Is Glenolden safe?
Glenolden, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Glenolden as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Glenolden
“Go. Glenolden is a quiet, working-class suburban borough in Delaware County with relatively low violent crime and a strong community feel. While commercial corridors along MacDade Boulevard see occasional property theft, visitors will find the residential neighborhoods generally peaceful and safe.”
About the area
Glenolden is a compact residential suburb southwest of Philadelphia characterized by brick twin homes, garden apartments, and community parks. Centered around MacDade Boulevard and its regional rail stop, it offers classic Delaware County diners, bakeries, and quiet tree-lined streets.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Transit-Connected
- Working-Class
Walking and biking in Glenolden
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no local municipal bike-share system, and cyclists must share standard roadways with vehicular traffic due to a lack of designated bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than nearby urban Philadelphia neighborhoods.
- Stable residential occupancy with low structural housing vacancy.
- Convenient direct rail connectivity to Center City Philadelphia via SEPTA.
- Close-knit community presence with active local parks and neighborhood watch.
Cons
- Higher rates of opportunistic property crime and retail theft along the MacDade Boulevard commercial corridor.
- Aging housing stock and occasional localized street flooding during severe storms.
- Pedestrian and traffic congestion hazards along major arterial thoroughfares.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Glenolden, with only rare transient individuals observed near major transit stops or commercial plazas.
What Glenolden is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with commuters walking to the train station or grabbing coffee along MacDade Boulevard.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and quiet with normal neighborhood traffic, school dismissals, and open parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm residential atmosphere with moderate patron activity around local taverns and restaurants.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally quiet and low-key, though basic caution is advised in dimly lit transit lots and isolated strip mall parking areas.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the borough directly via the Glenolden Station on the Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail Line, as well as Bus Route 113 along MacDade Boulevard.
Free on-street parking is widely available throughout residential streets, and commercial businesses along MacDade Boulevard maintain dedicated private lots.
Things to do in Glenolden
- Stroll through Glenolden Park, featuring walking paths, sports fields, and a picturesque gazebo.
- Sample traditional Philadelphia-style tomato pies and pastries at local neighborhood bakeries.
- Explore the nearby historic Swedish-colonial heritage sites along Darby Creek.
Local favorites
- Glenolden Bakery · Bakery · 4.7★ (480)Longstanding neighborhood staple known for classic cakes, donuts, and fresh tomato pies.
- The Fainting Goat · Bar & Grill · 4.3★ (650)Lively local gastropub offering craft beers, elevated pub fare, and weekly trivia nights.
- Amalfi Pizzeria & Ristorante · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (320)Casual, family-owned joint serving hand-tossed pizzas, cheesesteaks, and classic pasta dishes.
Neighborhoods near Glenolden
Common questions about Glenolden
Is Glenolden safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Glenolden a good place to live?
On safety, Glenolden scores 76/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Glenolden?
Walk score 68/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Glenolden are safer?
Norwood (PA) (84), Holmes (84), Wyndom (82) score higher nearby.
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