Is Afton safe?
Claymont, Delaware · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Afton as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Afton
“Go. Afton is a quiet, well-maintained residential community in northern New Castle County that is very safe for visitors. There are virtually no safety risks beyond occasional suburban opportunistic theft, though you will need a personal vehicle to get around efficiently.”
About the area
Afton is an established mid-century suburban neighborhood in Claymont, Delaware, featuring tree-lined residential streets and single-family detached homes. It offers a calm, family-oriented atmosphere situated comfortably between Wilmington and the Pennsylvania state line.
- Suburban
- Quiet / Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Afton
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no municipal bike-share stations in the immediate vicinity, but residential streets are low-stress for cycling, and the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail can be accessed a short ride away at Bellevue State Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low violent crime rates consistent with northern New Castle County residential suburbs
- High homeownership rate and stable, well-kept residential properties
- Quick driving access to I-95, regional rail, and Bellevue State Park
Cons
- Car-dependent layout with no commercial amenities inside the residential tract
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes, such as unlocked vehicle trespass
- Lacks dedicated pedestrian infrastructure like continuous sidewalks on all residential lanes
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within Afton's residential core, though individuals experiencing homelessness may occasionally be seen around commercial intersections and bus stops along Philadelphia Pike and Route 13.
What Afton is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe, with light local traffic and residents walking dogs along the streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and secure throughout the daytime with minimal activity outside of local deliveries.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Peaceful and safe for evening strolls, though lighting relies primarily on standard residential street lamps.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and safe, though virtually deserted after dark, requiring standard suburban awareness.
Transit, parking and getting around
DART First State operates bus routes along Philadelphia Pike and Naamans Road, while the modernized Claymont Regional Transportation Center provides SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Line commuter rail service to Philadelphia and Wilmington about 2.5 miles away.
Curbside parking throughout the neighborhood is free, unmetered, and very easy to find, supplemented by private residential driveways.
Things to do in Afton
- Enjoy peaceful neighborhood walks through shaded residential lanes and cul-de-sacs
- Visit neighboring Bellevue State Park for paved trails, fishing ponds, and historic estate grounds
- Sample classic Delaware regional comfort food and cheesesteaks along the nearby Philadelphia Pike corridor
Local favorites
- Claymont Steak Shop · Cheesesteak Restaurant · 4.4★ (2100)Long-running local institution famous for classic Delaware-style cheesesteaks, hot grinders, and pizza.
- The Bellefonte Cafe · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (680)Cozy, artsy gathering place offering homestyle comfort food, craft beers, and regular live music.
- Total Wine & More · Beverage Retailer · 4.7★ (4350)Sprawling flagship superstore on Naamans Road featuring an enormous inventory of wine, spirits, and craft beers.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.