Is Penn (PA) safe?
Penn, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Penn (PA) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Penn (PA)
“Go. Penn is a quiet, small residential borough in Westmoreland County with very low violent crime and a close-knit neighborhood feel. While it has limited commercial attractions and relies on neighboring towns for services, visitors will find a peaceful and safe suburban-rural environment.”
About the area
Penn is a compact historic borough nestled between Jeannette and Hempfield Township in western Pennsylvania. Characterized by modest single-family homes, leafy residential streets, and small community parks, it serves primarily as a peaceful bedroom community for commuters in the Greensburg and Pittsburgh metro areas.
- Quiet Residential
- Small-Town
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Penn (PA)
Walk score: 32/100 · Bike score: 28/100
There are no local bike-share stations or dedicated on-street bike lanes, though cyclists can access segments of the multi-use Westmoreland Heritage Trail in neighboring municipalities.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Very low violent crime rate compared to state and national averages
- High rate of owner-occupied housing fostering neighborhood stability
- Tight-knit, quiet community with minimal vehicular through-traffic
- Quick driving access to major retail and dining corridors along US-30
Cons
- Limited commercial amenities within walking distance inside borough limits
- Older housing stock with pockets of deferred maintenance
- Occasional opportunistic property theft and vehicle break-ins reported in the broader valley area
- Heavily car-dependent with minimal public transit service
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and encampments are not a notable presence in Penn Borough, with social services and shelters centered in larger neighboring hubs like Greensburg.
What Penn (PA) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with light commuter traffic and residents walking dogs along residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe throughout, with kids playing outside and minimal street activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential winding-down with safe, low-stress conditions across all neighborhoods.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and tranquil with virtually no foot traffic; remains safe, though standard awareness of dimly lit streets is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by Westmoreland County Transit Authority (Westmoreland Transit), though fixed-route bus service directly within Penn Borough is extremely limited, making personal vehicles the primary mode of travel.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free, with free on-street parking across residential roads and ample private driveway spaces.
Things to do in Penn (PA)
- Relax or catch a local youth ballgame at Penn Borough Park
- Explore the nearby historic Westmoreland Heritage Trail connection points
- Take a short scenic drive through the surrounding rolling hills of Westmoreland County
Local favorites
- DeNunzio's Italian Chophouse · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Long-running regional favorite in nearby Latrobe/Jeannette serving classic pasta, steaks, and seafood.
- Persichetti's Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (480)Beloved local establishment nearby known for hearty homemade pizza, hoagies, and pasta dinners.
- Penn Township Pizza & Sub · Pizzeria · 4.4★ (230)Casual neighborhood counter-service joint offering specialty pizzas, calzones, and hot subs.
Neighborhoods near Penn (PA)
Common questions about Penn (PA)
Is Penn (PA) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Penn (PA) a good place to live?
On safety, Penn (PA) scores 82/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Penn (PA)?
Walk score 32/100 and bike score 28/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Penn (PA) are safer?
London Grove (93), New London (92), Londonderry (90) score higher nearby.
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