Is McKinley safe?
Abington, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates McKinley as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on McKinley
“Go. McKinley is a quiet, safe, and family-oriented suburban neighborhood in Montgomery County's Abington Township. Visitors and residents experience exceptionally low violent crime and a strong sense of community. Standard precautions regarding vehicle security are all that are needed.”
About the area
McKinley is an established residential enclave characterized by mid-century single-family homes, mature trees, and well-kept yards. Situated just minutes from the Route 611 commercial corridor, it provides a peaceful residential retreat with convenient access to regional healthcare and shopping hubs.
- Family-Friendly
- Suburban / Leafy
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in McKinley
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 45/100
There is no municipal bike-share program in McKinley, but local residential roads are generally low-traffic and suitable for recreational cycling connecting toward township parks.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low and well below national and state averages
- High rate of homeownership and solid household incomes indicate strong economic stability
- Close proximity to top-tier regional healthcare at Jefferson Abington Hospital
- Well-resourced township emergency services and active community oversight
Cons
- Primarily car-dependent with minimal commercial amenities inside the immediate residential grid
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins involving unlocked cars
- Some streets lack continuous sidewalk networks, limiting pedestrian comfort
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in McKinley, with no encampments or panhandling observed in the neighborhood.
What McKinley is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents jogging, walking dogs, and commuting to school or work in a secure environment.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with typical suburban traffic, school bus drop-offs, and neighborhood activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel with families at home and high overall safety for evening strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and low-traffic with virtually no street activity, remaining safe and tranquil.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the broader area via local bus routes such as Route 77 and Route 55 along perimeter corridors, while SEPTA Regional Rail connections are accessible via the nearby Jenkintown-Wyncote and Noble stations within a 5-minute drive.
Residential street parking is free, abundant, and straightforward, while nearby commercial areas and parks offer dedicated free surface lots.
Things to do in McKinley
- Explore the walking trails and nature programs at nearby Briar Bush Nature Center
- Enjoy the recreation fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds at Alverthorpe Park
- Browse local eateries and specialty shops along the nearby Old York Road commercial strip
Local favorites
- McKinley Tavern · Bar & Grill · 4.4★ (520)A cozy, long-standing neighborhood pub offering classic comfort fare, cold drafts, and a friendly local atmosphere.
- Briar Bush Nature Center · Nature Reserve · 4.8★ (850)A scenic public nature reserve offering wooded walking trails, animal exhibits, and community environmental programs.
- Kitchen Bar · American Restaurant · 4.2★ (1850)A bustling nearby dining spot serving extensive diner favorites, modern American entrees, and cocktails.
Neighborhoods near McKinley
Common questions about McKinley
Is McKinley safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is McKinley a good place to live?
On safety, McKinley 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 McKinley?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 45/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near McKinley are safer?
Crosswicks (91) score higher nearby.
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