Is Durham safe?
Durham, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Durham as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Durham
“Go. Durham is a peaceful, historic rural township in Upper Bucks County with virtually nonexistent crime rates. Visitors will find a safe, scenic countryside ideal for exploring local history, farm stands, and quiet country roads.”
About the area
Durham is a picturesque rural enclave in northern Bucks County defined by rolling hills, colonial stone architecture, and babbling waterways like Durham Creek. It offers a tranquil escape with rich 18th-century iron furnace history and close proximity to the Delaware River corridor.
- Rural / Peaceful
- Historic / Scenic
- Car-Dependent
- Sprawling Farmland
Walking and biking in Durham
Walk score: 10/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There are no bike-share stations or dedicated bike lanes in the township, but experienced road cyclists frequently ride the back roads to connect with the nearby Delaware Canal State Park Towpath.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates are among the lowest in the state.
- High household income and exceptionally high homeownership rates reflect a stable, well-maintained community.
- Scenic natural landscapes and preserved open spaces throughout the Durham Creek watershed.
Cons
- Total car dependence with no local public transportation options.
- Narrow, unlit rural roads present wildlife and nighttime driving hazards.
- Minimal commercial infrastructure requiring travel to neighboring towns for standard amenities.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a factor in Durham Township due to its low-density rural setting and lack of commercial corridors.
What Durham is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and crisp, with misty farm fields and light local commuter traffic along Route 212.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and scenic, with visitors and road cyclists enjoying the winding country roads in total safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and subdued as residential properties wind down with virtually no street-level activity.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Pitch-black and serene, requiring caution for deer while driving but presenting no personal crime risk.
Transit, parking and getting around
There is no public transportation service in Durham Township; the area is not served by SEPTA or LANTA, making a personal vehicle mandatory.
Parking is free, easy, and readily available in private driveways, farm stand lots, and trail pull-offs, with no meters or structured garages.
Things to do in Durham
- Explore the historic Durham Mill and Furnace site along Durham Creek.
- Pick up fresh local produce and baked goods at nearby historic family farm stands.
- Take a scenic driving or road cycling tour through the rolling hills and covered bridge territory of Upper Bucks.
Local favorites
- Trauger's Farm Market · Farm Market · 4.7★ (430)Long-running multi-generational farm stand offering fresh produce, local baked goods, and seasonal flowers along the river valley.
- Durham Springs · Event Venue & Dining · 4.6★ (115)Picturesque countryside property and culinary destination hosting private events and seasonal farm-to-table dinners.
- The Riegelsville Inn · American Restaurant & Pub · 4.5★ (860)Historic 1838 riverside inn just minutes north featuring elevated comfort food, craft beer, and scenic patio views.
Neighborhoods near Durham
Common questions about Durham
Is Durham safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Durham a good place to live?
On safety, Durham scores 93/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Durham?
Walk score 10/100 and bike score 24/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Durham are safer?
Tinicum (94) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Durham? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.