Is Kirklyn safe?
Upper Darby, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Kirklyn as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Kirklyn
“Go with care. Kirklyn is a predominantly quiet, working-class residential enclave in Upper Darby with noticeably lower violent crime rates than the areas immediately surrounding the 69th Street corridor. Visitors have little reason to fear routine daytime and evening visits, though typical inner-ring suburban awareness regarding vehicle security and commercial corridors is advised.”
About the area
Kirklyn is a compact, classic inner-ring residential neighborhood in Upper Darby Township characterized by early 20th-century brick twins, rowhouses, and tree-lined streets. Positioned along West Chester Pike, it offers quick access to both Philadelphia via public transit and neighboring Delaware County suburbs like Havertown.
- Suburban / Residential
- Tree-Lined
- Working-Class
- Commuter Hub
Walking and biking in Kirklyn
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There are no municipal bike-share stations in Kirklyn, and dedicated on-street bike infrastructure is minimal, though low-speed side streets provide manageable cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower violent crime rates compared to eastern Upper Darby and nearby West Philadelphia borders
- Stable residential fabric with high occupancy and solid owner-occupied housing stock
- Convenient direct access to retail and dining along West Chester Pike and Township Line Road
- Strong regional connectivity via SEPTA trolley and bus routes into Center City
Cons
- Occasional property crimes such as vehicle break-ins and package theft along residential streets
- Heavy commuter traffic and pedestrian hazards along West Chester Pike (PA-3)
- Pockets of aging infrastructure and limited dedicated recreational park space within the neighborhood boundary
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the residential streets of Kirklyn, though occasional unhoused individuals or panhandlers may be observed around major transit stops or commercial plazas on West Chester Pike.
What Kirklyn is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with commuters heading to work, school buses circulating, and residents walking dogs.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with moderate commercial activity and vehicle traffic along West Chester Pike.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel with standard suburban foot traffic near local restaurants and takeout spots.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally quiet and low-key, but caution is warranted when walking alone along major arterial roads or transit stops late at night.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves Kirklyn directly via the Route 101 and 102 Media/Sharon Hill trolley lines and multiple bus routes (such as the 104, 112, and 115) connecting to the 69th Street Transportation Center in about 5 to 10 minutes.
Street parking on residential streets is generally free and accessible, though some streets can get dense in the evening; commercial areas offer dedicated off-street plaza lots.
Things to do in Kirklyn
- Explore the diverse casual international eateries along the West Chester Pike commercial strip
- Take a stroll through the quiet residential streets admiring classic Delaware County brick twin architecture
- Visit nearby Naylors Run Park just south of the neighborhood for walking trails and sports fields
Local favorites
- Pica's Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (3200)A storied local institution renowned for its signature rectangular Upper Darby-style pizza and hearty Italian classics.
- Heng's Thai Cuisine · Thai Restaurant · 4.6★ (410)A cozy, well-regarded neighborhood spot offering classic Thai curries, noodle dishes, and lunch specials.
- Upper Darby Greek Restaurant · Greek Restaurant · 4.4★ (380)Casual, authentic Mediterranean diner serving gyros, souvlaki, platters, and Greek specialties.
Neighborhoods near Kirklyn
Common questions about Kirklyn
Is Kirklyn safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Kirklyn a good place to live?
On safety, Kirklyn scores 72/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Kirklyn?
Walk score 68/100 and bike score 52/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Kirklyn are safer?
Richland (Haverford) (93), Penfield (91), Llanerch (90) score higher nearby.
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