Is Northwood (Philadelphia) safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Northwood (Philadelphia) as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Northwood (Philadelphia)
“Go with care. Northwood is a quiet, architectural pocket with attractive stone homes, but its proximity to higher-crime sections of Frankford and the Lower Northeast requires vigilance. Stick to residential streets during daylight and avoid walking alone after dark.”
About the area
Northwood is a secluded, mostly residential enclave in Philadelphia's Lower Northeast known for its distinct Tudor, stone, and colonial revival architecture. It stands out from neighboring rowhouse communities with larger lots and tree-lined streets, serving primarily as a peaceful residential neighborhood rather than a commercial destination.
- Quiet Residential
- Historic Architecture
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Northwood (Philadelphia)
Walk score: 64/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Indego bike share has limited presence here, but road cyclists can connect west toward the Tacony Creek Park trail system via local surface streets.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Higher homeownership rate and well-maintained single-family stone homes compared to surrounding areas
- Significantly quieter residential atmosphere than adjoining lower Frankford
- Immediate access to Roosevelt Boulevard and regional transit hubs
Cons
- Property crime, particularly vehicle break-ins and theft, is elevated along border corridors
- Close proximity to high-crime blocks in Frankford creates spillover safety concerns
- Very few commercial amenities, restaurants, or walkable destinations within the neighborhood borders
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential streets of Northwood, though unhoused individuals and panhandling can be observed near transit stops and major commercial intersections along Castor Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard.
What Northwood (Philadelphia) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and calm as residents commute and walk dogs along quiet, leafy residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally tranquil, though traffic picks up along perimeter thoroughfares like Castor Avenue.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel, but diminished pedestrian activity means remaining alert is advised.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are very quiet and dimly lit in spots; walking late at night is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the area via multiple bus lines including Route 59 and Route 75, with connections to the Market-Frankford Line at Arrott Transportation Center roughly 1 mile away.
Street parking is generally easy and free throughout the interior residential blocks, with few metered restrictions except along commercial border avenues.
Things to do in Northwood (Philadelphia)
- Take a self-guided architectural walking tour to view the unique 1920s Tudor and stone revival homes
- Visit adjacent Northwood Park for a quiet stroll and open green space
- Explore the nearby historic grounds and greenery around Frankford Friends Meetinghouse
Local favorites
- Nino's Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.3★ (320)Longstanding neighborhood staple serving classic thin-crust pizza, cheesesteaks, and hoagies.
- Castor Bakery · Bakery · 4.5★ (115)Nearby family-run spot offering fresh bread, Latin pastries, and morning breakfast bites.
- El Coqui Grocery · Grocery Store · 4.2★ (85)Convenient local market stocking fresh produce, Caribbean staples, and quick deli counter sandwiches.
Neighborhoods near Northwood (Philadelphia)
Common questions about Northwood (Philadelphia)
Is Northwood (Philadelphia) safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Northwood (Philadelphia) a good place to live?
On safety, Northwood (Philadelphia) scores 58/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Northwood (Philadelphia)?
Walk score 64/100 and bike score 52/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Northwood (Philadelphia) are safer?
Summerdale (62), Crescentville (62), Juniata Park (60) score higher nearby.
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