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Is Lima safe?

Middletown Township (Delaware County), Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly

90out of 100

Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.

VibeLoco rates Lima as “Go”.

What makes up this score?

Recent news

Gogo's take on Lima

“Go. Lima is a tranquil, affluent suburban community in Delaware County characterized by exceptionally low crime rates, well-kept residential neighborhoods, and family-oriented amenities. Visitors will experience a quiet, safe atmosphere whether visiting local parks or retail centers.”

About the area

Lima is an unincorporated community nestled in Middletown Township, known for its leafy residential streets, historic arboretums, and proximity to major commercial retail hubs along Route 1. It offers a classic suburban Philadelphia experience with high quality of life and scenic wooded surroundings.

  • Quiet Suburb
  • Car-Dependent
  • Family-Friendly
  • Green / Wooded

Walking and biking in Lima

Walk score: 32/100 · Bike score: 34/100

There is no public bike-share program; while neighborhood streets are quiet for recreation, major routes like Route 1 lack dedicated bike lanes, though nearby Ridley Creek State Park offers paved multi-use trails.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

  • Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both national and regional averages
  • High median household incomes well exceeding $100,000 paired with negligible poverty
  • High rates of well-maintained, owner-occupied single-family homes
  • Immediate access to extensive regional park systems and nature preserves

Cons

  • Car-dependent infrastructure with limited continuous sidewalks outside retail clusters
  • Occasional commercial-district retail theft or vehicle break-ins along the Baltimore Pike corridor
  • Heavy commuter traffic congestion along US-1 and PA-352 during peak travel hours

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in Lima; occasional outreach services and shelters are concentrated in larger urban hubs elsewhere in Delaware County.

What Lima is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a
Peaceful and safe with commuters departing and joggers utilizing residential side streets and parks.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p
Active around local shopping centers and nature areas with minimal safety concerns.
Evening · 5p – 10p
Calm and quiet throughout residential subdivisions with low ambient noise and safe driving conditions.
Late night · 10p – 5a
Very quiet and deserted; safety remains very high with minimal late-night foot traffic or street activity.

Transit, parking and getting around

Public transit is operated by SEPTA, with the nearest Regional Rail access at the Wawa Station (Media/Wawa Line) located just a 5-minute drive away, supplemented by SEPTA Bus Route 110 and Route 111 operating along main arterials.

Parking is abundant and universally free in large surface lots at commercial plazas, township parks, and within private residential driveways.

Things to do in Lima

  • Explore the extensive hiking trails, historic barn, and botanical gardens at nearby Tyler Arboretum
  • Hike, fish, or picnic along the paved and multi-use paths in Ridley Creek State Park
  • Shop, dine, or watch a movie at The Promenade at Granite Run

Local favorites

  • Tyler Arboretum · Botanical Garden · 4.7★ (3100)
    Historic 650-acre preserve featuring woodland trails, heritage tree collections, and seasonal exhibits.
  • P.J. Whelihan's Pub & Restaurant · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (1250)
    Popular local tavern serving classic wings, burgers, and draft beers in a lively sports setting.
  • Miller's Ale House · Sports Bar · 4.1★ (1900)
    Spacious casual chain venue known for signature chicken Zingers, steaks, and ample TV screens.

Neighborhoods near Lima

More: all Middletown Township (Delaware County) neighborhoods · safest neighborhoods in Pennsylvania

Common questions about Lima

Is Lima safe to walk at night?

Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.

Is Lima a good place to live?

On safety, Lima scores 90/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.

How walkable is Lima?

Walk score 32/100 and bike score 34/100. Most trips need a car.

Which areas near Lima are safer?

Edgmont (94), Riddlewood (92), Chester Heights (92) score higher nearby.

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