Is Merchantville safe?
Merchantville, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Merchantville as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Merchantville
“Go. Merchantville is a peaceful, historic borough offering a charming small-town feel right outside Philadelphia. Visitors can explore local eateries and Victorian architecture with minimal safety concerns.”
About the area
Merchantville is a compact, tree-lined borough in Camden County known for its distinctive 19th-century Victorian homes and walkable downtown district. Surrounded by Pennsauken, it maintains an independent, tight-knit suburban identity with low violent crime and active community events.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet Suburb
- Walkable Core
Walking and biking in Merchantville
Walk score: 74/100 · Bike score: 62/100
Biking is easy on quiet local streets, and the Merchantville Mile multi-use trail provides a dedicated paved off-road corridor through the center of town.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to nearby urban centers
- High homeownership rate and stable median household income exceeding $95,000
- Charming, walkable downtown business district along Maple and Centre Streets
- Active local police presence and strong neighborhood watch culture
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins and package theft
- Bordered by higher-crime corridors in adjacent municipalities requiring standard vigilance along perimeter roads
- Limited late-night commercial activity and dining options
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Merchantville, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen passing through along major arterial bus lines on Route 130 or Maple Avenue.
What Merchantville is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents jogging, dog-walking, and heading to local coffee spots with negligible safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-friendly with light foot traffic through the central retail corridor and residential blocks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and comfortable around local dining spots; residential side streets are generally dark but safe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low activity and largely deserted; safe to traverse, though standard awareness of surroundings is always wise.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit bus routes 404, 405, and 407 run through the borough, connecting to Camden and Philadelphia. The nearest rail option is the NJ Transit Atlantic City Line via Pennsauken Transit Center roughly 1.5 miles away.
Ample free street parking is available throughout residential zones, alongside dedicated free municipal lots in the downtown retail area along Centre and Chestnut Streets.
Things to do in Merchantville
- Stroll along the historic residential streets to view well-preserved Victorian architecture
- Walk or jog along the Merchantville Mile multi-use path on the former rail bed
- Visit the downtown shops and seasonal farmers market on Centre Street
Local favorites
- The Blue Monkey Tavern · Gastropub · 4.4★ (1250)A popular local tavern offering craft beers, upscale pub fare, and outdoor patio seating.
- Merchantville Antiques · Antique Store · 4.6★ (85)A quaint multi-dealer shop featuring vintage furniture, collectibles, and historic curiosities.
- Park Place Cafe & Restaurant · Cafe / Italian · 4.5★ (310)Cozy neighborhood spot serving hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and traditional Italian entrees.
Neighborhoods near Merchantville
Common questions about Merchantville
Is Merchantville safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Merchantville a good place to live?
On safety, Merchantville scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Merchantville?
Walk score 74/100 and bike score 62/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Merchantville are safer?
Colwick (88), Golden Triangle (85) score higher nearby.
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