Is Germantown, Morton safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Germantown, Morton as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Germantown, Morton
“Go with care. While Morton and surrounding East Germantown boast rich colonial and abolitionist history alongside pockets of community revitalization, the neighborhood struggles with persistent property crime and elevated rates of gun violence. Visitors should stick to daylight hours, stay along primary corridors like Germantown Avenue or Chew Avenue, and avoid walking through residential side streets late at night.”
About the area
Morton is a historic residential section of East Germantown in Northwest Philadelphia, characterized by 19th-century rowhouses, stone architecture, and proximity to historic landmarks. It presents a stark contrast of community pride and historic sites alongside areas experiencing economic distress and urban blight.
- Historic / Gritty
- Residential Rowhouses
- Transit-Connected
- Developing Arts Pocket
Walking and biking in Germantown, Morton
Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 62/100
Indego bike-share stations are situated near primary commercial intersections along Germantown Avenue, with moderate bike lane connectivity leading toward the Wissahickon Valley trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Rich concentration of walkable African American and Underground Railroad historic sites
- Direct SEPTA Regional Rail connections at Chelten Avenue and Washington Lane stations
- Close proximity to the tranquil greenspace of Awbury Arboretum
- Active grassroots community organizations dedicated to preserving historic architecture
Cons
- Violent crime and property crime rates remain significantly above national and city averages
- Elevated poverty rates exceeding 25% with localized pockets of vacant and blighted properties
- Noticeable drop in foot traffic and pedestrian safety after dark along side streets
- Frequent vehicle break-ins and package theft reported across residential blocks
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate, primarily clustering around major commercial hubs near Chelten Avenue and Regional Rail underpasses, but large encampments are not common.
What Germantown, Morton is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and generally peaceful as commuters head to regional rail stations and local school children travel.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy along commercial streets like Chew Avenue and Chelten Avenue, though situational awareness is still advised on residential side streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Foot traffic thins out quickly and street lighting is uneven, warranting increased caution.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Not recommended for casual walking or solo transit trips due to elevated risks of street robberies and illicit activity.
Transit, parking and getting around
The neighborhood is served by SEPTA, with the Chestnut Hill East Regional Rail Line stopping at Washington Lane and the Chestnut Hill West Line accessible nearby, alongside high-frequency bus routes 18, 23, and 26.
Residential street parking is generally free and relatively easy to find on side streets, though commercial avenues feature metered spots; always remove valuables from sight to deter break-ins.
Things to do in Germantown, Morton
- Tour the historic Johnson House, an authentic Underground Railroad site on Germantown Avenue
- Stroll the 55-acre public landscape and historic grounds at nearby Awbury Arboretum
- Explore Cliveden, the site of the Revolutionary War Battle of Germantown
Local favorites
- Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books · Cafe & Bookstore · 4.8★ (1150)Popular community hub offering specialty espresso drinks, baked goods, and a curated selection of literature.
- Young American Hard Cider · Cidery & Tasting Room · 4.9★ (120)Locally crafted artisanal hard ciders served in a cozy, community-oriented tasting room.
- Deke's Bar-B-Que · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (460)Laid-back smokehouse serving slow-cooked ribs, brisket, and classic comfort sides.
Neighborhoods near Germantown, Morton
Common questions about Germantown, Morton
Is Germantown, Morton safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Germantown, Morton a good place to live?
On safety, Germantown, Morton scores 54/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Germantown, Morton?
Walk score 78/100 and bike score 62/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Germantown, Morton are safer?
Mount Airy, East (78), Germantown, Westside (64), Germantown, Penn Knox (62) score higher nearby.
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