Is Hawthorne (Philadelphia) safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Hawthorne (Philadelphia) as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Hawthorne (Philadelphia)
“Go. Hawthorne is a convenient, largely residential South Philadelphia enclave bordered by Center City and Bella Vista that offers a calm base for exploring the city. Visitors should practice standard urban vigilance regarding vehicle security and late-night walking along major corridors like Broad Street and Washington Avenue.”
About the area
Hawthorne is a compact, predominantly residential neighborhood located just south of Center City, featuring a mix of modern townhouses, historic row homes, and neighborhood parks. Its central position between the Avenue of the Arts and the Italian Market makes it an appealing and accessible transit-adjacent pocket.
- Quiet Residential
- Transit-Accessible
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Hawthorne (Philadelphia)
Walk score: 97/100 · Bike score: 95/100
Hawthorne offers superb bike access with Indego bike-share docks at 11th & Catharine and 12th & Carpenter, connecting quickly to the designated bike lanes on 11th, 12th, and 13th Streets.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent crime rates compared to citywide Philadelphia averages
- High rates of educational attainment and steady residential reinvestment
- Close walking proximity to Center City, Bella Vista, and the Broad Street Line
- Quiet, community-oriented side streets with active neighborhood associations
Cons
- Property crime, such as package theft and vehicle break-ins, remains a persistent urban issue
- Elevated street activity and occasional nuisance incidents near the Broad & Washington transit junction
- Limited commercial dining options directly within neighborhood boundaries compared to neighboring areas
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal on interior residential blocks, but occasional panhandling and unhoused individuals are seen along the commercial Broad Street corridor and near the subway entrances at Washington Avenue.
What Hawthorne (Philadelphia) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with dog walkers, commuters walking to SEPTA stations, and joggers heading toward Center City.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and residential with moderate foot traffic and children playing in Hawthorne Park.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Well-lit and lively as residents return home and dine at local neighborhood spots, feeling generally safe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets become quiet; while residential blocks remain relatively tranquil, stick to main lit paths and avoid lingering near unlit transit entrances.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by SEPTA, with the Broad Street Line subway stations at Ellsworth-Federal and Lombard-South situated within a 3 to 5-minute walk. Key bus routes including the 23, 45, and 2 run directly along the periphery.
Street parking requires residential permit tracking and is notoriously tight in the evenings. Paid garages are scarce directly inside Hawthorne, though commercial surface lots and garages are available along Broad Street and nearby in Center City for $20 to $35 daily.
Things to do in Hawthorne (Philadelphia)
- Relax or catch community events at Hawthorne Park on 12th and Catharine
- Browse local art exhibits and performances at nearby cultural venues along the Avenue of the Arts
- Take an easy walking architectural tour of the mixed historic rowhouses and modern redevelopment blocks
Local favorites
- Hawthorne's Beer Cafe · American Restaurant / Beer Bar · 4.5★ (1850)Popular neighborhood gastropub known for generous brunch plates, comfort food, and an extensive craft beer bottle shop.
- Small World Seafood · Seafood Market · 4.9★ (120)Specialty seafood distributor offering fresh, sustainably sourced catches with weekly community pickup.
- Federal Donuts & Chicken South Philly · Donut & Fried Chicken Shop · 4.5★ (980)Local staple serving spiced fried chicken, honey donuts, and specialty coffee just on the neighborhood edge.
Neighborhoods near Hawthorne (Philadelphia)
Common questions about Hawthorne (Philadelphia)
Is Hawthorne (Philadelphia) safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Hawthorne (Philadelphia) a good place to live?
On safety, Hawthorne (Philadelphia) scores 75/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Hawthorne (Philadelphia)?
Walk score 97/100 and bike score 95/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Hawthorne (Philadelphia) are safer?
Society Hill (Philadelphia) (90), Queen Village (84), Rittenhouse (84) score higher nearby.
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