Is Elmwood (Philadelphia) safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Elmwood (Philadelphia) as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Elmwood (Philadelphia)
“Go with care. While Elmwood features authentic West African dining and cultural pockets, visitors should remain vigilant. Stick to primary commercial corridors during daylight hours and avoid unlit side streets after dark.”
About the area
Elmwood is a dense, working-class neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia defined by traditional two-story brick rowhouses and a prominent West African immigrant community. It offers authentic diaspora cuisine and direct trolley access to Center City, though it faces economic headwinds and elevated crime rates.
- Working-Class
- Cultural Hub
- Rowhome Neighborhood
- Transit-Connected
Walking and biking in Elmwood (Philadelphia)
Walk score: 74/100 · Bike score: 64/100
Indego bike-share stations are scarce in Elmwood, but cyclists can access the nearby Cobbs Creek Trail and Schuylkill River Trail connectors via local surface roads.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- A hub for authentic West African, particularly Liberian and Mauritanian, dining and markets
- Direct light rail transit into University City and Center City via SEPTA's Route 36 trolley
- Close proximity to historic Bartram's Garden and the Cobbs Creek Park trail system
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates remain significantly above national averages
- Poverty rates exceed 25% with visible commercial and residential vacancies
- Limited nighttime entertainment options and sparse lighting on residential side streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low compared to Center City, with only occasional unhoused individuals or panhandlers seen near major trolley stops and commercial intersections.
What Elmwood (Philadelphia) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are lively with school-bound students and commuters boarding the trolley, making it generally comfortable to navigate.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons are active along retail strips like Elmwood Avenue, with typical urban hustle and manageable daytime safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly at dusk; stick to lit main avenues and avoid walking alone along side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late night travel on foot is not recommended due to heightened risks of street robbery and localized violent incidents.
Transit, parking and getting around
Elmwood is directly served by SEPTA's Route 36 Trolley running along Elmwood Avenue, connecting directly to University City and Center City, complemented by bus routes 68 and 108.
Street parking is largely free and unmetered on residential streets, though spaces fill up quickly in the evenings; commercial garages are non-existent in the area.
Things to do in Elmwood (Philadelphia)
- Sample traditional Liberian and Caribbean dishes along Elmwood and Woodland Avenues
- Take a short trip east to explore the historic grounds and river trails at Bartram's Garden
- Visit Connell Park for open community recreation and neighborhood sports
Local favorites
- African Small Pot · West African Restaurant · 4.3★ (440)Acclaimed eatery serving rich Mauritanian and West African stews, grilled meats, and plantains.
- Kings & Queens African Caribbean Cuisine · African & Caribbean Restaurant · 4.4★ (210)Local staple popular for Liberian specialties, jollof rice, and flavorful Caribbean classics.
- Elmwood Pizza · Pizza & Cheesesteaks · 4.1★ (180)Longstanding neighborhood counter serving classic Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks, hoagies, and pizza.
Neighborhoods near Elmwood (Philadelphia)
Common questions about Elmwood (Philadelphia)
Is Elmwood (Philadelphia) safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Elmwood (Philadelphia) a good place to live?
On safety, Elmwood (Philadelphia) scores 52/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Elmwood (Philadelphia)?
Walk score 74/100 and bike score 64/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Elmwood (Philadelphia) are safer?
Penrose (Philadelphia) (70), Industrial (60), Colwyn (58) score higher nearby.
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