Is Fairmount (Philadelphia) safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Fairmount (Philadelphia) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Fairmount (Philadelphia)
“Go. Fairmount is one of Philadelphia's most stable and charming neighborhoods, offering a relaxed residential feel alongside world-class cultural attractions. While baseline urban awareness regarding vehicle break-ins and late-night side streets is recommended, visitors will generally feel very safe exploring day and evening.”
About the area
Commonly known as the Art Museum District, Fairmount is characterized by tree-lined streets, historic brick rowhouses, and vibrant neighborhood dining along Fairmount Avenue. Bordering the Schuylkill River and cultural parkways, it provides a peaceful, community-oriented atmosphere within easy reach of Center City.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Museum District
- Walkable Dining Hub
Walking and biking in Fairmount (Philadelphia)
Walk score: 92/100 · Bike score: 88/100
Indego bike-share stations are abundant across the area, offering immediate access to the Schuylkill River Trail and Kelly Drive.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Philadelphia's citywide average
- High median household income exceeding $95,000 with strong homeownership and minimal housing vacancy
- High foot traffic from active residents, families, and museum patrons along main corridors
Cons
- Opportunistic property crime such as package theft and vehicle window-smashing on side streets
- Higher risk of theft and disturbances near northern boundary borders along Girard Avenue
- Dense street parking and rowhouse alleys that create dim visibility late at night
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is uncommon within the interior residential blocks of Fairmount, though minor panhandling occurs occasionally along Fairmount Avenue and near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
What Fairmount (Philadelphia) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are lively and very safe with runners, dog walkers, and locals grabbing coffee on their way to work.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and active with museum-goers, school foot traffic, and open retail along Fairmount Avenue.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Sidewalks remain comfortable and well-lit around popular restaurants and neighborhood taverns.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm and mostly quiet; safe for walking, though standard caution is warranted on dimly lit side blocks.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA operates several bus routes through the neighborhood including the 32, 33, 48, and 49, while the Broad Street Line (Fairmount Station) is a 10-15 minute walk to the east.
On-street parking is competitive and heavily permit-regulated for residents, but paid garage and surface lot parking is available near the Parkway museums for $15-$30 per day.
Things to do in Fairmount (Philadelphia)
- Explore the historic cellblocks and audio tour at Eastern State Penitentiary
- Visit the nearby Philadelphia Museum of Art and run up the famous Rocky Steps
- Jog, cycle, or walk along the Schuylkill River Trail starting near Boathouse Row
Local favorites
- Eastern State Penitentiary · Historic Museum · 4.7★ (10500)Historic 19th-century prison offering atmospheric audio tours narrated by Steve Buscemi.
- A Mano · Italian Restaurant · 4.7★ (760)Cozy, upscale BYOB serving seasonal, handmade pastas and regional Italian dishes.
- Fare · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (880)Airy neighborhood bistro serving organic, farm-to-table American dishes with patio seating.
Neighborhoods near Fairmount (Philadelphia)
Common questions about Fairmount (Philadelphia)
Is Fairmount (Philadelphia) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Fairmount (Philadelphia) a good place to live?
On safety, Fairmount (Philadelphia) scores 82/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Fairmount (Philadelphia)?
Walk score 92/100 and bike score 88/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Fairmount (Philadelphia) are safer?
Fairmount (Philadelphia) scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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