Is Fitler Square safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Fitler Square as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Fitler Square
“Go. Fitler Square is one of the safest, most affluent, and picturesque residential neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Violent crime is rare, making it exceptionally comfortable for walking and exploring at almost any hour.”
About the area
Nestled just southwest of Rittenhouse Square along the Schuylkill River, Fitler Square is a tranquil, historic enclave defined by cobblestone-lined side streets, Victorian brick townhomes, and lush pocket parks. It offers a relaxed, neighborhood feel with upscale cafes and easy access to the riverfront trail.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet & Residential
- Upscale
Walking and biking in Fitler Square
Walk score: 97/100 · Bike score: 94/100
Fitler Square has multiple Indego bike-share stations (including at 23rd & South) and provides seamless access to the Schuylkill River Trail via the South Street Bridge ramp and Locust Street boardwalk.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Among the lowest violent crime rates in Philadelphia with an exceptionally high median household income exceeding $140,000
- Extremely well-maintained historic housing stock with virtually zero blighted or vacant properties
- Direct, scenic access to the Schuylkill River Trail and Fitler Square Park
Cons
- Occasional urban property crimes such as package theft and vehicle break-ins occur
- Narrow historic streets make vehicle navigation and street parking exceptionally frustrating
- Limited late-night commercial activity means streets can become very quiet after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential blocks of Fitler Square. An occasional unhoused individual or panhandler may be seen near the commercial edge on South Street or near the South Street Bridge connector.
What Fitler Square is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and lively with dog walkers, joggers heading toward the river trail, and locals grabbing morning coffee.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with families lingering around Fitler Square Park and pedestrians walking through tree-lined streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Warm and inviting as neighborhood restaurants fill up and residents stroll home from Center City offices.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and largely deserted; violent incidents are rare, but standard street awareness is still wise.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA bus routes 7, 12, and 40 service the perimeter of the neighborhood, and the 22nd Street Trolley Station is roughly a 10-minute walk north for direct subway-surface connections across Center City.
Street parking is strictly permit-regulated (Zone 1) with tight time limits and very high competition; visitors should expect to use nearby parking garages around 21st & Lombard or Rittenhouse for $25-$40 per day.
Things to do in Fitler Square
- Relax by the Victorian bronze turtle fountain and browse the Saturday farmers market in Fitler Square Park
- Walk or jog along the Schuylkill River Trail via the South Street or Locust Street connectors
- Stroll along the historic brick-paved block of 2200 Delancey Place to admire 19th-century architecture
Local favorites
- Rival Bros Coffee Bar · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (380)Sleek neighborhood cafe serving artisanal espresso drinks, drip coffee, and fresh pastries.
- Trattoria Carina · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (420)Intimate corner trattoria offering casual Italian classics, handmade pastas, and an approachable wine list.
- Sally · Pizza Restaurant & Wine Bar · 4.5★ (210)Trendy small-plates eatery specializing in naturally fermented sourdough pizzas and natural wines.
Neighborhoods near Fitler Square
Common questions about Fitler Square
Is Fitler Square safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Fitler Square a good place to live?
On safety, Fitler Square scores 90/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Fitler Square?
Walk score 97/100 and bike score 94/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Fitler Square are safer?
Fitler Square scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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