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Is Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia) safe?

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly

89out of 100

Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.

VibeLoco rates Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia) as “Go”.

What makes up this score?

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Gogo's take on Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia)

“Go. Chestnut Hill is one of Philadelphia's most picturesque, safe, and affluent neighborhoods, featuring a charming cobblestone main street and immediate access to expansive parkland. Visitors can explore shops, historic architecture, and dining with very little safety concern beyond standard awareness.”

About the area

Located in the northwest corner of Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill is renowned as the city's 'Garden District' for its lush greenery, historic stone homes, and vibrant commercial spine along Germantown Avenue. It blends a village-like tranquility with urban cultural attractions like the Morris Arboretum and Woodmere Art Museum.

  • Historic / Tree-Lined
  • Affluent & Leafy
  • Family-Friendly
  • Boutique Shopping

Walking and biking in Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia)

Walk score: 74/100 · Bike score: 52/100

Direct access is available to the gravel trails of Wissahickon Valley Park and Forbidden Drive, though cycling on Germantown Avenue requires caution due to historic cobblestones and trolley tracks; city bike-share docks are currently limited in this area.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

  • Violent crime rates are among the lowest in the city of Philadelphia.
  • Median household income exceeds $120,000 with exceptionally high homeownership and property maintenance rates.
  • Active business improvement district maintains exceptionally clean and well-lit public corridors.
  • Immediate walkable access to extensive recreational trail networks in Wissahickon Valley Park.

Cons

  • Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins and package theft occur.
  • Cobblestone streets and historic streetcar tracks along Germantown Avenue can create tripping or driving hazards.
  • Isolated residential side streets become very dark and deserted late at night.

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Chestnut Hill, with only rare panhandling near transit stations or grocery stores and no established encampments.

What Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia) is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a
Peaceful and bustling with morning joggers, dog walkers, and commuters grabbing coffee along Germantown Avenue.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p
Lively and welcoming with shoppers and diners browsing boutique storefronts in a very safe environment.
Evening · 5p – 10p
Warm and active around restaurants and pubs with steady foot traffic and ample lighting along the main commercial strip.
Late night · 10p – 5a
Quiet and predominantly residential; streets empty out significantly, requiring routine vigilance against isolated property theft.

Transit, parking and getting around

SEPTA operates two commuter rail lines terminating here: the Chestnut Hill East Line and Chestnut Hill West Line, both within a short walk of Germantown Avenue, complemented by SEPTA bus routes 23, 77, and L.

Metered street parking is available along Germantown Avenue via the meterUP app or kiosks, supplemented by multiple public surface parking lots managed by the Chestnut Hill Parking Foundation; free parking is generally accessible on adjacent residential side streets.

Things to do in Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia)

  • Explore the 92-acre botanical collection and tree canopy walk at Morris Arboretum.
  • Browse independent boutiques, antique shops, and cafes along historic Germantown Avenue.
  • Hike, run, or relax along Forbidden Drive within the adjacent Wissahickon Valley Park.

Local favorites

  • McNally's Tavern · Pub / American Restaurant · 4.6★ (1150)
    Historic, cozy neighborhood tavern famous for crafting the iconic Philadelphia sandwich, The Schmitter.
  • Cake · Bistro / Bakery · 4.6★ (820)
    Airy, greenhouse-style bistro serving scratch-made pastries, brunch, and seasonal American lunch fare.
  • Night Kitchen Bakery & Cafe · Bakery / Cafe · 4.6★ (640)
    Longstanding artisan bakery recognized for handcrafted cakes, artisan breads, and savory light bites.

Neighborhoods near Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia)

More: all Philadelphia neighborhoods · safest neighborhoods in Pennsylvania

Common questions about Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia)

Is Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia) safe to walk at night?

Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.

Is Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia) a good place to live?

On safety, Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia) scores 89/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.

How walkable is Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia)?

Walk score 74/100 and bike score 52/100. Most errands can be done on foot.

Which areas near Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia) are safer?

Erdenheim (93), Enfield (Springfield Township) (91), Wyndmoor (90) score higher nearby.

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