Is Frankford (Philadelphia) safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Frankford (Philadelphia) as “No-go after dark”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Frankford (Philadelphia)
“Go with care or skip unless visiting specific historic destinations during daylight hours. Frankford experiences significantly elevated rates of violent and property crime, alongside issues stemming from the nearby narcotics corridor. Casual exploring, especially after dark and around the transit terminal, is not recommended for general tourists.”
About the area
Frankford is a historic, densely populated working-class neighborhood in Lower Northeast Philadelphia centered along the elevated Market-Frankford Line. While it features pockets of community resilience, historic landmarks, and active neighborhood parks, it contends with significant socioeconomic challenges and high crime rates.
- Dense Urban
- Transit Hub
- Historic Rowhomes
- High-Stress
Walking and biking in Frankford (Philadelphia)
Walk score: 83/100 · Bike score: 62/100
Indego bike-share stations are limited in Frankford compared to central Philadelphia, but cyclists can access multi-use pathways within adjacent Tacony Creek Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Rich local history anchored by sites like the Historical Society of Frankford and Overington Park
- Direct, rapid transit connectivity into Center City via the Market-Frankford Line
- Affordable local independent dining and neighborhood markets along commercial corridors
Cons
- High rates of violent crime, including gun violence and aggravated assaults well above city averages
- Elevated poverty rate exceeding 30% alongside notable commercial and residential vacancy
- Persistent street-level narcotics activity and property crime near major transit stops
Homelessness: Visible homelessness, panhandling, and individuals suffering from substance abuse are notably prevalent, clustering heavily around the Frankford Transportation Center, under the elevated train along Frankford Avenue, and at major commercial intersections.
What Frankford (Philadelphia) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Morning commute hours bring active foot traffic around Frankford Avenue and SEPTA stations, though situational awareness is required.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Commercial streets remain busy with neighborhood shoppers and transit riders; sticking to main corridors and daylight hours is recommended.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity thins quickly outside transit stops as safety concerns and street loitering become more pronounced.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late night travel is strongly discouraged due to heightened risks of violent encounters, illicit trade, and robbery.
Transit, parking and getting around
Frankford is exceptionally well-served by SEPTA, anchored by the Frankford Transportation Center (FTC) at the terminus of the Market-Frankford Line (El), connecting to major bus routes including the 5, 14, 24, 25, 59 trackless trolley, and 66.
Street parking along residential blocks is tight and primarily unmetered, while commercial stretches along Frankford Avenue feature limited metered parking; dedicated parking decks are scarce.
Things to do in Frankford (Philadelphia)
- Explore regional archives and artifacts at the Historical Society of Frankford
- Stroll through Overington Park, an active community-maintained Victorian green space
- Walk or bike the nearby trails of Tacony Creek Park along the neighborhood's western edge
Local favorites
- Historical Society of Frankford · Museum & Archive · 4.8★ (32)Historic institution housing one of Philadelphia's premier collections of neighborhood artifacts and records.
- Glenda's Kitchen · Caribbean Restaurant · 4.4★ (125)Low-key neighborhood staple serving hearty plates of oxtail, curry chicken, and plantains.
- Little Sicily II Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.1★ (290)Longstanding counter-serve spot dishing out classic Philadelphia pizza, cheesesteaks, and hoagies.
Neighborhoods near Frankford (Philadelphia)
Common questions about Frankford (Philadelphia)
Is Frankford (Philadelphia) safe to walk at night?
We don't recommend walking around casually after dark here; take a ride instead.
Is Frankford (Philadelphia) a good place to live?
On safety, Frankford (Philadelphia) scores 38/100 — among the lowest we score, so look closely at specific blocks before deciding to move.
How walkable is Frankford (Philadelphia)?
Walk score 83/100 and bike score 62/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Frankford (Philadelphia) are safer?
Bridesburg (74), Summerdale (62), Juniata Park (60) score higher nearby.
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