Is East Poplar safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates East Poplar as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on East Poplar
“Go with care. East Poplar is an evolving transition zone between bustling Northern Liberties and North Philadelphia that offers several destination breweries and historic spots along its southern edge. While daytime visits along major corridors are generally safe, elevated rates of property crime and nighttime street-level robberies mean visitors should stay aware of their surroundings after dark.”
About the area
East Poplar is a mixed-density neighborhood in Lower North Philadelphia characterized by a combination of public housing complexes, historic row homes, and modern apartment developments. Its southern border along Spring Garden Street serves as a lively commercial and craft beverage corridor, while interior residential streets are quieter and more variable block-to-block.
- Post-Industrial
- Rapidly Developing
- Craft Beer Hub
- Transitional
Walking and biking in East Poplar
Walk score: 88/100 · Bike score: 84/100
Indego bike-share stations are situated along Spring Garden and 5th Street, connecting directly to the Spring Garden Street bike lanes and nearby Delaware River Trail network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Immediate adjacency to Northern Liberties and Center City amenities
- Rapidly growing influx of renovated housing stock and new infill development
- Active, well-trafficked commercial anchor along Spring Garden Street
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime, particularly auto break-ins and theft
- Noticeable economic disparity with poverty rates exceeding city averages in public housing tracts
- Uneven street lighting and pedestrian activity on interior residential blocks at night
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is occasional, mostly concentrated near subway portals along Broad Street and under rail overpasses on Spring Garden and Callowhill Streets.
What East Poplar is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and generally peaceful as commuters, dog walkers, and delivery drivers move along main streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and steady with regular foot traffic around breweries, historic sites, and nearby transit stops.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively along the Spring Garden commercial strip, though quieter interior streets require standard urban vigilance.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic drops sharply outside of late-night bars, and isolated side streets carry a higher risk of street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA provides strong transit connectivity, with the Broad Street Line (Spring Garden and Girard subway stations) a 5- to 10-minute walk west, supplemented by the Route 15 Girard trolley and Route 43 and 47 bus lines.
Street parking is available with a mix of permit-only zones and meters along main corridors; free spots on residential blocks can be competitive during peak evening hours.
Things to do in East Poplar
- Tour the historic home and exhibits at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
- Sample local craft beers and pub food in the spacious taproom at Yards Brewing Company
- Explore the nearby elevated Rail Park greenway trailhead at Broad and Noble Street
Local favorites
- Yards Brewing Company · Brewery & Restaurant · 4.6★ (2750)Sprawling craft brewery facility offering tours, classic Philly ales, and comfort fare.
- Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site · Historic Site & Museum · 4.6★ (720)Preserved 19th-century home of the famous writer managed by the National Park Service.
- Triple Bottom Brewing · Craft Brewery · 4.8★ (360)Community-minded taproom serving inventive beers with a strong social mission.
Neighborhoods near East Poplar
Common questions about East Poplar
Is East Poplar safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is East Poplar a good place to live?
On safety, East Poplar scores 62/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is East Poplar?
Walk score 88/100 and bike score 84/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near East Poplar are safer?
Northern Liberties (76), Callowhill (70), Kensington, Old (64) score higher nearby.
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