Is Haverford North safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Haverford North as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Haverford North
“Go with care. Haverford North is an urban West Philadelphia residential neighborhood with elevated rates of both violent and property crime compared to city and national benchmarks. Daytime visits for specific community spots or neighborhood exploration are generally manageable, but visitors should exercise heightened situational awareness and avoid wandering residential side streets after dark.”
About the area
Haverford North is a dense, predominantly residential West Philadelphia neighborhood characterized by historic brick rowhomes, community gardens, and proximity to the University City footprint. While facing socioeconomic challenges and ongoing redevelopment pressures, it maintains deep community roots and convenient access to the transit corridors of Lancaster Avenue and Market Street.
- Historic Rowhouses
- Urban Residential
- Transit-Connected
- Community-Focused
Walking and biking in Haverford North
Walk score: 82/100 · Bike score: 74/100
Indego bike-share stations are situated along peripheral corridors like Lancaster Avenue, offering street-level cycling connections toward the Schuylkill River Trail and Fairmount Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient public transit access connecting directly to University City and Center City
- Close proximity to cultural hubs and green spaces in Fairmount Park and the Philadelphia Zoo
- Active local community gardens, murals, and grassroots civic organizations
Cons
- Violent crime and property crime rates remain significantly above national averages
- High neighborhood poverty rate exceeding 30% alongside elevated structural housing vacancy
- Sparse commercial infrastructure and limited pedestrian activity during evening hours
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present, mostly concentrated around transit hubs near Market Street, Lancaster Avenue commercial corners, and major intersections, with several social service outreach programs active in West Philadelphia.
What Haverford North is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are moderately active with residents commuting and children heading to school; daytime navigation is generally straightforward.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Residential corridors remain fairly quiet, though caution is advised around major intersections and commercial corners.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pedestrian foot traffic drops off quickly after dusk, requiring increased alertness on quieter side blocks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Not recommended for casual walking or solo transit trips due to low visibility and heightened robbery risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
Operated by SEPTA, the neighborhood is served by multiple bus lines including Route 10 Trolley on Lancaster Avenue and Route 30 on Haverford Avenue, with the Market-Frankford Line elevated subway accessible nearby at 40th or 46th Street stations (about 10 to 15 minutes on foot).
Free unmetered street parking is widely available on residential blocks, though spots can tighten in the evenings; commercial corridors like Lancaster Ave feature limited metered spots, with no dedicated parking garages in the immediate area.
Things to do in Haverford North
- Explore community-led green spaces and urban agriculture at local pocket parks along Haverford Avenue
- Take a self-guided walking tour of neighborhood mural arts celebrating West Philadelphia civil rights history
- Visit the nearby historic visual art and cultural events hosted along the Lancaster Avenue Arts Corridor
Local favorites
- Irie Caribbean Restaurant · Caribbean Restaurant · 4.2★ (185)Unfussy neighborhood spot dishing out generous platters of jerk chicken, oxtail, and curried goat.
- Quality Taste Jamaican Restaurant · Jamaican Restaurant · 4.1★ (210)Casual eatery serving authentic island staples, plantains, and hearty midday stew specials.
- Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse · Community Cafe · 4.8★ (320)Longstanding nearby cultural and pop-culture hub offering espresso drinks, pastries, and graphic novels.
Neighborhoods near Haverford North
Common questions about Haverford North
Is Haverford North safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Haverford North a good place to live?
On safety, Haverford North scores 48/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Haverford North?
Walk score 82/100 and bike score 74/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Haverford North are safer?
West Powelton (64), East Parkside (53) score higher nearby.
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