
Is Chester Heights safe?
Chester Heights, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Chester Heights as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Chester Heights
“Go. Chester Heights is an exceptionally safe, quiet, and affluent borough in Delaware County. Visitors will find rolling hills, tree-lined residential neighborhoods, and virtually no violent or property crime concerns.”
About the area
Chester Heights is a small, semi-rural borough located in western Delaware County, characterized by single-family homes, historic properties, and wooded open spaces. It offers a peaceful country-suburban atmosphere while providing quick vehicle access to dining and retail in nearby Glen Mills, Concordville, and Media.
- Quiet Suburban
- Wooded / Semi-Rural
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Chester Heights
Walk score: 14/100 · Bike score: 22/100
There is no bike-share program and no dedicated bike lanes on the borough's narrow, winding roadways, making cycling suitable mostly for experienced riders on recreational routes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates are among the lowest in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
- High median household incomes and strong homeownership rates foster exceptionally stable neighborhoods.
- Tranquil, natural environment with well-kept properties and scenic country roads.
Cons
- Almost completely car-dependent with virtually no pedestrian infrastructure on main roads.
- Very limited commercial amenities or dining within borough limits, requiring travel to neighboring towns.
- Narrow, winding roads lack street lighting and shoulders, posing hazards for night driving and walking.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a factor in Chester Heights. There are no encampments or panhandling, with regional support services situated in larger municipal hubs.
What Chester Heights is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are serene and quiet, with smooth residential traffic heading toward Route 1 and local train stations.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons remain very calm and safe, with occasional neighborhood walkers and school transit.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings are dark and peaceful with minimal activity outside of private residences.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights are pitch-black on unlit two-lane roads, but violent crime and disorderly activity are virtually nonexistent.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited, with SEPTA bus Route 111 operating along nearby Baltimore Pike (Route 1). Commuters generally use the SEPTA Regional Rail Media/Wawa Line at Wawa Station, located just 5 minutes away by car.
Parking is completely effortless across the borough, consisting of private driveways in residential areas and ample free surface lots at local businesses and institutions.
Things to do in Chester Heights
- Tour the historic grounds of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, one of the oldest Catholic parish locations in Pennsylvania.
- Explore the nearby Chester Creek trails and natural open spaces for birdwatching and hiking.
- Visit local farm stands and garden centers in the immediate surrounding countryside of Delaware County.
Local favorites
- Pescatores Italian Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.3★ (560)Longstanding local eatery serving classic pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and Italian favorites in a cozy setting.
- McKenzie Brew House · Brewery & Restaurant · 4.2★ (1150)Popular nearby brewpub offering house-crafted beers, wood-fired pizzas, and classic American tavern fare.
- Terrain Cafe · American / Farm-to-Table · 4.5★ (1480)Sought-after greenhouse restaurant serving seasonal, locally sourced brunch and dinner in neighboring Glen Mills.
Neighborhoods near Chester Heights
- Ward (Concord) · Concord92
- Riddlewood · Middletown Township (Delaware County)92
- Markham (Concord) · Concord91
- Aston · Aston86
- Lima · Middletown Township (Delaware County)90
- Mount Alverno · Middletown Township (Delaware County)89
More: all Chester Heights neighborhoods · safest neighborhoods in Pennsylvania
Common questions about Chester Heights
Is Chester Heights safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Chester Heights a good place to live?
On safety, Chester Heights 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 Chester Heights?
Walk score 14/100 and bike score 22/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Chester Heights are safer?
Chester Heights scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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