Is Paschall safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Paschall as “No-go after dark”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Paschall
“Go with care. Paschall has strong community roots and authentic West African dining spots, but it experiences persistently elevated rates of violent crime, robbery, and property theft compared to citywide averages. Visitors should stick to daytime visits, remain aware of their surroundings, and avoid wandering off main transit corridors after dark.”
About the area
Paschall is a working-class residential neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia characterized by dense blocks of brick rowhouses, neighborhood parks, and a vibrant West African and Caribbean diaspora. While rich in cultural diversity, it faces significant economic headwinds and public safety challenges.
- Residential
- Urban Rowhouses
- Culturally Diverse
Walking and biking in Paschall
Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 64/100
Indego bike-share stations are limited in the immediate area, but cyclists have nearby access to the Cobbs Creek Trail and standard on-street bike routes leading toward University City.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Rich concentration of authentic West African, Caribbean, and soul food eateries
- Convenient direct SEPTA trolley and bus transit access to University City and Center City
- Proximity to green spaces like Connell Park and the Cobbs Creek trail system
Cons
- Violent crime and property crime rates remain substantially above the national and state averages
- High neighborhood poverty rate exceeding 30% alongside elevated structural housing vacancy
- Limited commercial retail density and frequent instances of litter and illegal dumping
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is relatively low on interior residential blocks, but occasional panhandling and unhoused individuals can be seen near transit stops along Woodland and Elmwood Avenues.
What Paschall is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active with residents commuting and children heading to school; generally calm along primary thoroughfares.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling around commercial corners and trolley stops, though situational awareness is recommended.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pedestrian foot traffic drops quickly at dusk; visitors should stay on well-lit main streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Elevated risk of violent crime and street activity; walking alone is strongly discouraged.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the neighborhood via the Route 36 trolley operating along Elmwood Avenue, alongside key bus lines including Routes 108 and G connecting to the Market-Frankford Line and Philadelphia International Airport.
Parking consists primarily of free, unmetered street parking on residential rowhouse blocks, which becomes tight in the evenings; commercial parking garages are not available.
Things to do in Paschall
- Explore the outdoor athletic fields and community events at Paschall Playground
- Stroll through the green spaces and tree canopy at neighboring Connell Park
- Take a short trip east to tour the historic estate and riverfront trails at Bartram's Garden
Local favorites
- Le Mandingue African Restaurant · West African Restaurant · 4.1★ (185)A popular neighborhood fixture serving authentic Guinean and West African stews and grilled meats.
- Ecowas African Restaurant · African Restaurant · 4.0★ (120)Casual eatery offering generous platters of jollof rice, cassava leaf stew, and fried fish.
- Tender Bones Rib Shack · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (230)Beloved local smokehouse spot known for huge portions of ribs, brisket, and classic southern sides.
Neighborhoods near Paschall
Common questions about Paschall
Is Paschall safe to walk at night?
We don't recommend walking around casually after dark here; take a ride instead.
Is Paschall a good place to live?
On safety, Paschall scores 41/100 — among the lowest we score, so look closely at specific blocks before deciding to move.
How walkable is Paschall?
Walk score 78/100 and bike score 64/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Paschall are safer?
Yeadon (70), Penrose (Philadelphia) (70), Colwyn (58) score higher nearby.
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