox Chase Farm, and the thriving business community in the neighborhood. This neighborhood has a population of 23,450 people, although being predominantly White, there is little ethnic diversity to speak of.

Fox Chase has many historical mansions in the area, and some of them are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fox Chase is quite the calm place to be; there were only 277 violent crimes recently recorded, while the property crimes stood at 1,367.

5. Academy Gardens

Population: 27,044

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 375

Property Crime Per 100k: 1,308

Academy Gardens is another thriving neighborhood located in Far Northeast Philadelphia. Some of its closes neighbors include; Grant Avenue, Pennypack Park, the John F. Byrne Golf Course, and Holme Avenue. A major part of this neighborhood’s history was the settlement by veterans of World War II. These days, the neighborhood is home to some of the wealthiest families in Philadelphia.

With only 375 violent crimes reported in the previous year, this looks like a nice place to live, and to bring up ones children, as long as one maintains some safety precautions.

6. Torresdale

Population: 30,358

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 407

Property Crime Per 100k: 1,583

Torresdale, which some people still call Torrisdale, is a neighborhood also in the Far Northeast section of Philadelphia. Some of its neighbors include Holmesburg, and Andalusia. This neighborhood has a lot of history about it, and there are many historical buildings located here.

This is an upscale neighborhood; with big buildings owned by wealthy residents. About 407 violent crimes and 1,583 property crimes were recently recorded in this neighborhood; making it comparatively safe.

7. Rhawnhurst

Population: 30,805

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 320

Property Crime Per 100k: 1,677

Rhawnhurst is also located in the northeast of Philadelphia; it is a residential area with such neighbors as Cottman Avenue, Pennway Street, Pennypack Creek, and Roosevelt Boulevard. As one of the most peaceful neighborhoods in Philadelphia, with a population high enough to sustain commerce, this is one of the most attractive parts of the city for young professionals, and people looking to start businesses.

8. Wharton-Hawthorne-Bella Vista

Population: 29,357

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 502

Property Crime Per 100k: 1,877

The boundaries of these small neighborhoods are hard to point out; and as such Wharton-Hawthorne and Bella Vista are grouped as one with a population of 29,357 people.

Wharton Hawthorne Bella Vista are upscale neighborhoods with a mixture of residential and commercial buildings. The neighborhood only saw 502 violent crimes so there is not much to worry about; but there were 1,877 property crimes here, so one may have to invest in some home protection gadgets.

9. Byberry

Population: 16,442

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 459

Property Crime Per 100k: 2,002

Byberry is a neighborhood in the far northeast section of Philadelphia. This neighborhood has a strong anti slavery history, which is part of its culture. Byberry is associated with Somerton; which is a nearby and overlapping neighborhood.

Byberry is relatively safe by Philadelphia standards; there were 459 violent crimes committed in this neighborhood recently; however, it is the spate of property crimes that should be a concern; 2,002 were recorded here- one of the highest among the neighborhoods listed.

10. Roxborough

Population: 31,063

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 515

Property Crime Per 100k: 1,991

Roxborough is a neighborhood this time in the Northwest section of the city of Philadelphia. Some of its neighbors include the Schuylkill River, Manayunk, and Fairmount Park. This is a neighborhood with lawns and woods making up a beautiful mosaic of greenery that is sprinkled with big houses.

With a population of 31,063 people, it recently recorded 515 violent crimes, and 1,991 property crimes. These figures are not enough to make the neighborhood dangerous.

Closing

Most of the places listed among the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia are in the northeast section of the city; there has obviously been some lopsided development going on the city.

However, as gentrification spreads, some of the areas not currently listed here are becoming more attractive, especially as real estate costs are still low. Therefore, if one cannot afford any of these neighborhoods, one may look at any of the adjoining neighborhoods.