Is Bustleton safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Bustleton as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Bustleton
“Go. Bustleton is one of the safest and most stable residential areas in Philadelphia, offering quiet suburban-style streets and diverse international dining. While visitors should exercise routine precautions regarding property crime such as vehicle break-ins, violent crime is exceptionally rare in this area.”
About the area
Located in the Far Northeast section of Philadelphia, Bustleton is a spacious, auto-centric community defined by quiet residential subdivisions and shopping plazas. It is particularly renowned for its prominent Eastern European and Central Asian cultural footprint, offering exceptional specialty grocers and authentic restaurants.
- Suburban Vibe
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
- Diverse Dining
- Quiet Residential
Walking and biking in Bustleton
Walk score: 54/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There are no city Indego bike-share docks in the neighborhood, but cyclists can access the extensive paved multi-use trails of the Pennypack Trail network on the neighborhood's southern edge.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest within the Philadelphia city limits.
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained single-family and twin housing stock.
- Strong economic stability with above-average median household income and low poverty levels.
Cons
- Arterial roads like Bustleton Avenue and nearby Roosevelt Boulevard pose pedestrian traffic hazards.
- Occasional property crimes such as vehicle break-ins and catalytic converter theft occur in parking lots.
- Very limited traditional tourist attractions or walkable entertainment districts.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is very low in Bustleton, with no encampments and only occasional individuals panhandling near major commercial intersections along Roosevelt Boulevard or Bustleton Avenue.
What Bustleton is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and orderly with residents commuting and children heading to school; very safe for neighborhood walks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderate activity in strip malls and plazas along the main avenues, with high vehicular traffic but a secure pedestrian environment.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential streets with steady customer traffic at local restaurants and shopping centers, maintaining a safe atmosphere.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are mostly deserted and calm; violent crime risk remains low, though standard late-night vigilance is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA operates the Route 58 bus directly along Bustleton Avenue, connecting commuters to the Market-Frankford Line at Frankford Transportation Center, while Regional Rail service is accessible via the West Trenton Line at nearby Somerton and Forest Hills stations.
Parking is exceptionally easy and free, with plentiful residential street spaces and expansive private lots at all major commercial centers.
Things to do in Bustleton
- Shop for imported foods, freshly baked goods, and hot deli specialties at NetCost Market.
- Walk, jog, or relax along the green forested multi-use trails at nearby Pennypack Park.
- Play tennis, basketball, or take a peaceful walk around Lackman Playground.
Local favorites
- NetCost Market · Supermarket · 4.3★ (3250)A massive international supermarket offering specialty Eastern European groceries, imported cheeses, and an expansive hot food bar.
- Uzbekistan Restaurant · Uzbek Restaurant · 4.4★ (1120)A popular neighborhood destination serving authentic Central Asian cuisine, including charcoal-grilled kebabs, plov, and savory samsa.
- Steve's Prince of Steaks · Cheesesteak Restaurant · 4.4★ (4150)A long-running Northeast Philadelphia landmark famous for classic flat-grilled ribeye cheesesteaks on fresh rolls.
Neighborhoods near Bustleton
Common questions about Bustleton
Is Bustleton safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Bustleton a good place to live?
On safety, Bustleton scores 81/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Bustleton?
Walk score 54/100 and bike score 42/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Bustleton are safer?
Valley Falls (93), Walnut Hill (Abington) (89), Somerton (85) score higher nearby.
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