Is Kingsessing safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Kingsessing as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Kingsessing
“Go with care, especially during daylight hours. Kingsessing is a historic, culturally rich West Philadelphia community, but it suffers from persistent violent and property crime rates well above national averages. Visitors should stick to well-traveled corridors, remain aware of surroundings, and avoid wandering residential side streets at night.”
About the area
Kingsessing is a historic Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood characterized by classic brick rowhouses, diverse West African and African American heritage, and neighborhood parks. While close to University City and Bartram's Garden, it faces distinct urban challenges including high poverty and safety concerns.
- Urban Residential
- Culturally Diverse
- Historic Rowhomes
- Transit-Connected
Walking and biking in Kingsessing
Walk score: 82/100 · Bike score: 75/100
Indego bike-share stations are situated near commercial corridors, with direct access to the Bartram's Mile trail connecting to the Schuylkill River Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Proximity to historic Bartram's Garden and the Schuylkill River Trail network
- Convenient direct trolley access to University City and Center City via SEPTA Routes 11 and 13
- Rich local culinary scene featuring authentic West African and Caribbean eateries
Cons
- Violent crime and gun violence rates significantly exceed Philadelphia and national averages
- Elevated poverty rate exceeding 28% alongside localized housing vacancy and blight
- Frequent property crimes including vehicle break-ins and package theft
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present, mostly concentrated around major transit stops on Woodland Avenue and commercial corners, though large encampments are not typical.
What Kingsessing is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active with commuters walking to trolley stops and students heading to school; generally calm along major avenues.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling street activity near retail corridors on Chester and Woodland Avenues, with standard urban caution advised.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Foot traffic drops quickly on residential blocks, and increased caution is necessary as lighting can be uneven.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Walking alone is not recommended due to heightened risks of street robberies and gun violence.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA operates the Route 11 and Route 13 trolley lines through the neighborhood, connecting riders directly to Center City via the 30th Street subway-surface tunnel, supplemented by bus routes like the 52 and G.
Street parking is largely free and non-metered on residential streets, though open spaces become scarce in the evening; dedicated garages do not exist in the immediate area.
Things to do in Kingsessing
- Explore the grounds, historic house, and riverfront trails at nearby Bartram's Garden
- Visit the Kingsessing Library and adjoining recreation center and park
- Sample traditional West African dishes along the commercial stretches of Woodland and Chester Avenues
Local favorites
- Le Baobab Restaurant · West African Restaurant · 4.2★ (160)Popular neighborhood spot serving hearty Senegalese classics like thieboudienne and dibi.
- African D'Savannah · African Restaurant · 4.4★ (125)Down-to-earth eatery known for generous portions of authentic African stews, fufu, and grilled meats.
- Four Worlds Bakery · Bakery & Cafe · 4.7★ (230)Neighborhood artisan bakery offering sourdough bread, croissants, and espresso just on the edge of the district.
Neighborhoods near Kingsessing
Common questions about Kingsessing
Is Kingsessing safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Kingsessing a good place to live?
On safety, Kingsessing scores 45/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Kingsessing?
Walk score 82/100 and bike score 75/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Kingsessing are safer?
Garden Court (71), Cedar Park (70), Southwest Schuylkill (54) score higher nearby.
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