Is Newbold safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Newbold as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Newbold
“Go with care. Newbold offers vibrant local eateries, easy subway access, and strong community character, though visitors should remain vigilant. While violent crime has decreased alongside neighborhood reinvestment, petty theft, vehicle break-ins, and isolated late-night street altercations still occur.”
About the area
Newbold is a dense, evolving South Philadelphia enclave characterized by traditional brick rowhomes, intimate coffee shops, and popular gastropubs. Located just west of Broad Street, it bridges quiet residential neighborhood life with fast transit connections to Center City.
- Urban Enclave
- Dense Rowhouses
- Foodie Friendly
- Up-and-Coming
Walking and biking in Newbold
Walk score: 94/100 · Bike score: 88/100
Indego bike-share stations are placed along Broad Street, and north-south bike lanes on 15th and 22nd streets connect directly to Center City.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantial residential reinvestment with rising home values and decreasing vacancy rates over the past decade.
- Immediate access to the SEPTA Broad Street Line and proximity to the East Passyunk dining district.
- Active neighborhood civic engagement and steady pedestrian foot traffic around popular dining corners.
Cons
- Persistent property crime, particularly package theft, catalytic converter theft, and vehicle break-ins.
- Elevated risk of muggings and opportunistic robberies late at night on poorly lit side streets.
- Pockets of blight and lower household income on blocks transitioning slower toward revitalization.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal on interior residential blocks, but occasional panhandling and unhoused individuals are common near Broad Street transit stations and major retail corners.
What Newbold is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Streets are active with dog walkers and commuters heading to the subway, feeling safe and community-oriented.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- A relaxed urban rhythm prevails with steady foot traffic and open businesses, posing minimal safety concern.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Corner bars and eateries bring welcoming energy, though side streets quiet down and standard urban vigilance is advised.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic drops off considerably, and walking alone on dim secondary blocks carries an increased risk of street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA provides direct subway transit via the Broad Street Line (BSL) at Tasker-Morris and Snyder stations within a 5- to 8-minute walk, supplemented by north-south bus routes 2 and 17.
Street parking is notoriously difficult and tight along narrow one-way rowhome streets; there are no municipal parking garages in the immediate neighborhood.
Things to do in Newbold
- Enjoy craft brews and creative comfort food at the South Philadelphia Tap Room.
- Grab a specialty pour-over coffee and relax at Ultimo Coffee.
- Walk a few blocks east to explore the iconic dining and boutique shopping corridor on East Passyunk Avenue.
Local favorites
- South Philadelphia Tap Room · Gastropub · 4.5★ (1120)A pioneering neighborhood gastropub famous for its rotating craft beer selection, burgers, and lively community vibe.
- Ultimo Coffee · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (460)A premier specialty coffee roaster serving meticulously brewed espresso drinks and light pastries in a bright corner space.
- Hardena · Indonesian Restaurant · 4.6★ (940)A nationally celebrated, James Beard-nominated spot dishing out authentic, flavorful Indonesian stews and platters cafeteria-style.
Neighborhoods near Newbold
Common questions about Newbold
Is Newbold safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Newbold a good place to live?
On safety, Newbold scores 66/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Newbold?
Walk score 94/100 and bike score 88/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Newbold are safer?
East Passyunk (76), Girard Estates (76), Passyunk Square (76) score higher nearby.
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