Is Oak Summit safe?
Cheltenham, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Oak Summit as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Oak Summit
“Go. Oak Summit offers a quiet, largely residential environment with tree-lined suburban streets in Cheltenham Township. While its proximity to major commercial corridors and city borders brings some minor property crime, violent crime is low and daytime visits are safe and pleasant.”
About the area
Oak Summit is a leafy, residential enclave in Montgomery County's Cheltenham Township, characterized by mid-century apartment complexes, historic stone homes, and well-kept lawns. It serves as a peaceful suburban transitional zone just north of the Philadelphia city line, providing easy access to regional parks and township amenities.
- Suburban / Tree-Lined
- Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Oak Summit
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There is no local municipal bike-share system, but residential roads connect reasonably well to the Tookany Creek Trail network and local park loops.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to adjacent urban Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Stable residential base with above-average household incomes and low local poverty
- Close proximity to township parks and well-maintained historic arboretums
Cons
- Occasional property crimes and vehicle thefts reported in large multi-family parking lots
- Spillover retail crime and traffic congestion along nearby commercial corridors like Cheltenham Avenue
- Inconsistent street lighting on some quiet residential secondary roads after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in this residential neighborhood, with support services and shelters located primarily farther south within the Philadelphia city limits.
What Oak Summit is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Calm and peaceful as residents commute, walk dogs, and jog along tree-lined neighborhood streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and relaxed with light suburban traffic and active school zones throughout the neighborhood.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Tranquil residential atmosphere where evening walks are common and feel generally secure.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic; while generally safe, staying alert around unlit side streets and parking areas is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the area with Regional Rail access via the nearby Melrose Park and Elkins Park stations (about a 10-15 minute walk or short drive), complemented by SEPTA Bus Route 55 along Old York Road.
Street parking is generally easy and free across residential roads, while apartment complexes and local businesses provide dedicated off-street lots.
Things to do in Oak Summit
- Stroll through Curtis Arboretum, featuring 45 acres of manicured hills, ponds, and mature specimen trees
- Explore the historic Richard Wall House Museum, one of Pennsylvania's oldest continuously occupied residences
- Walk or birdwatch along the restored native meadows at High School Park
Local favorites
- Marco Polo Restaurant & Bar · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (720)Longstanding neighborhood staple serving classic Italian pasta, seafood, and martinis in a comfortable setting.
- TreVi Pizza Pasta Arts · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (410)Cozy BYOB eatery preparing artisan wood-fired pizzas and hearty homemade pasta dishes.
- Roling's Bakery · Kosher Bakery · 4.7★ (330)Neighborhood bakery famous for fresh challah, traditional babka, and classic Jewish pastries.
Neighborhoods near Oak Summit
Common questions about Oak Summit
Is Oak Summit safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Oak Summit a good place to live?
On safety, Oak Summit scores 80/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Oak Summit?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Oak Summit are safer?
Baederwood (91), Jenkintown (89), North Hills (Abington) (88) score higher nearby.
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