Is Holmes safe?
Ridley, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Holmes as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Holmes
“Go. Holmes is a quiet, predominantly residential Delaware County suburb that offers a very safe and low-stress environment for travelers. Violent crime is uncommon, making it an easy place to visit, lodge, or run errands without major safety concerns.”
About the area
Holmes is an established suburban neighborhood within Ridley Township, Pennsylvania, situated between the MacDade Boulevard and Chester Pike corridors. The area is characterized by mid-century single-family homes, modest brick twins, and convenient strip shopping plazas catering to everyday suburban life.
- Quiet Suburb
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Working-Class Heritage
Walking and biking in Holmes
Walk score: 54/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, and local thoroughfares lack designated bike lanes, making cycling best suited for quiet interior streets.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both state and national benchmarks.
- Strong homeownership rate exceeding 70% fosters stable, well-maintained residential blocks.
- Reliable municipal police coverage from the Ridley Township Police Department.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property theft, including retail shoplifting and unlocked vehicle prowls along commercial corridors.
- MacDade Boulevard presents pedestrian safety hazards due to heavy vehicular traffic and wide intersections.
- Sparse evening entertainment or cultural attractions within immediate neighborhood boundaries.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Holmes, with only rare transient individuals near high-traffic retail intersections along MacDade Boulevard.
What Holmes is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with commuters heading toward I-95 and school buses navigating quiet residential avenues.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and secure, featuring routine shopping traffic along MacDade Boulevard and neighbors walking dogs.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential, with families dining out and well-lit neighborhood streets that remain safe for walks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with minimal pedestrian activity, though standard vehicle locking precautions should still be observed.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by SEPTA, with Bus Routes 107 and 113 running directly along MacDade Boulevard. The nearest rail transit is the SEPTA Media/Wawa Line at Morton Station, located approximately 1.5 miles north.
Parking is straightforward, with free and abundant street parking on residential roads and ample free surface lots at commercial plazas.
Things to do in Holmes
- Bowl a few frames and enjoy classic arcade games at MacDade Bowl.
- Sample traditional Delaware County hoagies, cheesesteaks, and tomato pies at local delis.
- Visit nearby Ridley Township Marina for waterfront views and seasonal outdoor recreation along Darby Creek.
Local favorites
- Sciarrino's Pizzeria · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (340)Longstanding neighborhood eatery serving traditional thin-crust pizza, cheesesteaks, and Italian entrees.
- MacDade Bowl · Bowling Alley · 4.4★ (420)Vintage family-friendly bowling center offering open play, league bowling, and casual pub food.
- A Little Pizza Heaven · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (310)Cozy local pizza parlor known for specialty pies, stuffed calzones, and generous hoagies.
Neighborhoods near Holmes
Common questions about Holmes
Is Holmes safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Holmes a good place to live?
On safety, Holmes scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Holmes?
Walk score 54/100 and bike score 42/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Holmes are safer?
Rutledge (PA) (90) score higher nearby.
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