Is Chelten Hills safe?
Cheltenham, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Chelten Hills as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Chelten Hills
“Go. Chelten Hills is a peaceful, established suburban enclave in Cheltenham Township just outside the Philadelphia border. Visitors and residents experience low violent crime and a high-ownership residential setting, though standard awareness is advised along nearby busy commercial corridors.”
About the area
Chelten Hills is a leafy, historic inner-ring suburb characterized by spacious single-family homes, stone architecture, and quiet winding streets. Located directly north of the Philadelphia city line, it offers suburban tranquility with quick access to regional rail and nearby township parks.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Quiet Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Chelten Hills
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There is no municipal bike-share system in the area, and dedicated bike lanes are scarce on main thoroughfares, though quiet interior roads are comfortable for local riding.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- High homeownership rate and strong socioeconomic stability relative to adjacent urban districts
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than regional urban averages
- Scenic, well-maintained residential streets with mature tree canopies
- Direct SEPTA Regional Rail connectivity into Center City Philadelphia
Cons
- Border commercial corridors experience occasional vehicle break-ins and property thefts
- Limited walkable commercial amenities directly inside the interior residential streets
- Spillover traffic congestion along major boundary thoroughfares like Cheltenham Avenue
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Chelten Hills. An occasional unhoused individual may be seen near transit hubs or major commercial intersections along Cheltenham Avenue, but there are no encampments.
What Chelten Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very quiet and safe with neighbors walking dogs, jogging, and commuting to nearby transit stations.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and peaceful with minimal vehicle traffic on interior residential roads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential ambiance where well-lit streets remain safe for casual evening strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low activity with quiet, dark streets; standard suburban precautions apply.
Transit, parking and getting around
Served by SEPTA, with the Chelten Hills and nearby Elkins Park or Melrose Park Regional Rail stations providing direct service to Center City Philadelphia. Several SEPTA bus routes (such as the 55 and 70) run along peripheral corridors.
Street parking on residential streets is plentiful, free, and unrestricted, while dedicated lots serve local business nodes and train stations.
Things to do in Chelten Hills
- Stroll through the shaded, architecturally diverse residential lanes of historic Chelten Hills
- Visit adjacent Curtis Arboretum to enjoy walking trails, rolling hills, and community events
- Explore the historic Wall House and Museum located just nearby in Elkins Park
Local favorites
- Marco Polo Restaurant & Bar · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (850)Longstanding neighborhood staple serving classic Italian fare, seafood, and cocktails in an upscale setting.
- Goat Hollow · American Gastropub · 4.5★ (1100)Popular nearby neighborhood tavern featuring craft beers, creative burgers, and cozy patio dining.
- Creekside Co-op · Grocery & Cafe · 4.3★ (320)Community-focused market offering organic produce, prepared foods, and artisan local goods nearby.
Neighborhoods near Chelten Hills
Common questions about Chelten Hills
Is Chelten Hills safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Chelten Hills a good place to live?
On safety, Chelten Hills 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 Chelten Hills?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Chelten Hills are safer?
Jenkintown (89), Wyncote (83), Elkins Park Gardens (82) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Chelten Hills? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.