Is Dunlap safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Dunlap as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Dunlap
“Go with care. Dunlap is a dense West Philadelphia rowhouse neighborhood with vibrant cultural hubs along 52nd Street, but it faces persistent violent and property crime challenges. Visitors unfamiliar with the neighborhood should stick to daylight hours along major corridors and exercise vigilance.”
About the area
Dunlap is a predominantly residential urban neighborhood in West Philadelphia situated just north of Market Street. It features classic brick rowhouse architecture and deep community roots anchored by the historic 52nd Street commercial strip.
- Urban Rowhouse
- Historic Corridor
- Transit-Oriented
- High-Density
Walking and biking in Dunlap
Walk score: 86/100 · Bike score: 74/100
Indego bike-share stations are situated near Market-Frankford transit stops, offering access to city bike routes leading toward University City and the Schuylkill River Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Direct rapid transit connectivity via SEPTA Market-Frankford Line stations at 52nd and 56th Streets
- Rich cultural heritage featuring legendary Black-owned small businesses and community organizations
- High walkability to neighborhood grocers, discount retail, and casual local eateries
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates sit well above both national and municipal averages
- Poverty rate exceeds 30%, accompanied by pockets of vacant lots and distressed rowhouses
- Limited nightlife amenities and elevated safety risks after dark on side streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately concentrated around the elevated transit stations along Market Street at 52nd and 56th, with minimal presence on interior residential blocks.
What Dunlap is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Relatively calm as residents commute, making it straightforward to navigate main transit routes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively street activity and foot traffic along the 52nd Street corridor, though standard urban vigilance is advised.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down on side streets; stick to well-traveled, lit thoroughfares like Market Street.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Safety risks increase notably due to street crime and low foot traffic; pedestrian transit is not advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the area with elevated Market-Frankford Line rapid transit at the 52nd St and 56th St stations, alongside high-frequency buses including routes 31, 52, and G.
Street parking consists mostly of unmetered, permit-free curbside parking along narrow residential rows, which fills quickly after work hours with no public garages available.
Things to do in Dunlap
- Browse historic literature and gifts at Hakim's Bookstore, one of the nation's oldest Black-owned bookstores
- Sample authentic Caribbean and soul food specialties along the 52nd Street business corridor
- Walk south to enjoy open green space and community programming at neighboring Malcolm X Park
Local favorites
- Hakim's Bookstore & Gift Shop · Bookstore · 4.9★ (270)Historic, family-run bookstore founded in 1959 specializing in African American history and culture.
- Tasties Restaurant · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.1★ (1320)Popular local eatery serving generous portions of fried chicken, mac and cheese, and Southern classics.
- Top Taste · Jamaican Restaurant · 4.4★ (340)Unassuming takeout counter praised for flavorful jerk chicken, oxtail, and curry goat.
Neighborhoods near Dunlap
Common questions about Dunlap
Is Dunlap safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Dunlap a good place to live?
On safety, Dunlap scores 45/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Dunlap?
Walk score 86/100 and bike score 74/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Dunlap are safer?
Garden Court (71), West Powelton (64), Walnut Hill (Philadelphia) (63) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Dunlap? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.