Is Penn Square safe?
East Norriton, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Penn Square as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Penn Square
“Go. Penn Square is a tranquil, safe suburban community in East Norriton characterized by quiet residential subdivisions and convenient shopping corridors. Violent crime is exceptionally rare, and visitors face minimal safety concerns beyond basic property awareness in commercial parking lots.”
About the area
Penn Square is a pleasant suburban neighborhood in East Norriton Township, Montgomery County, located around the intersection of Germantown Pike and Swede Road. It primarily features single-family homes, townhome developments, and strip retail centers serving local residents. The area provides easy access to nearby parks, healthcare facilities, and greater Philadelphia commuter routes.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Peaceful
Walking and biking in Penn Square
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There is no municipal bike-share system in East Norriton, and primary roads lack dedicated bike lanes, but nearby Norristown Farm Park offers extensive multi-use paved trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates in East Norriton Township are well below both state and national averages.
- Strong local economy with median household incomes exceeding $95,000 and poverty rates below 5%.
- Well-maintained, stable housing stock with high homeownership rates and minimal vacancy.
- Proximity to major medical centers including Suburban Community Hospital and Einstein Medical Center Montgomery.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as retail shoplifting and car break-ins around shopping plazas.
- Heavily car-dependent layout with fast-moving traffic along Germantown Pike and Swede Road.
- Very limited nighttime activity or pedestrian infrastructure outside of retail centers.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Penn Square; individuals seeking shelter or services generally utilize resources in neighboring central Norristown.
What Penn Square is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very quiet and safe with commuters heading out and residents walking dogs along residential side streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling with routine shopping traffic along the commercial corridors while remaining thoroughly safe.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and peaceful as commercial plazas wind down and neighborhood traffic diminishes.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low activity with deserted streets and minimal foot traffic; overall safety remains high.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by SEPTA, primarily via bus route 98 along Germantown Pike connecting to the Norristown Transportation Center. The nearest regional rail service is the Norristown/Elm Street station on the Manayunk/Norristown Line, located about 2.5 miles south.
Parking is exceptionally easy and free throughout the area, with large surface lots at shopping centers and ample driveway or street parking in residential developments.
Things to do in Penn Square
- Browse local stores and grab everyday essentials at the Penn Square Shopping Center.
- Walk the paved trails, use the sports fields, or enjoy community events at nearby Norristown Farm Park.
- Play a round of golf or practice on the driving range at Jeffersonville Golf Club just a short drive away.
Local favorites
- Trattoria Totaro · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (420)Beloved family-owned trattoria serving classic pasta dishes, seafood specialties, and warm Italian hospitality.
- Capriotti's Sandwich Shop · Sandwich Shop · 4.4★ (310)Popular sub shop known for slow-roasted turkey sandwiches, hearty cheesesteaks, and fast service.
- Corropolese Bakery & Deli · Bakery · 4.7★ (850)Famous regional bakery renowned for its signature tomato pies, fresh baked rolls, and Italian deli staples.
Neighborhoods near Penn Square
Common questions about Penn Square
Is Penn Square safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Penn Square a good place to live?
On safety, Penn Square scores 85/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Penn Square?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Penn Square are safer?
Blue Bell (94), Center Square (92), Hickorytown (89) score higher nearby.
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