Whether you’re relocating to Philly or simply looking for a quieter neighborhood to call home, safety is one of the top concerns for residents. While Philadelphia is a major metropolitan city with diverse communities, many areas consistently stand out for their low crime rates, strong community involvement, and livability.
This guide highlights some of the safest areas in and around Philadelphia based on crime data, local reviews, and public safety resources.
Related: Philadelphia Crime Rate Statistics
How We Identified the Safest Areas
We used crime data from the Philadelphia Police Department, FBI Crime Data Explorer, NeighborhoodScout, and AreaVibes to identify areas with consistently low incidents of both violent and property crime. We also considered:
- Walkability and street lighting
- Community involvement and neighborhood associations
- Police presence and response rates
- Verified resident feedback
No area is completely immune to crime, but the places listed below offer above-average peace of mind for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Top 6 Safest Areas in and Around Philadelphia
Chestnut Hill
Located in the northwest corner of the city, Chestnut Hill is one of Philadelphia’s most affluent and picturesque neighborhoods. It has a small-town feel with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and a low crime rate. Chestnut Hill also benefits from an active community association and strong police coverage.
Society Hill
Society Hill is known for its historic charm and high-end housing. Despite being close to Center City, it reports remarkably low crime rates, thanks in part to a high level of residential stability and private security patrols. It’s one of the best neighborhoods for walking at night and is considered one of the safest in downtown Philly.
Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse is a vibrant mix of residential buildings, shops, and restaurants, but it maintains a strong reputation for safety due to lighting, foot traffic, and private security. The area attracts young professionals and long-time residents alike, and benefits from regular patrols by both police and building security.
Manayunk
Popular with young professionals and students, Manayunk offers a blend of affordability, safety, and community spirit. Its walkable streets, nightlife, and community events make it a welcoming and lower-crime alternative to nearby areas. Active neighborhood groups help report and resolve issues quickly.
Queen Village
One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, Queen Village features tree-lined streets, parks, and a strong sense of community. Property crime is low, and many blocks participate in neighborhood watch programs or use shared tools like group chats and private video sharing for added awareness.
Lower Merion Township (Suburb)
Just outside the city in Montgomery County, Lower Merion is one of the safest suburbs in the Philadelphia metro area. With top-rated schools, low violent crime, and well-funded public services, it’s a favorite for families looking for a quiet, well-maintained environment close to the city.
What Makes These Areas Safer
While each community is different, the safest areas often share the following traits:
- High homeownership and long-term residents
- Community involvement through local boards or watch groups
- Well-lit streets and active neighborhood design
- Close coordination with police or private security teams
- Strong social connections among residents
These features help prevent crime and encourage quicker reporting when something does go wrong.
Best Practices for Keeping Safe Areas Safe
Even in lower-crime neighborhoods, staying alert and practicing good habits makes a difference:
- Keep porch lights and entryways well-lit
- Install video doorbells or outdoor cameras
- Lock all doors and windows when leaving the house
- Coordinate with neighbors using Nextdoor or group texts
- Report issues quickly through Phila 311
- Join or start a Neighborhood Watch for your area
Neighborhoods thrive when residents stay informed and connected.
For You: Neighborhood Watch in Philadelphia: How to Get Involved
How Guardian Protection Can Help
If you live in a quieter part of Philadelphia or a nearby suburb, home security still matters. It only takes one incident to compromise your peace of mind, and prevention is easier than reaction.
Our smart home security systems come equipped with:
- Indoor and outdoor security cameras with mobile app access
- Door and window sensors to detect intrusion
- Smart home control panels to manage alerts and notifications via mobile app
- 24/7 professional monitoring to alert emergency responders when needed
Whether you’re in Chestnut Hill or Manayunk, our systems are designed to fit your lifestyle and your neighborhood’s needs.
Explore Guardian’s services in your area: Home Security in Philadelphia
Building Peace of Mind at Home
Choosing a safe neighborhood is a smart move, but true peace of mind comes from knowing your home is protected, no matter what. Guardian Protection offers home security solutions that fit seamlessly into low-crime, community-focused areas.
Looking to reinforce your sense of safety? Get a free quote or call 800.857.5028 to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chestnut Hill and Society Hill are often ranked as the safest city neighborhoods based on both police data and resident feedback.
In general, yes. Suburbs like Lower Merion, Ardmore, and Haverford tend to have lower crime rates than Philadelphia’s urban core.
Yes. Rittenhouse is well-lit, walkable, and has a visible security presence, making it safer than many downtown areas.
Yes. Manayunk is popular with younger residents and offers low crime, community support, and affordable housing.
19118 (Chestnut Hill) and 19106 (Society Hill) often show the lowest reported crime rates.
You can visit the Philadelphia Police Department Crime Map or use tools like NeighborhoodScout.
Yes. Many blocks in Queen Village participate in organized safety groups or informal digital watch programs.