Is Dearnley Park safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Dearnley Park as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Dearnley Park
“Go. Dearnley Park is a quiet, tree-lined residential pocket in Upper Roxborough that boasts significantly lower crime rates than most of Philadelphia. It offers a calm, suburban atmosphere with excellent access to nature reserves and parks. Normal everyday awareness regarding vehicle security is generally all that is needed.”
About the area
Situated in the far northwest section of Upper Roxborough, Dearnley Park is a tranquil, low-density neighborhood featuring single-family homes, leafy yards, and a tight-knit community feel. It functions primarily as a quiet residential enclave buffered from city bustle while remaining close to Ridge Avenue and Wissahickon Valley Park.
- Quiet Residential
- Tree-Lined / Green
- Suburban Feel
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Dearnley Park
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
Neighborhood streets are quiet for cycling, though hilly terrain and a lack of dedicated on-street bike lanes pose challenges; city Indego bike-share stations do not operate this far northwest.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest in the city of Philadelphia.
- High homeownership rate and above-average household income contribute to stable, well-kept properties.
- Adjacent to natural green spaces like the Upper Roxborough Reservoir Preserve and Wissahickon Valley.
- Ample and stress-free residential on-street parking.
Cons
- Primarily car-dependent with few dining or retail options within direct walking distance.
- Occasional property crimes such as vehicle break-ins or package theft.
- Long transit commutes to Center City Philadelphia (45–60 minutes).
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Dearnley Park due to its purely residential nature and lack of major transit hubs or service centers.
What Dearnley Park is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Crisp and peaceful with neighbors walking dogs, jogging, and heading out for morning commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and residential with very low vehicular traffic and children playing in yards.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and relaxing with minimal foot traffic aside from local residents taking evening strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and quiet, maintaining a low-risk environment typical of suburban neighborhoods.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA bus routes 9 and 27 run along nearby Ridge Avenue, providing service to the Wissahickon Transportation Center and Center City. The nearest regional rail stops (Ivy Ridge and Manayunk stations on the Manayunk/Norristown Line) are roughly a 5- to 10-minute drive or bus ride away.
Street parking is plentiful, unmetered, and free throughout the entire neighborhood without resident permit requirements.
Things to do in Dearnley Park
- Walk the scenic trail loop and spot wildlife at the Upper Roxborough Reservoir Preserve.
- Hike the forested trails linking into the greater Wissahickon Valley Park network.
- Explore the nature trails and educational exhibits at the nearby Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education.
Local favorites
- New Ridge Brewing Co. · Brewpub · 4.7★ (460)A neighborhood microbrewery on Ridge Avenue offering craft ales, gastropub fare, and relaxed indoor/outdoor dining.
- The Foodery Roxborough · Beer Store & Deli · 4.5★ (340)Popular bottle shop and casual eatery featuring hundreds of craft beers and made-to-order sandwiches.
- Barry's Steaks & Hoagies · Cheesesteak Restaurant · 4.6★ (920)Longstanding local favorite serving classic Philadelphia cheesesteaks and hoagies.
Neighborhoods near Dearnley Park
Common questions about Dearnley Park
Is Dearnley Park safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Dearnley Park a good place to live?
On safety, Dearnley Park scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Dearnley Park?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Dearnley Park are safer?
Hollow Woods (94), Upper Roxborough (88) score higher nearby.
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