Is Burholme safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Burholme as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Burholme
“Go. Burholme is a relatively calm, established residential neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia that is generally safe for daytime visits and park outings. While it remains part of an urban environment where vehicle thefts and occasional retail-corridor incidents occur, violent crime rates are substantially lower than Philadelphia citywide averages.”
About the area
Burholme is a middle-class Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood characterized by brick rowhouses, twin homes, and spacious green parks like Burholme Park and nearby Pennypack Park. It functions primarily as a quiet residential enclave with community commercial strips along Cottman and Oxford Avenues.
- Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Park-Adjacent
- Suburban-Urban Mix
Walking and biking in Burholme
Walk score: 71/100 · Bike score: 54/100
Indego bike-share stations are not currently present here, but the neighborhood provides immediate access to the extensive, paved Pennypack Trail for recreational cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to broader Philadelphia city averages
- High homeownership rate and stable multi-generational residential base
- Direct access to Burholme Park, the Ryerss Museum, and Pennypack Park trail systems
Cons
- Property crime including vehicle break-ins and auto theft along residential streets
- Commercial corridors on Cottman and Oxford Avenues can experience elevated retail theft and disorderly conduct
- Slightly aging housing stock and infrastructure requiring ongoing maintenance
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Burholme, with occasional individuals near high-traffic intersections or transit stops along Cottman Avenue, but no established encampments.
What Burholme is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers in Burholme Park, and commuters heading toward the Fox Chase Line.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy and functional as local commercial strips fill with shoppers and students returning from local schools.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet in residential areas, while neighborhood dining spots along Cottman and Oxford maintain steady, low-key foot traffic.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally quiet and dark on residential side streets; standard caution regarding property security is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Served by SEPTA, with regional rail access via the Fox Chase Line at Ryers station just on the neighborhood edge and key bus routes including the 18, 24, and 70 connecting across Northeast Philadelphia.
Street parking is largely free and readily available on residential blocks, though spots directly along Cottman and Oxford Avenues can fill during business hours.
Things to do in Burholme
- Tour the historic Ryerss Museum and Library set inside Burholme Park
- Play mini-golf, hit the batting cages, or use the driving range at Burholme Family Fun Center
- Hike or bike along the paved woodland trails of adjacent Pennypack Park
Local favorites
- Ryerss Museum and Library · Museum · 4.7★ (185)A Victorian-era mansion housing an eclectic historic art and artifact collection with an active free lending library.
- Burholme Golf & Family Fun Center · Amusement Center · 4.3★ (820)Longtime family venue featuring a multi-tier driving range, mini-golf course, and batting cages.
- Nifty Fifty's (Northeast Philly) · Diner · 4.5★ (3200)A lively retro 1950s-themed diner known for smash burgers, milkshakes, and scratch-made comfort food.
Neighborhoods near Burholme
Common questions about Burholme
Is Burholme safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Burholme a good place to live?
On safety, Burholme scores 74/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Burholme?
Walk score 71/100 and bike score 54/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Burholme are safer?
Rockledge (PA) (88), Fox Chase (82), Oak Lane Manor (80) score higher nearby.
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