Is Belmont Hills (Lower Merion) safe?
Lower Merion, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Belmont Hills (Lower Merion) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Belmont Hills (Lower Merion)
“Go. Belmont Hills is an exceptionally safe, quiet hillside enclave within affluent Lower Merion Township. Visitors will find leafy residential streets, community parks, and virtually no violent crime risks at any time of day.”
About the area
Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Schuylkill River and Manayunk, Belmont Hills is a peaceful, tight-knit residential neighborhood characterized by eclectic cottage-style homes and steep terrain. While mostly residential, it offers scenic views, access to local parks and walking trails, and quick connections to both Philadelphia and the Main Line.
- Peaceful Suburban
- Hilly & Scenic
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Belmont Hills (Lower Merion)
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 28/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure within the neighborhood itself is limited due to extreme elevation grades, but direct access to the Cynwyd Heritage Trail and Pencoyd Bridge connects riders to the Schuylkill River Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Part of Lower Merion Township with very low violent and property crime rates.
- Affluent economic foundation with high homeownership and median household income well above national averages.
- Well-served by the proactive and responsive Lower Merion Police Department.
Cons
- Extremely steep and narrow roadways can create vehicular and pedestrian hazards in bad weather.
- Limited commercial amenities directly within the neighborhood borders, requiring travel to Bala Cynwyd or Manayunk.
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins typical of suburban residential areas.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically nonexistent in Belmont Hills; there are no encampments, panhandling, or specialized shelter facilities located in the neighborhood.
What Belmont Hills (Lower Merion) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm with residents walking dogs, jogging on hillside paths, and commuting out to the city or Main Line offices.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and residential, with families utilizing local playgrounds and community parks in complete safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Extremely peaceful with minimal traffic, well-lit porches, and zero noticeable safety concerns.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and quiet; while safety remains high, steep and unlit street corners warrant standard alertness for wildlife and drivers.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by SEPTA, with the Cynwyd Line Regional Rail station nearby in Bala Cynwyd and SEPTA Bus Route 44 connecting directly to Center City Philadelphia along Montgomery and Conshohocken State roads.
Free on-street residential parking is generally accessible throughout the neighborhood, though narrow and steep roads make parallel parking and winter navigation slightly tricky.
Things to do in Belmont Hills (Lower Merion)
- Explore the scenic Cynwyd Heritage Trail, a converted rail-trail offering walking and biking routes down toward the Schuylkill River.
- Enjoy the outdoor recreation facilities and scenic views at McMoran Memorial Park and Belmont Hills Pool.
- Walk across the pedestrian-accessible Green Lane or Pencoyd bridges for dining and shopping in neighboring Manayunk.
Local favorites
- Belmont Hills Public Library · Public Library · 4.8★ (42)A cozy, beloved community branch featuring community programs, a children's area, and quiet reading spots.
- Cynwyd Station Cafe & Tea Room · Cafe · 4.7★ (210)A charming historical train station cafe situated at the Cynwyd Trailhead serving light bites, pastries, and artisanal teas.
- The Landing Kitchen · Riverside Cafe · 4.4★ (460)An airy all-day cafe and bar right on the Schuylkill riverfront just below the hills at Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing.
Neighborhoods near Belmont Hills (Lower Merion)
Common questions about Belmont Hills (Lower Merion)
Is Belmont Hills (Lower Merion) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Belmont Hills (Lower Merion) a good place to live?
On safety, Belmont Hills (Lower Merion) scores 92/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Belmont Hills (Lower Merion)?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 28/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Belmont Hills (Lower Merion) are safer?
Penn Valley (Lower Merion) (96), Hollow Woods (94) score higher nearby.
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