Is Pennypack safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Pennypack as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Pennypack
“Go. Pennypack is a stable, predominantly residential enclave in Northeast Philadelphia anchored by expansive parkland. Violent crime is relatively low for the city, though standard awareness of your vehicle and surroundings is still recommended.”
About the area
Pennypack is a quiet, tree-lined Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood offering a more relaxed, suburban atmosphere than the city core. It is defined by its mix of brick rowhomes, twins, and direct adjacency to the wooded Pennypack Park greenway.
- Quiet Residential
- Park-Adjacent
- Family-Oriented
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Pennypack
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 64/100
Indego bike-share stations are not common in this outer ring, but the multi-use Pennypack Trail offers excellent dedicated off-street cycling connecting inland areas to the Delaware River Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Philadelphia citywide averages.
- Immediate access to over 1,600 acres of recreation along the Pennypack Creek greenway.
- Higher rates of homeownership and residential stability compared to urban core neighborhoods.
Cons
- Property crime, including vehicle break-ins and package theft, remains a recurring issue.
- Pennypack Park trails become secluded, unlit, and unmonitored after dark.
- Commercial options are largely strip malls and auto-oriented rather than walkable village hubs.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the residential tracts, though occasional makeshift encampments or unhoused individuals may be encountered along secluded park edges or near busy transit hubs along Frankford Avenue.
What Pennypack is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with dog walkers, joggers, and commuters heading out along residential streets and paved park entrances.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-friendly, with steady recreation in the park and active neighborhood traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel; well-lit street walking is generally comfortable, though park trails should be avoided as dusk approaches.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued and mostly quiet, but caution is warranted along major arterials and unlit park borders where isolated theft or illicit activity can occur.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the area with multiple bus routes including the 28, 70, and 88, with connections to the Market-Frankford Line terminal at Frankford Transportation Center and nearby Trenton Line Regional Rail stations at Holmesburg Junction and Torresdale.
Parking is straightforward and generally stress-free, with ample free street parking on residential blocks and dedicated free lots at local shopping centers.
Things to do in Pennypack
- Hike, jog, or cycle along the scenic paved and unpaved Pennypack Trail.
- View the historic Frankford Avenue Bridge over Pennypack Creek, constructed in 1697 as America's oldest surviving stone arch bridge.
- Enjoy soccer fields, walking paths, and riverfront breezes at nearby Pennypack on the Delaware.
Local favorites
- Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (3200)Beloved local destination serving slow-smoked hickory barbecue, platters, and homemade sides.
- The Dining Car & Market · Diner · 4.3★ (3600)Classic Philadelphia diner serving hearty breakfast staples, baked goods, and comfort fare.
- Gallo's Seafood · Seafood Restaurant · 4.3★ (2150)Longstanding neighborhood staple known for fresh seafood platters, steaks, and a relaxed bar.
Neighborhoods near Pennypack
Common questions about Pennypack
Is Pennypack safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Pennypack a good place to live?
On safety, Pennypack scores 74/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Pennypack?
Walk score 58/100 and bike score 64/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Pennypack are safer?
Aston-Woodbridge (81), Winchester Park (79), Academy Gardens (78) score higher nearby.
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