Is Narberth safe?
Narberth, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Narberth as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Narberth
“Go. Narberth is an exceptionally safe, charming, and welcoming borough on the historic Main Line. Visitors can comfortably explore the local shops, dining options, and residential streets day or night with minimal concern.”
About the area
Narberth is a compact, independent borough surrounded by Lower Merion Township, celebrated for its historic small-town aesthetic and vibrant central square. Centered around its regional rail station, the town features leafy residential avenues lined with Victorian-style homes, independent boutiques, and neighborhood dining.
- Family-Friendly
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Small-Town Charm
- Walkable Dining Hub
Walking and biking in Narberth
Walk score: 88/100 · Bike score: 71/100
While dedicated on-street bike lanes are rare, the low-speed residential street grid is very cycle-friendly, connecting easily to Lower Merion suburban road routes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime is practically nonexistent, and property crime rates remain far below national and state benchmarks.
- Robust economic stability marked by high median household incomes exceeding $130,000 and poverty rates below 4%.
- High level of civic involvement, well-maintained public spaces, and dedicated local police presence.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property offenses, such as unlocked bicycle or vehicle thefts.
- Narrow roadways and limited downtown parking during community events and peak dining hours.
- Quiet nightlife with almost all commercial establishments closing by early evening.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Narberth, and there are no encampments or panhandling hot spots in the borough.
What Narberth is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Vibrant and completely safe as residents walk to coffee shops, the train station, and local schools.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and active with shoppers, families in the parks, and quiet neighborhood streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- A cozy, safe environment with steady foot traffic outside restaurants, bakeries, and the local cinema.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very calm, dark, and quiet with negligible pedestrian activity and minimal safety risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA Regional Rail operates the Paoli/Thorndale Line directly through Narberth Station in the center of town, reaching Center City Philadelphia in under 20 minutes, complemented by SEPTA Bus Route 44.
Metered street parking and borough municipal pay lots are clustered around Haverford and Forrest Avenues (around $1/hour), while residential side streets generally have two-hour limits or permit restrictions.
Things to do in Narberth
- Catch an independent film or blockbuster at the historic, community-supported Narberth Movie Theater.
- Browse the curated shelves and attend author readings at the Narberth Bookshop.
- Stroll through the shaded green spaces, playground, and sports facilities at Narberth Park.
Local favorites
- The Greeks · American Restaurant / Tavern · 4.5★ (460)A long-standing local staple serving craft beer, burgers, and classic pub fare in a cozy tavern atmosphere.
- Le Petit Mitron · Bakery · 4.8★ (320)Authentic French bakery renowned for its traditional croissants, tarts, and artisanal baguettes.
- Narberth Bookshop · Book Store · 4.9★ (130)An independent neighborhood bookstore offering a curated selection of literature, gifts, and community events.
Neighborhoods near Narberth
Common questions about Narberth
Is Narberth safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Narberth a good place to live?
On safety, Narberth scores 95/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Narberth?
Walk score 88/100 and bike score 71/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Narberth are safer?
Penn Valley (Lower Merion) (96) score higher nearby.
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