Is Lawndale (Philadelphia) safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Lawndale (Philadelphia) as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Lawndale (Philadelphia)
“Go with care. Lawndale is a dense, working-class residential neighborhood in the lower Northeast that is generally calm during the daytime. Visitors should remain alert along busy commercial corridors and exercise caution at night due to property crime and isolated violent incidents.”
About the area
Lawndale is characterized by tidy grids of brick rowhomes, local neighborhood churches, and diverse immigrant-owned businesses along its main thoroughfares. It serves primarily as a residential community for commuters rather than a tourism center, though it offers authentic dining along Rising Sun and Oxford Avenues. Its proximity to Tacony Creek Park provides convenient access to urban greenery.
- Working-Class
- Dense Residential
- Diverse Eateries
- Rowhome Grid
Walking and biking in Lawndale (Philadelphia)
Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 54/100
Indego bike-share stations do not currently extend into Lawndale, but recreational cycling is accessible via the paved multi-use trails in nearby Tacony Creek Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Established working-class community with stable residential blocks and high homeownership
- Diverse selection of international restaurants and specialty food markets
- Direct rail access to Center City via SEPTA Lawndale Regional Rail station
Cons
- Elevated property crime rates, specifically theft from vehicles and stolen autos
- Commercial corridors experience occasional muggings and nighttime disturbances
- Poverty rate around 20% creates localized municipal and economic strain
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal across Lawndale's residential streets, with occasional panhandling limited to busy retail strip centers and major bus stops.
What Lawndale (Philadelphia) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are lively with school traffic and commuters heading to regional rail, feeling safe and community-oriented.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Residential blocks remain generally peaceful, while commercial avenues see steady daytime shopping activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity diminishes on side streets; stick to well-lit main corridors when walking after dusk.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets empty out significantly and risk of opportunistic crime rises, so using vehicles or rideshares is recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA provides transit via the Lawndale Station on the Fox Chase Regional Rail Line, offering direct Center City service alongside major bus routes including the 18, 19, and 24.
Street parking is free and generally available during daytime hours, though residential rowhome blocks become congested in the evenings.
Things to do in Lawndale (Philadelphia)
- Explore the paved trails and natural scenery at adjacent Tacony Creek Park
- Embark on a self-guided culinary tour of diverse ethnic eateries along Rising Sun Avenue
- Visit local bakeries and specialty markets along Oxford Avenue
Local favorites
- Pappou's Diner · Diner · 4.3★ (510)Longstanding neighborhood staple serving hearty American breakfast classics and comfort food.
- House of Biryanis and Chai · Indian Restaurant · 4.2★ (730)Casual dining destination praised for authentic Hyderabadi biryanis and spiced street foods.
- Rib Rack · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (1250)Classic neighborhood barbecue fixture famous for baby back ribs and homestyle sides.
Neighborhoods near Lawndale (Philadelphia)
Common questions about Lawndale (Philadelphia)
Is Lawndale (Philadelphia) safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Lawndale (Philadelphia) a good place to live?
On safety, Lawndale (Philadelphia) scores 60/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Lawndale (Philadelphia)?
Walk score 78/100 and bike score 54/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Lawndale (Philadelphia) are safer?
Oak Lane Manor (80), Ashmead Village (78), Melrose Park Gardens (67) score higher nearby.
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