Is Hunting Park safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Hunting Park as “No-go after dark”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Hunting Park
“Go with care. Hunting Park has vibrant Puerto Rican and Dominican cultural roots and a large community park, but persistent violent crime and elevated property crime require heightened situational awareness. Visitors should stick to daytime visits, avoid isolated side streets, and exercise caution around transit hubs after dark.”
About the area
Hunting Park is a bustling, predominantly Latino and working-class residential neighborhood in North Philadelphia anchored by its namesake 87-acre park. While it offers authentic Caribbean eateries and community sports spaces, the neighborhood faces significant socioeconomic challenges and crime rates well above the national average.
- Working-Class
- Culturally Vibrant
- Urban Park Hub
- High-Caution
Walking and biking in Hunting Park
Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 67/100
Indego bike-share stations are available near the park perimeter, though dedicated on-street bike lanes are sparse and connection to the Schuylkill River Trail requires navigating busy urban traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Large 87-acre park featuring community athletic fields, tennis courts, and walking paths
- Rich concentration of authentic Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Latin American restaurants along North 5th Street
- Direct rapid transit connectivity into Center City via SEPTA's Broad Street Line
Cons
- Violent crime and gun-related incidents occur at rates substantially higher than national and city medians
- High neighborhood poverty rate exceeding 35% with visible infrastructure disinvestment
- Elevated rates of vehicle break-ins and property theft along commercial and residential corridors
- Open narcotics activity and loitering around certain transit stops and vacant lots
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and individuals experiencing substance use disorders are noticeable near Broad Street subway entrances and vacant parcels, with local outreach and shelter services operating nearby in North Philadelphia.
What Hunting Park is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active with commuters and students heading to transit; generally functional for walking along main avenues.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy commercial activity and park recreation, though situational awareness remains necessary on side streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Foot traffic drops off on residential blocks while activity centers on select eateries; caution is strongly advised.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Not recommended for leisure walking due to sharply elevated risks of robberies and violent crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA provides heavy rail service via the Broad Street Line at Hunting Park Station, offering a 15-minute ride to Center City. Frequent bus routes including the 53, 56, and Route R traverse the neighborhood's major thoroughfares.
Street parking is primarily free and unmetered on residential streets, though spaces fill quickly in the evening. There are virtually no commercial parking garages, so drivers must rely on street spots and secure all valuables.
Things to do in Hunting Park
- Explore the athletic fields, community gardens, and open green space in Hunting Park
- Experience the vibrant Latino cultural corridor along 'El Bloque de Oro' on North 5th Street
- Attend seasonal community events and youth baseball games at the Roberto Clemente Park fields nearby
Local favorites
- Tierra Colombiana · Latin American Restaurant · 4.3★ (4650)Famed destination serving hearty Colombian and Caribbean platters alongside a vibrant bakery counter.
- Freddy & Tony's Restaurant · Puerto Rican Restaurant · 4.4★ (890)Longstanding neighborhood staple known for mofongo, pernil, and traditional Puerto Rican comfort food.
- El Malecon Restaurant · Dominican Restaurant · 4.3★ (420)Casual neighborhood spot specializing in roast pork, fried plantains, and Dominican seafood dishes.
Neighborhoods near Hunting Park
Common questions about Hunting Park
Is Hunting Park safe to walk at night?
We don't recommend walking around casually after dark here; take a ride instead.
Is Hunting Park a good place to live?
On safety, Hunting Park scores 40/100 — among the lowest we score, so look closely at specific blocks before deciding to move.
How walkable is Hunting Park?
Walk score 78/100 and bike score 67/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Hunting Park are safer?
Feltonville (Philadelphia) (48), McGuire (45), Franklinville (41) score higher nearby.
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