Is Franklinville safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Franklinville as “No-go after dark”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Franklinville
“Skip unless you are visiting specific cultural establishments or community destinations with local guidance. While Franklinville maintains rich cultural identity and community heritage, significantly elevated rates of violent crime, property offenses, and nearby narcotics activity make it poorly suited for casual visitors.”
About the area
Franklinville is a compact, dense North Philadelphia neighborhood characterized by classic red-brick rowhomes, local bodegas, and strong Latino cultural roots. Positioned between Fairhill and Hunting Park, the area faces entrenched socioeconomic adversity alongside vibrant grassroots community pride.
- Dense Urban Grid
- Culturally Rich
- Working-Class
- High Crime Risk
Walking and biking in Franklinville
Walk score: 86/100 · Bike score: 68/100
Philadelphia's Indego bike-share program has sparse stations in the immediate vicinity, and cyclists must share traffic lanes without dedicated or protected greenway connections.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Distinct Caribbean and Latin American culinary offerings, bakeries, and markets
- Convenient transit access via SEPTA bus routes and nearby Broad Street Line stations
- Active neighborhood community gardens and public street murals
Cons
- Violent crime and property crime rates remain significantly above national averages
- High neighborhood poverty rate exceeding 35% with visible housing blight and vacant parcels
- Frequent spillover from active narcotics markets and street-level crime on adjacent commercial corridors
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and individuals experiencing substance use disorders are frequently observed congregating near major transit hubs and commercial intersections along Erie and Allegheny Avenues.
What Franklinville is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Neighborhood streets see standard bustle with residents commuting and opening corner shops, though general vigilance is required.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Commercial traffic along main avenues is active, but visitors should remain aware of surroundings and avoid isolated side streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Foot traffic thins out quickly at dusk, with elevated safety risks making walking alone unadvisable.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late night brings acute safety concerns including illicit street activity and weapon offenses; visiting on foot should be strictly avoided.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the area with frequent bus routes including the 56 along Erie Avenue and the 60 along Allegheny Avenue, while the Broad Street Line Erie subway station is within a short walking distance to the west.
Parking consists exclusively of street parking along narrow rowhouse blocks, which is free but notoriously congested and difficult to find during evenings.
Things to do in Franklinville
- Sample traditional Puerto Rican roast pork, mofongo, and pastelillos at local lechoneras
- Visit the nearby Hunting Park recreation fields, courts, and community center just to the north
- Walk past neighborhood public art and cultural murals celebrating Caribbean heritage
Local favorites
- El Bohio Restaurant · Puerto Rican Restaurant · 4.3★ (460)Longstanding neighborhood staple known for traditional lechon asado, yellow rice, and hearty Caribbean portions.
- Panaderia El Coqui · Bakery · 4.4★ (380)Beloved local bakery turning out warm pan de agua, quesitos, and Puerto Rican pastries daily.
- Freddy & Tony's Restaurant · Latin American Restaurant · 4.3★ (790)Informal diner-style eatery serving mofongo, pernil, and authentic Dominican and Puerto Rican dishes.
Neighborhoods near Franklinville
Common questions about Franklinville
Is Franklinville safe to walk at night?
We don't recommend walking around casually after dark here; take a ride instead.
Is Franklinville a good place to live?
On safety, Franklinville scores 41/100 — among the lowest we score, so look closely at specific blocks before deciding to move.
How walkable is Franklinville?
Walk score 86/100 and bike score 68/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Franklinville are safer?
McGuire (45) score higher nearby.
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