Is Somerton safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Somerton as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Somerton
“Go. Somerton is among the safest, lowest-crime residential neighborhoods in Philadelphia, characterized by peaceful suburban streets and stable communities. Visitors can explore the area with ease and very low concern for violent crime, though having a car makes visiting most destinations much easier.”
About the area
Located in Far Northeast Philadelphia bordering Bucks and Montgomery counties, Somerton is a leafy, residential community known for its strong family presence and thriving Eastern European and Central Asian cultural footprint. The neighborhood offers a quiet suburban feel within city limits, centered around bustling commercial strips on Bustleton Avenue.
- Suburban Feel
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Multicultural
Walking and biking in Somerton
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 44/100
Philadelphia's Indego bike-share does not extend to Somerton; biking is mostly recreational along residential streets and sections of the Poquessing Creek Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest in Philadelphia, well below city averages.
- Strong economic stability with high homeownership rates and well-kept single-family homes.
- Outstanding specialty international dining and market scene along Bustleton Avenue.
Cons
- Opportunistic property crime such as catalytic converter theft and vehicle break-ins occasionally occurs in retail lots.
- Heavily car-dependent layout with wide, high-speed arterial roads that pose pedestrian challenges.
- Significant distance and transit travel time to Center City Philadelphia attractions.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is rare throughout Somerton, with no established encampments and only infrequent panhandling near larger arterial strip mall entrances.
What Somerton is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with commuters heading to regional rail stations and residents walking dogs in residential tracts.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Plazas along Bustleton Avenue are active with local shoppers while neighborhood streets stay tranquil and secure.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Local restaurants and markets draw neighborhood diners with a safe, relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets become very quiet with virtually no pedestrian activity, remaining generally safe while requiring normal car-locking precautions.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the area via the West Trenton Regional Rail Line at Somerton Station, along with SEPTA Bus routes 58 and 67 operating along major thoroughfares.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free, featuring free residential street parking throughout the neighborhood and large free surface lots at commercial centers.
Things to do in Somerton
- Dine on authentic Uzbek and Georgian cuisine along the Bustleton Avenue corridor.
- Explore nature trails and green space along the Poquessing Creek Trail corridor.
- Shop for international delicacies and baked goods at Eastern European specialty grocery markets.
Local favorites
- Uzbekistan Restaurant · Central Asian Restaurant · 4.4★ (1520)Beloved gathering place serving authentic Uzbek plov, lagman noodles, and fresh charcoal-grilled skewers.
- Georgian Bread · Georgian Bakery & Restaurant · 4.7★ (1280)Acclaimed casual eatery famous for traditional Georgian khachapuri, fresh breads, and hearty stews.
- Bell's Market · International Supermarket · 4.3★ (2350)Bustling grocery hub featuring an extensive hot food deli, European imported goods, and fresh baked pastries.
Neighborhoods near Somerton
Common questions about Somerton
Is Somerton safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Somerton a good place to live?
On safety, Somerton 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 Somerton?
Walk score 52/100 and bike score 44/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Somerton are safer?
Philmont (91), Pinewoods (86) score higher nearby.
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