Is Roxborough safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Roxborough as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Roxborough
“Go. Roxborough is one of Philadelphia's safest and most stable residential communities, offering a low-key atmosphere with very low rates of violent crime compared to citywide averages. Visitors can explore local eateries and park access with standard situational awareness, as typical concerns are limited to opportunistic vehicle break-ins.”
About the area
Perched on a ridge in Northwest Philadelphia, Roxborough combines suburban greenery with classic Philadelphia rowhouse charm and stone architecture. The neighborhood centers around the Ridge Avenue commercial spine and acts as a gateway to the expansive trail network of Wissahickon Valley Park.
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Leafy
- Suburban-Urban Feel
- Outdoor-Oriented
Walking and biking in Roxborough
Walk score: 66/100 · Bike score: 42/100
Indego bike-share stations are sparse in upper Roxborough, but the area connects to the Schuylkill River Trail and Forbidden Drive, though returning requires steep uphill riding.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Philadelphia citywide averages
- Stable economic base with median household income exceeding $80,000 and low poverty
- Direct neighborhood access to extensive trailheads in Wissahickon Valley Park
Cons
- Recurring property crime such as catalytic converter theft and vehicle break-ins
- Car-oriented commercial strips with heavy traffic along Ridge and Henry Avenues
- Steep topography and limited cross-neighborhood public transit options
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in residential Roxborough, with only isolated individuals occasionally seen near major transfer hubs like the Wissahickon Transportation Center downhill.
What Roxborough is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Bright and calm with dog walkers, runners, and residents commuting to work and local schools.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Relaxed atmosphere with steady, unhurried patron traffic in retail plazas and near parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel with casual crowds gathering at neighborhood taprooms and pizzerias.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and minimal street activity; residential corridors remain safe and peaceful.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA provides Regional Rail service via the Manayunk/Norristown Line at Ivy Ridge Station (about a 10-15 minute walk from central points), supplemented by key express bus routes like the 9, 27, and 32 along Ridge and Henry Avenues.
Street parking is largely free and readily available on residential blocks, with shopping centers along Ridge Avenue offering dedicated surface parking lots.
Things to do in Roxborough
- Hike, trail run, or mountain bike along the rugged paths of Wissahickon Valley Park
- Tour native wildlife habitats and educational trails at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
- Grab craft beer and locally sourced pub fare along the Ridge Avenue corridor
Local favorites
- Dalessandro's Steaks · Cheesesteak Restaurant · 4.4★ (9850)Famous corner counter serving tightly chopped, highly praised Philadelphia cheesesteaks.
- New Ridge Brewing Co. · Brewpub · 4.6★ (360)Modern neighborhood craft brewery offering seasonal house beers and elevated bar bites.
- Tavern on Ridge · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (410)Laid-back gathering spot known for craft cocktails, burgers, and weekend brunch.
Neighborhoods near Roxborough
Common questions about Roxborough
Is Roxborough safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Roxborough a good place to live?
On safety, Roxborough scores 83/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Roxborough?
Walk score 66/100 and bike score 42/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Roxborough are safer?
Wissahickon Hills (84), Wissahickon (84), Roxborough Park (84) score higher nearby.
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