Is Academy Gardens safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Academy Gardens as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Academy Gardens
“Go. Academy Gardens is one of the quieter, suburban-feeling residential enclaves in Northeast Philadelphia, featuring significantly lower violent crime rates than the municipal average. While it lacks heavy tourist infrastructure, it is a safe, stable, and welcoming neighborhood for visitors exploring the Northeast or visiting family.”
About the area
Academy Gardens is a post-war residential community situated in Far Northeast Philadelphia immediately adjacent to Pennypack Park. Characterized by brick twins, split-level single-family homes, and manicured lawns, it offers a distinctly suburban atmosphere while remaining within Philadelphia city limits.
- Suburban-Style
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Academy Gardens
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 46/100
Philadelphia's Indego bike-share program does not operate in this area, but cyclists have convenient access to the extensive paved Pennypack Trail network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime and homicide rates are exceptionally low compared to Philadelphia city averages.
- High homeownership rate and low residential vacancy provide a stable neighborhood environment.
- Immediate proximity to scenic green spaces and paved trails within Pennypack Park.
Cons
- Car-dependent infrastructure with few amenities within direct walking distance.
- Occasional property crimes such as opportunistic vehicle break-ins and package theft.
- Distance from Center City Philadelphia requires a lengthy commute by car or bus.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the residential blocks of Academy Gardens, with occasional panhandling limited to busy commercial junctions along Roosevelt Boulevard.
What Academy Gardens is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with residents walking dogs and heading out for morning commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and residential with light street traffic, school buses, and safe walking conditions.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel with families at home; well-lit streets offer a comfortable evening stroll.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very tranquil with almost no foot traffic; standard awareness is adequate as late-night crime is infrequent.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the perimeter with bus routes 19, 67, and 88, which connect riders to Frankford Transportation Center and local shopping plazas. The nearest Regional Rail station is Holmesburg Junction on the Trenton Line, roughly a 5-to-8-minute drive south.
Street parking is free, unrestricted, and readily available across almost all residential streets, with many homes also offering private driveways.
Things to do in Academy Gardens
- Hike, jog, or bike along the scenic forested paths of the adjacent Pennypack Trail.
- Explore the historic Holme-Crispin Cemetery, a small colonial-era burial ground on Holme Avenue.
- Enjoy casual dining and classic Philadelphia sandwiches at neighborhood-edge eateries.
Local favorites
- Café Carmela · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (680)Acclaimed local Italian spot celebrated for gourmet cheesesteaks, cutlets, and handmade pasta.
- Academy Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.4★ (390)Longstanding neighborhood staple serving classic thin-crust pizza, hoagies, and calzones.
- Nifty Fifty's (Grant Ave) · American Diner · 4.5★ (3200)Retro 1950s-style diner nearby known for fresh-pressed burgers, homemade milkshakes, and breakfast.
Neighborhoods near Academy Gardens
Common questions about Academy Gardens
Is Academy Gardens safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Academy Gardens a good place to live?
On safety, Academy Gardens scores 78/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Academy Gardens?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 46/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Academy Gardens are safer?
Torresdale (82), Aston-Woodbridge (81), West Torresdale (79) score higher nearby.
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