Is Glenwood (Philadelphia) safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Glenwood (Philadelphia) as “No-go after dark”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Glenwood (Philadelphia)
“Skip for casual tourism. While Glenwood has pockets of resilient community life and historical significance in North Philadelphia, consistently elevated rates of violent crime, open drug activity, and significant urban blight make it unsuitable for general visitors. Those visiting for specific community projects or culinary destinations should exercise high vigilance during daylight hours.”
About the area
Glenwood is a dense, working-class North Philadelphia neighborhood characterized by traditional brick rowhomes, industrial rail corridors, and vacant lots. It faces severe economic disinvestment and ongoing public safety challenges despite active grassroots revitalization efforts.
- Urban Grid
- High Poverty
- Industrial Edges
- Transit-Connected
Walking and biking in Glenwood (Philadelphia)
Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 64/100
Indego bike-share stations are limited in the immediate neighborhood, and cycling requires navigating mixed traffic on older asphalt streets with few dedicated or protected bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Excellent transit connectivity with proximity to SEPTA Regional Rail and the Broad Street Line
- Pockets of active community empowerment initiatives, urban gardens, and public murals
- Home to notable mission-driven and long-standing neighborhood food establishments
Cons
- Violent crime and homicide rates significantly exceed Philadelphia and national averages
- Poverty rate exceeds 40% with high long-term unemployment and economic distress
- Widespread property vacancy, dilapidated housing stock, and illegal dumping issues
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and individuals experiencing substance use vulnerability are commonly observed near major transit nodes, viaducts, and the Lehigh Avenue commercial corridor.
What Glenwood (Philadelphia) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Morning commute hours see modest foot traffic near transit stops, though awareness of surroundings is strongly advised.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Residential streets are generally active with local residents and commercial traffic, though isolated street crime can occur.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Safety drops noticeably after dark as foot traffic thins and street-level illicit activity increases along major avenues.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Walking around late at night is hazardous and strongly discouraged due to high risks of gun violence and robbery.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the area via North Philadelphia Station (Trenton and Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail lines) and nearby Broad Street Line subway stations at North Philadelphia and Allegheny. Key bus routes include the 22, 33, 54, and 60 along Lehigh Avenue.
Free street parking is widely available on residential side streets with minimal metered zones, but dedicated parking garages do not exist and vehicle break-in risks are elevated.
Things to do in Glenwood (Philadelphia)
- Visit Down North Pizza to support a mission-driven culinary establishment employing formerly incarcerated individuals
- See the historic marker and commemorative plaques near the former site of Connie Mack Stadium / Shibe Park
- Observe neighborhood community murals coordinated by Mural Arts Philadelphia along major corridors
Local favorites
- Down North Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.7★ (680)Acclaimed Detroit-style square pizza joint dedicated to fair wages and employing formerly incarcerated staff.
- Max's Steaks · Cheesesteak Restaurant · 4.2★ (4250)Iconic North Philadelphia neon-lit corner destination known for massive, traditional cheesesteaks.
- Cousins Supermarket · Supermarket · 4.1★ (1180)Essential full-service neighborhood grocer carrying fresh produce, meats, and Caribbean specialties on Lehigh Ave.
Neighborhoods near Glenwood (Philadelphia)
Common questions about Glenwood (Philadelphia)
Is Glenwood (Philadelphia) safe to walk at night?
We don't recommend walking around casually after dark here; take a ride instead.
Is Glenwood (Philadelphia) a good place to live?
On safety, Glenwood (Philadelphia) scores 31/100 — among the lowest we score, so look closely at specific blocks before deciding to move.
How walkable is Glenwood (Philadelphia)?
Walk score 78/100 and bike score 64/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Glenwood (Philadelphia) are safer?
Stanton (Philadelphia) (42), Allegheny West (42), Franklinville (41) score higher nearby.
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