The Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia (2026 Guide)

As of July 2026, the safest Philadelphia neighborhoods for renters are Somerton, Chestnut Hill, West Mount Airy, Society Hill, Manayunk, Fairmount, Bella Vista, and Queen Village (ranked by combined crime rate, rent, walkability, and commute times).

TL;DR: Safest Philadelphia Neighborhoods at a Glance

Is Philadelphia Safe for Renters in 2026?

Philadelphia continues to get safer year-over-year. As of July 2026, the Philadelphia Police Department's crime dashboard shows that both violent and property crime have dropped since 2025, and the city's homicide rate is now the lowest it's been since 1966.

So far in 2026 (through July): violent crime is down 4.08%, property crime is down 9.44%, and homicides are down 24.60% compared to 2025.

Philly’s overall safety rating from CrimeGrade.org is a C+, making it safer than 51% of all U.S. cities tracked by CrimeGrade. Some pockets of the city are safer than others, which is why choosing the right neighborhood matters more than the citywide grade.

Ranked: The 8 Safest Philadelphia Neighborhoods for Renters, 2026

These Philadelphia neighborhoods consistently show high safety scores and offer a high quality of life:

Methodology

We created this list by measuring the combined overall crime rate, violent crime rate, and property crime rate (per 1,000 residents) for each neighborhood (PPD/CrimeGrade.org data) as of 2026, and weighting it against the cost of rent (Apartment List Rent Report), walkability from WalkScore.com, and commute times to show neighborhoods that aren’t just safe, but also provide a high quality of life.

There’s no single official or definitive city ranking, and other sources may use different methods to produce “safest” neighborhood lists.

1. Somerton

• Zip code: 19116, far Northeast Philadelphia
• Safety Level: Top 5% of safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia
• Avg. 1BR rent: $1,315 (Apartment List Rent Index July 2026)
• Walk Score: 46
• Commute to Center City: 35-45 min (SEPTA), 45-65 min (car)

Somerton has the lowest crime rate on this list, with rents below the city median. It's a quiet, suburban-feeling corner of Philadelphia with spacious apartments and access to parks, though nightlife is sparse and the commute to Center City is longer than some of the other options on this list. If you prioritize getting more square footage and enjoy a residential feel, this is the neighborhood to know.

2. Chestnut Hill

• Zip code: 19118, Northwest Philadelphia
• Safety Level: Top 10% of safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia
• Avg. 1BR rent: $1,640 (Apartment List Rent Index July 2026)
• Walk Score: 64
• Commute to Center City: 35-45 min ( SEPTA), 45-60 min ( car)

Chestnut Hill has one of the lowest crime rates in the city, plus several A+ rated local schools and direct access to Wissahickon Valley Park trails. Cobblestone streets, independent bookstores, and a popular, long-running farmers' market give it a distinct village feel, even though it's an easy SEPTA rail ride to Center City.

3. West Mount Airy

• Zip code: 19119, Northwest Philadelphia
• Safety Level: Top 10% of safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia
• Avg. 1BR rent: $1,388 (Apartment List Rent Index July 2026)
• Walk Score: 71
• Commute to Center City: 25-35 min ( SEPTA), 35-55 min ( car)

West Mount Airy appeals to Philadelphia renters for its exceptional safety rating and relatively affordable rent costs. It's a historically diverse, tight-knit community with stone houses, Victorian-era architecture, tree-lined streets, and more spacious lots than you’ll find in other parts of the city. Plus, it’s directly adjacent to Wissahickon Valley Park and Carpenter’s Woods.

4. Society Hill

• Zip code: 19106, Center City East
• Safety Level: Top 15% of safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia
• Avg. 1BR rent: $2,546 (Apartment List Rent Index July 2026)
• Walk Score: 97
• Commute to Center City: 10–15 min (SEPTA), 5–10 min (car)

Society Hill is about as historic and peaceful as Center City gets, with18th-century cobblestone streets and some of the best safety stats in the core downtown area. You're steps away from Washington Square and top-tier dining, but with central access comes higher rents and notoriously difficult street parking. Luckily, a Walk Score of 97 means you won’t need a car for daily errands.

5. Manayunk

• Zip code: 19127, Northwest Philadelphia
• Safety Level: Top 15% of safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia
• Avg. 1BR rent: $1,284 (Apartment List Rent Index July 2026)
• Walk Score: 83
• Commute to Center City: 25-30 min (SEPTA), 30-50 min (car)

Manayunk pairs an 83 Walk Score with a strong safety profile and some of the lowest rents in the city, making it a favorite for young professionals and budget-conscious renters. The restaurants, independent shops, gyms, and grocery stores on Main Street are a major draw; steep hills and tight parking are the trade-offs.

6. Fairmount

• Zip code: 19127, Northwest Philadelphia
• Safety Level: Top 20% of safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia
• Avg. 1BR rent: $1,702 (Apartment List Rent Index July 2026)
• Walk Score: 91
• Commute to Center City: 10-25 min (SEPTA), 10-15 min (car)

Fairmount offers a rare combination of perks: home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and the Rodin Museum, it’s one of the safest neighborhoods in the city with a great Walk Score, direct access to Schuylkill River Trail, and it’s close to Center City. Rents are slightly above the city average, but for a car-optional neighborhood that’s within walking distance to local grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and some of the best Philadelphia has to offer, it’s worth it.

7. Bella Vista

• Zip code: 19147, South Philadelphia
• Safety Level: Top 20% of safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia
• Avg. 1BR rent: $1,400 (Apartment List Rent Index July 2026)
• Walk Score: 97
• Commute to Center City: 10-20 min (SEPTA), 10-20 min (car)

Bella Vista is as central as it gets while still keeping crime rates well below the citywide baseline and rents below the city average. Here you’ll find classic 19th-century rowhouses, cobblestone alleys, and narrow, three-story “trinity homes” that feature one primary room per floor. Home to the iconic 9th Street Italian Market and plenty of local neighborhood cafés and restaurants, it’s one of our top picks for a safe, walkable neighborhood.

8. Queen Village

• Zip code: 19147, South Philadelphia
• Safety Level: Top 20% of safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia
• Avg. 1BR rent: $1,506 (Apartment List Rent Index July 2026)
• Walk Score: 97
• Commute to Center City: 10–20 min (SEPTA), 10–15 min (car)

Queen Village offers quiet, brick-lined residential streets directly adjacent to the bars, restaurants, music, and museums of South Street and Old City. Known for excellent local parks, high-performing schools, and low crime rates, it gives renters a true neighborhood atmosphere within an easy walk to Center City. If you want to live somewhere just slightly more lively than Bella Vista, Queen Village delivers.

Why Bustleton and Fox Chase Aren't on This List

While Bustleton and Fox Chase technically have the absolute lowest crime rates in Philadelphia, we excluded them from our list due to their low Walk Scores and long commute times to Center City.

Areas in Philadelphia with Higher Crime Rates

When you’re apartment hunting, "safety" isn’t a single score. It’s about finding the environment where you feel most comfortable living your day-to-day life. While some areas in Philly register higher statistical crime rates, many of these same blocks offer incredible transit access, serious budget flexibility, and deep-rooted community culture.

Temple University Area

The Reality: Because of its high population density, active nightlife, and constant foot traffic, the area experiences higher rates of property crime and opportunistic safety incidents than purely residential pockets.

The Silver Lining: You get some of the newest, most amenity-packed apartment buildings in the city at very competitive price points—plus direct access to the Broad Street Line (BSL) for a 10-minute ride into downtown.

Lower Kensington

The Reality: Certain areas, especially those near major transit stops, face ongoing public health challenges and higher street-level crime metrics. Block-by-block dynamics can vary significantly.

The Silver Lining: For renters seeking unique layouts (think high ceilings, exposed brick, and massive warehouse windows) without Fishtown prices, Kensington delivers serious bang for your buck.

Strawberry Mansion

The Reality: Decades of economic disinvestment mean that parts of the neighborhood report higher overall crime rates than nearby Fairmount or Mount Airy.

The Silver Lining: You have miles of green trails, historic mansions, and open parkland right in your backyard, paired with some of the lowest average rents in the city. Active neighborhood CDCs (Community Development Corporations) are driving local greening and restoration projects.

Apartment List pro tip: Crime stats only tell part of the story. Before committing to a lease anywhere in Philly, be sure to:

• Use Street View & Maps: Check lighting, commercial activity, and proximity to your daily commute.
• Talk to the Neighbors: If you see residents out walking dogs or hanging on porches, ask them what they like about the block.
• Trust Your Instincts: Regardless of data, your comfort and peace of mind are the true deciding factors.

Finding the Right Safe Philadelphia Neighborhood

Want to go car-free? Bella Vista (Walk Score 97), Fairmount (91), and Society Hill (97) are your best bets. Each features a nearby SEPTA station and is highly walkable for daily errands.

Watching your budget? Somerton (average 1-BR rent of $1,315), Manayunk ($1,284), and West Mount Airy ($1,388) offer the lowest rents on this list.

Need a short commute? Public transportation from Queen Village, Society Hill, and Fairmount allows you to get to Center City in less than 15 minutes.

Before You Sign a Lease

• Look up the exact address on the Philadelphia Police Department Crime Map for incident-level details:

1. Open the PPD crime map link
2. Enter your apartment’s full address or neighborhood
3. Select a date range and crime types to review

• Check Nextdoor or Citizen for recent local activity.
• Visit at different times of day, especially at night, to check lighting and foot traffic.
• Ask your landlord about security features: cameras, deadbolts, lighting, and recent building upgrades.

Ready to find your next home? Apartment List's quiz takes your commute needs, budget, and safety priorities to match you with listings that fit your lifestyle.

Sources: All data from July 2026: Philadelphia Police Department crime dashboard, CrimeGrade.org, FBI NIBRS database, Apartment List rent data, Walk Score, Niche school ratings, and U.S. Census 2024 population estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia’s Safest Neighborhoods

Which Safe Philadelphia Neighborhoods Offer the Lowest Average Rent?

Manayunk and Somerton are top picks for renters who want both affordability and peace of mind. Both neighborhoods offer one-bedroom rents under $1,400 and crime rates well below the city average, as of July 2026.

Are There Safe Areas Close to Center City?

Yes, Society Hill and Bella Vista both offer central access, lower-than-average crime, walkable streets, and solid public transit options for easy commuting.

How Current Is the Crime Data in This Guide?

All safety stats reflect the latest reports as of July 2026, sourced from the Philadelphia Police Department, FBI NIBRS database, and CrimeGrade.org.

What Online Tools Help Monitor Neighborhood Safety in Philly?

Use the Philadelphia Police crime map, the Citizen app, and SpotCrime to track neighborhood-specific incidents before signing a lease.

Which Safe Philadelphia Neighborhoods Have the Quickest Commutes?

Bella Vista, Fairmount, and Society Hill each offer quick transit times to Center City—typically under 20 minutes—alongside relatively low crime rates and strong walkability.

Do Safety Levels Change After Dark?

Yes—while most neighborhoods see a rise in property crime after sundown, areas like Chestnut Hill and Manayunk maintain more consistent safety round-the-clock, supported by community patrols and foot traffic in active business corridors.

How Can I Check Safety for a Specific Apartment Block?

Plug the address into the Philadelphia Police Department Crime Map to see incident-level details in a specific area:

• 1) Open the PPD crime map
• 2) Enter your apartment’s full address or neighborhood
• 3) Select a date range and crime types to review.

It’s also a good idea to visit the area at night to assess lighting and foot traffic firsthand.

What Security Features Should Renters Look For?

Renters should look for smart locks, motion-sensor lights, and video doorbells, which are increasingly common and can help deter theft while lowering your renters insurance premium.

What is the safest part of Philly to live in?

Some of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia include Somerton, Chestnut Hill, and West Mount Airy.

Is Point Breeze safe?

Yes, Point Breeze is a rapidly growing neighborhood where safety is on par with citywide averages, and overall crime has been trending down in recent years. While safety can vary slightly block-by-block, most renters experience a peaceful, community-focused vibe.

What is the least safe part of Philly?

Areas in Philadelphia with higher statistical crime rates include Lower Kensington, Strawberry Mansion, and the Temple University area.