Is Ashbourne safe?
Cheltenham, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Ashbourne as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Ashbourne
“Go. Ashbourne in Cheltenham Township is a quiet, leafy residential community offering a peaceful suburban environment immediately adjacent to the Philadelphia border. While bordering corridors require standard awareness for property and vehicle crime, the neighborhood itself is safe and family-friendly.”
About the area
Ashbourne is an established, inner-ring suburban neighborhood in Cheltenham Township featuring stately stone single-family homes and mature tree-lined streets. It combines suburban tranquility with close proximity to city amenities and SEPTA Regional Rail transit.
- Suburban / Leafy
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Peaceful
Walking and biking in Ashbourne
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There is no local municipal bike-share system in Ashbourne, and while neighborhood side streets are pleasant for casual cycling, dedicated bike lanes connecting to the Tookany Creek Trail require riding on busy multi-lane roads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to adjacent Philadelphia city neighborhoods
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained historic residential housing stock
- Strong socioeconomic stability with median household incomes well above state averages
- Easy access to regional commuter rail connecting directly to Center City Philadelphia
Cons
- Elevated risk of opportunistic property and vehicle crimes along major border thoroughfares like Cheltenham Avenue
- Car break-ins and package thefts occasionally reported on residential streets
- Pedestrian infrastructure is inconsistent along busier arterial connectors
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in the residential sections of Ashbourne, with occasional unhoused individuals seen near major commercial shopping hubs along Cheltenham Avenue.
What Ashbourne is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with local residents walking dogs, jogging, and heading to nearby commuter train stations.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet throughout residential side streets with typical suburban school and delivery traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and comfortable for walks, though visitors should remain alert near commercial transit corridors.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and generally tranquil, with standard precautions advised against leaving valuables in parked vehicles.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by SEPTA, with the Melrose Park and Elkins Park Regional Rail stations nearby offering direct service to Center City Philadelphia, alongside SEPTA Bus Route 55 operating on nearby corridors.
Parking is abundant and largely free throughout residential streets; commercial zones offer ample surface lot parking without parking meters.
Things to do in Ashbourne
- Explore the historic stone architecture and manicured grounds on a self-guided architectural walk
- Visit nearby High School Park for local walking trails, community gardens, and seasonal events
- Tour the historic Richard Wall House Museum located nearby in Elkins Park
Local favorites
- Marco Polo Restaurant & Bar · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (820)Longstanding neighborhood staple serving classic Italian dishes and seafood in an upscale setting.
- Creekside Co-op (nearby Elkins Park) · Grocery Store & Deli · 4.5★ (310)Community-focused local market offering organic produce, prepared foods, and specialty items.
- Goat Hollow · American Gastropub · 4.5★ (1150)Popular nearby neighborhood tavern featuring an extensive craft beer list and elevated pub comfort food.
Neighborhoods near Ashbourne
Common questions about Ashbourne
Is Ashbourne safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Ashbourne a good place to live?
On safety, Ashbourne scores 78/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Ashbourne?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Ashbourne are safer?
Elkins Park Gardens (82), Chelten Hills (81), Oak Lane Manor (80) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Ashbourne? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.