Is Haverford safe?
Lower Merion, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Haverford as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Haverford
“Go. Haverford in Lower Merion is one of the safest and most affluent residential communities on the Philadelphia Main Line. Visitors can comfortably explore its leafy streets, historic architecture, and local dining hubs with virtually no safety concerns.”
About the area
Haverford is an idyllic, historic Main Line suburb characterized by century-old stone estates, pristine landscaping, and quiet residential lanes. Centered around Lancaster Avenue and the historic SEPTA train station, it features a small but upscale corridor of boutiques, cafes, and academic institutions.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Affluent Suburb
- Quiet & Picturesque
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Haverford
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, and cyclists must share standard road lanes along Lancaster Ave, though nearby campus grounds and local residential roads offer calm riding.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero, well below state and national averages.
- Exceptionally high median household income exceeding $180,000 with very high rates of homeownership.
- Proactive, highly rated municipal policing by Lower Merion Township.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property theft, mainly involving unlocked parked vehicles.
- Limited street lighting on winding, tree-lined residential side roads at night.
- Heavy vehicular traffic and narrow sidewalks along Lancaster Avenue during peak commute hours.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually nonexistent in Haverford. There are no encampments or concentrated street panhandling in the area.
What Haverford is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with morning commuters, dog walkers, and joggers enjoying shaded residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and active around the commercial district on Lancaster Ave with shoppers and students.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe, with bustling restaurant patios and quiet residential blocks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and deserted, maintaining high safety though unlit residential roads can feel exceptionally dark.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA Regional Rail's Paoli/Thorndale Line stops directly at Haverford Station, offering a 25-minute direct ride to Center City Philadelphia, alongside SEPTA Bus Route 105 running along Route 30.
Parking is generally easy with township municipal lots and metered street spaces along Lancaster Avenue (typically $1.00/hr), while residential side streets generally offer free, open parking.
Things to do in Haverford
- Walk the scenic 216-acre Haverford College Arboretum and nature trail loop.
- Explore upscale boutiques, bakeries, and dining spots along the Lancaster Avenue corridor.
- Admire the historic architecture surrounding the 1865 Merion Cricket Club campus.
Local favorites
- White Dog Cafe Haverford · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Upscale farm-to-table American dining set across charming dog-themed dining rooms.
- Green Engine Coffee Co. · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (460)Cozy specialty espresso bar featuring house-made pastries and a lush living plant wall.
- Tredici Italian Market · Italian Delicatessen · 4.6★ (320)Gourmet Italian market offering artisanal sandwiches, prepared pastas, and imported delicacies.
Neighborhoods near Haverford
Common questions about Haverford
Is Haverford safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Haverford a good place to live?
On safety, Haverford scores 94/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Haverford?
Walk score 62/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Haverford are safer?
Haverford scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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