Is Ludlow (Philadelphia) safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Ludlow (Philadelphia) as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Ludlow (Philadelphia)
“Go with care. Ludlow is an evolving Lower North Philadelphia neighborhood with strong community roots and spillover investment from nearby Northern Liberties, but elevated crime and poverty rates remain prevalent. Stick to main corridors during daylight hours and practice consistent situational awareness.”
About the area
Ludlow is a mixed-density urban neighborhood situated just north of Girard Avenue and west of South Kensington. The landscape is characterized by traditional Philadelphia rowhomes, public housing complexes, and a growing number of modern residential infill developments.
- Transitional
- Urban Grid
- Community-Focused
- Emerging Infill
Walking and biking in Ludlow (Philadelphia)
Walk score: 88/100 · Bike score: 82/100
Indego bike-share docks are located along the Girard Avenue perimeter, connecting into on-street bike lanes on Master, Oxford, and 5th Streets.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient walking distance to dynamic dining and entertainment hubs in Northern Liberties and Fishtown
- Direct transit access to Center City via multiple SEPTA bus and trolley lines
- Active grassroots community spaces, murals, and public parks like Cruz Recreation Center
Cons
- Violent crime and property theft rates tracking significantly above the national median
- High neighborhood poverty rate exceeding 30% alongside localized blight and vacant parcels
- Poor street lighting and isolated stretches on residential side streets after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate and primarily observed near major commercial intersections along Girard Avenue or under rail bridges, rather than on interior residential blocks.
What Ludlow (Philadelphia) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are relatively calm with residents commuting and children heading to local schools.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderate foot traffic along primary corridors like Girard Avenue and 5th Street, generally comfortable for vigilant visitors.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity drops off quickly on residential sidestreets, where lower lighting requires heightened situational awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Not recommended for casual walking due to elevated risks of street crime, drug-related activity, and isolated blocks.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the neighborhood via the Route 15 trolley/bus along Girard Avenue, with north-south connections on the Route 47 and 57 buses; the Broad Street Line (Cecil B. Moore Station) and Market-Frankford Line (Girard Station) are both roughly a 10-to-15-minute walk away.
On-street parking is mostly free and unmetered, though spots become scarce on residential blocks after standard work hours; dedicated parking garages are absent in the immediate neighborhood.
Things to do in Ludlow (Philadelphia)
- Recreate or attend local community sports events at Cruz Recreation Center
- Take a self-guided walking tour to view colorful public murals and community gardens
- Explore the nearby cultural exhibitions and workshops at Taller Puertorriqueño along 5th Street
Local favorites
- Sor Ynez · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (420)Spacious venue offering traditional and plant-forward Mexican cuisine in a bright, modern setting.
- Cousins Supermarket · Supermarket · 4.2★ (760)Essential neighborhood market providing fresh produce, meat counters, and a wide selection of Latin American groceries.
- Cruz Recreation Center · Community Center & Park · 4.3★ (115)Neighborhood recreation facility featuring athletic courts, open green space, and youth programs.
Neighborhoods near Ludlow (Philadelphia)
Common questions about Ludlow (Philadelphia)
Is Ludlow (Philadelphia) safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Ludlow (Philadelphia) a good place to live?
On safety, Ludlow (Philadelphia) scores 54/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Ludlow (Philadelphia)?
Walk score 88/100 and bike score 82/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Ludlow (Philadelphia) are safer?
Northern Liberties (76), Kensington, Old (64), East Poplar (62) score higher nearby.
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