Is Melrose Park Gardens safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Melrose Park Gardens as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Melrose Park Gardens
“Go with care. Melrose Park Gardens is a quiet, predominantly residential middle-class enclave along the northern Philadelphia border that is generally calm during the daytime. However, visitors should exercise standard urban caution, particularly along nearby commercial strips after dark where property crime and occasional spillover violence occur.”
About the area
Tucked against the Montgomery County border, Melrose Park Gardens is characterized by tidy mid-century rowhomes, well-kept yards, and tree-lined streets. It functions primarily as a tranquil residential neighborhood with convenient access to shopping along Cheltenham Avenue and regional transit connections.
- Quiet Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Middle-Class
- Suburban Feel
Walking and biking in Melrose Park Gardens
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 51/100
Indego bike-share stations do not currently extend into this neighborhood, but cyclists can access the nearby Tacony Creek Park Trail for recreational riding.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- High homeownership rate and low residential vacancy contribute to a stable neighborhood fabric
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to broader North Philadelphia sectors
- Direct proximity to suburban shopping and regional rail access along the Cheltenham border
Cons
- Border commercial corridors experience frequent motor vehicle theft and retail shoplifting
- Located within Philadelphia's 35th Police District, which reports elevated gun violence in surrounding areas
- Limited commercial and dining options within the strictly residential interior
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the residential streets of Melrose Park Gardens, though occasional panhandling occurs at major intersections along Cheltenham Avenue.
What Melrose Park Gardens is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe as residents commute to work and walk dogs along the residential blocks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and generally secure, with light local traffic and standard neighborhood activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet along interior streets, though extra awareness is recommended around bus stops and major avenues.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets become isolated and poorly lit; walking outside alone late at night is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the area with bus routes including the 6, 22, and C, with the Melrose Park Regional Rail station located just north across the township line offering direct Lansdale/Doylestown Line service into Center City.
Street parking on residential blocks is readily available and unmetered; ample free surface parking lots exist at adjacent Cheltenham Avenue shopping centers.
Things to do in Melrose Park Gardens
- Stroll through the quiet residential streets admiring post-war architectural layouts
- Explore the nearby paved trails and green space at Tacony Creek Park
- Shop and sample diverse cuisines along the bustling Cheltenham Avenue commercial corridor
Local favorites
- Dubu · Korean Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)A popular nearby dining spot specializing in authentic Korean soft tofu stews and grilled meats.
- Cafe Soho · Korean / Wings · 4.3★ (1420)Beloved local establishment renowned for its crispy Korean double-fried chicken wings.
- Cheltenham Square / Greenleaf Mall · Shopping Mall · 4.0★ (3200)Neighborhood retail hub offering major department stores, supermarkets, and everyday essentials.
Neighborhoods near Melrose Park Gardens
Common questions about Melrose Park Gardens
Is Melrose Park Gardens safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Melrose Park Gardens a good place to live?
On safety, Melrose Park Gardens scores 67/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Melrose Park Gardens?
Walk score 62/100 and bike score 51/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Melrose Park Gardens are safer?
Oak Lane Manor (80), Ashbourne (78), East Oak Lane (70) score higher nearby.
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