Is Kensington, Old safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Kensington, Old as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Kensington, Old
“Go with care, as Olde Kensington is rapidly changing with plenty of trendy dining and arts spaces but remains adjacent to higher-crime districts. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, especially after dark, and keep valuables secured. Sticking to well-lit commercial corridors and main avenues near Fishtown offers the safest experience.”
About the area
Olde Kensington is an evolving post-industrial neighborhood in Philadelphia situated between Northern Liberties, Fishtown, and North Philadelphia. Known for converted warehouse lofts, craft breweries, and an active arts community, it presents a stark blend of modern redevelopment alongside older industrial pockets.
- Post-Industrial
- Arts & Culture
- Rapidly Developing
- Hipster Hub
Walking and biking in Kensington, Old
Walk score: 91/100 · Bike score: 86/100
Multiple Indego bike-share docking stations are scattered across the neighborhood, connecting riders to painted bike lanes on 5th Street and the Delaware River Trail to the east.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Booming residential investment and rising median incomes driven by converted lofts and new construction
- Close proximity to vibrant dining and nightlife scenes in adjacent Northern Liberties and Fishtown
- Excellent public transit access via SEPTA rail and bus networks
- Active arts presence anchored by cultural institutions and makerspaces
Cons
- High incidence of property crime, vehicle break-ins, and package theft
- Pockets of vacant lots and blighted industrial structures creating isolated stretches at night
- Spillover property and drug-related crime from neighborhoods directly to the north
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is present but significantly less concentrated than in Upper Kensington; individuals experiencing homelessness and occasional panhandling are most often encountered near transit stops and major arterial crossings.
What Kensington, Old is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and quiet as commuters, dog walkers, and construction crews move through the neighborhood with low safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally bustling with foot traffic near cafes, studios, and parks, feeling relatively safe and welcoming.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Popular dining and drinking spots bring a steady flow of visitors, though walking alone on unlit side streets requires caution.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic falls off significantly outside immediate bar areas, increasing the risk of robbery and vehicle-related crimes.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the neighborhood via the Market-Frankford Line with easy access from the Berks and Girard stations, supplemented by bus routes 3, 5, and 57 traversing north-south and east-west.
Street parking is largely free but competitive and scarce in the evenings; private garages are rare, so visitors should avoid leaving visible belongings in parked vehicles.
Things to do in Kensington, Old
- Browse contemporary art exhibitions and creative studios at the Crane Arts building
- Sample locally brewed lagers and craft beers along the North 5th Street corridor
- Explore independent culinary spots and artisanal bakeries tucked into converted industrial buildings
Local favorites
- Human Robot · Brewery · 4.7★ (680)Acclaimed local craft brewery famous for European-style lagers, rotating IPAs, and hearty sandwiches.
- Sor Ynez · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (420)Modern Mexico City-inspired eatery featuring authentic cuisine, craft cocktails, and a spacious patio.
- ReAnimator Coffee · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (460)Specialty small-batch coffee roaster serving pour-overs, espresso drinks, and fresh pastries in an airy warehouse setting.
Neighborhoods near Kensington, Old
Common questions about Kensington, Old
Is Kensington, Old safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Kensington, Old a good place to live?
On safety, Kensington, Old scores 64/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Kensington, Old?
Walk score 91/100 and bike score 86/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Kensington, Old are safer?
Northern Liberties (76), Fishtown - Lower Kensington (70) score higher nearby.
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