Is Penfield safe?
Haverford, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Penfield as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Penfield
“Go. Penfield is an exceptionally safe, established residential enclave within Haverford Township featuring tree-lined streets and historic stone homes. It offers tranquil suburban living with immediate light rail connectivity to the broader Philadelphia region and virtually no violent crime risk.”
About the area
Penfield is a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood in Haverford Township along Philadelphia's historic Main Line/Delaware County border. Built primarily between the 1910s and 1940s, it is centered around its historic Norristown High Speed Line stop and offers a relaxed, community-focused suburban environment.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Suburban Charm
- Quiet / Residential
Walking and biking in Penfield
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There are no municipal bike-share stations in the immediate vicinity, but neighborhood streets have low traffic speeds and connect easily to the paved, off-road Pennsy Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Exceptionally low violent and property crime rates backed by Haverford Township's dedicated police force
- Strong economic baseline with median household incomes exceeding $130,000 and high owner-occupancy
- Convenient direct rail transit access via SEPTA's Penfield Station without compromising neighborhood peace
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property offenses, such as thefts from unlocked vehicles
- Limited commercial and dining establishments within immediate walking distance of all residential blocks
- Some streets lack continuous sidewalks, requiring walking on roadway shoulders
Homelessness: Homelessness is not a notable presence in Penfield, with no encampments or panhandling in the neighborhood.
What Penfield is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Bright and peaceful with residents walking dogs, jogging, and heading toward the Penfield rail platform.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet with low vehicle traffic, school buses, and residents tending yards.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe as commuters return home and families walk through the neighborhood.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Exceptionally quiet with minimal foot traffic and virtually no safety concerns beyond maintaining basic awareness.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the area directly via the Norristown High Speed Line (NHSL) at Penfield Station, providing seamless connections to the 69th Street Transportation Center. Local SEPTA bus routes including Route 103 and 104 operate along nearby corridors like Township Line Road.
Parking is abundant, free, and unrestricted on most residential side streets, with ample private driveway parking throughout the community.
Things to do in Penfield
- Tour the nearby historic 1682 Grange Estate and stroll its wooded grounds and gardens
- Walk or jog along the scenic Pennsy Trail multi-use path connecting local Havertown parks
- Catch the Norristown High Speed Line from Penfield Station for a quick trip into downtown Ardmore or West Philadelphia
Local favorites
- Brick & Brew · Gastropub · 4.6★ (1150)Warm neighborhood gastropub serving wood-fired pizzas, elevated pub fare, and craft cocktails.
- Kettle · Breakfast & Brunch · 4.7★ (420)Beloved daytime cafe offering creative scrambles, French toast, and locally roasted coffee.
- The Crossbar · Pub / Sports Bar · 4.5★ (610)Soccer-themed neighborhood tavern featuring draft craft beers, burgers, and pub classics.
Neighborhoods near Penfield
Common questions about Penfield
Is Penfield safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Penfield a good place to live?
On safety, Penfield scores 91/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Penfield?
Walk score 52/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Penfield are safer?
Penn Wynne (93), Brookline (92), Bon Air (Haverford) (92) score higher nearby.
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