Is McGuire safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates McGuire as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on McGuire
“Go with care. While situated close to Temple University and transit links, the area experiences elevated levels of both violent and property crime. Daytime visits along well-traveled thoroughfares are manageable, but caution is warranted after dark.”
About the area
McGuire is a compact residential enclave in Lower North Philadelphia, bordered by Norris Square and the Temple University campus area. The neighborhood features traditional brick rowhomes, newer student housing developments, and neighborhood recreation hubs like McGuire Playground.
- Urban Residential
- Student-Adjacent
- Transit-Accessible
- Gritty
Walking and biking in McGuire
Walk score: 86/100 · Bike score: 78/100
Indego bike-share stations are accessible along Cecil B. Moore Avenue and Broad Street, linking into painted city bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Direct walking proximity to Temple University's campus and patrolled corridors
- Excellent transit connectivity via SEPTA regional rail and subway lines
- Proximity to affordable neighborhood dining and student amenities
Cons
- Violent crime and property crime rates remain significantly above national benchmarks
- Census data reflects an elevated local poverty rate exceeding 35%
- Pockets of physical blight, litter, and vacant parcels on secondary streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present, mostly concentrated around major transit stations along Broad Street and nearby commercial intersections.
What McGuire is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are generally quiet and safe with commuters heading to transit stops and students walking to class.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoon foot traffic picks up around local parks and campus perimeters; remain aware of your surroundings.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity tapers off quickly at dusk, making it advisable to stay on well-lit main corridors.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights carry a markedly elevated risk of street robbery and violence; walking alone is discouraged.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA provides extensive service with the Broad Street Line (Cecil B. Moore and Susquehanna-Dauphin stations within 5-10 minutes' walk), Temple University Regional Rail station, and bus routes 23 and 39.
On-street parking is mostly free but scarce due to student vehicle volume; do not leave any valuables visible in parked cars.
Things to do in McGuire
- Spend time at McGuire Playground for community sports and neighborhood gatherings
- Tour the historic campus architecture and public plazas of nearby Temple University
- Explore community mural arts and urban cultural landmarks along surrounding North Philly avenues
Local favorites
- Diamond Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.1★ (165)No-frills neighborhood counter serving quick pizza slices, cheesesteaks, and classic comfort food.
- Richie's Deli · Deli · 4.6★ (380)Iconic campus-area staple known for fast-paced breakfast sandwiches, hoagies, and iced coffee.
- Saige Cafe · Coffee Shop · 4.4★ (210)Relaxed cafe offering espresso beverages, specialty teas, and a quiet environment for studying.
Neighborhoods near McGuire
Common questions about McGuire
Is McGuire safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is McGuire a good place to live?
On safety, McGuire scores 45/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is McGuire?
Walk score 86/100 and bike score 78/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near McGuire are safer?
East Kensington (64) score higher nearby.
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