Is Jenkintown safe?
Jenkintown, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Jenkintown as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Jenkintown
“Go. Jenkintown is a charming, affluent, and exceptionally safe borough in Montgomery County just north of Philadelphia. Visitors can explore its walkable town center, historic theatre, and local dining spots with minimal safety concerns day or night.”
About the area
Jenkintown is a historic suburban community known for its compact, walkable commercial core along Old York Road and West Avenue. It features quiet, tree-lined residential streets, independent boutiques, and a strong sense of civic engagement just outside the Philadelphia city border.
- Family-Friendly
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Walkable Dining Hub
- Suburban Downtown
Walking and biking in Jenkintown
Walk score: 86/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is no bike-share system in town, and dedicated bike lanes are absent on major arteries like Route 611, though side streets offer relatively comfortable riding toward nearby regional trail connections.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low and well below regional and national averages.
- Strong local economy with median household incomes well above state medians and low poverty.
- Active, pedestrian-friendly town square with a visible and responsive municipal police department.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins in municipal lots.
- Heavy vehicular traffic and high speeds along Route 611 (Old York Road) present pedestrian crossing hazards.
- Limited late-night activity, leading to quiet and deserted commercial streets after 10 PM.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Jenkintown, with no established encampments or persistent street panhandling in the borough.
What Jenkintown is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Quiet and safe, with commuters heading toward the train station and locals walking dogs along residential sidewalks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and active with shoppers, diners, and school traffic creating a secure, welcoming atmosphere.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively around restaurants and the theater, offering a comfortable and well-lit environment for evening strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm and largely empty as nightlife winds down early, maintaining a very low risk of street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA operates the major Jenkintown-Wyncote Station (served by the Airport, Lansdale/Doylestown, Warminster, and West Trenton regional rail lines, roughly a 10-to-15-minute walk from downtown) alongside SEPTA Bus Route 55 running along Old York Road.
Street metered parking and several borough-operated municipal lots are easily accessible for approximately $1.00 to $1.50 per hour, with free parking available on many adjacent residential side streets.
Things to do in Jenkintown
- Catch an independent or classic film screening at the historic Hiway Theater.
- Browse local boutiques, cafes, and specialty bakeries along West Avenue.
- Relax in Jenkintown Town Square and attend seasonal outdoor music performances and events.
Local favorites
- Hiway Theater · Cinema · 4.7★ (530)A beloved nonprofit 1913 cinema showing independent films, foreign releases, and classic retrospectives.
- Drake Tavern · Pub / American · 4.4★ (970)A bustling neighborhood institution famous for award-winning burgers, comfort food, and draft beer.
- West Avenue Grille · Brunch Restaurant · 4.5★ (1240)A popular daytime staple offering decadent pancakes, specialty benedicts, and robust breakfast plates.
Neighborhoods near Jenkintown
Common questions about Jenkintown
Is Jenkintown safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Jenkintown a good place to live?
On safety, Jenkintown scores 89/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Jenkintown?
Walk score 86/100 and bike score 52/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Jenkintown are safer?
Rydal East (91), Baederwood (91) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Jenkintown? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.