Is Strawberry Mansion safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Strawberry Mansion as “No-go after dark”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Strawberry Mansion
“Go with care, primarily for daytime visits to historic sites and adjacent Fairmount Park landmarks. Strawberry Mansion faces sustained challenges with violent and property crime, elevated gun violence, and high rates of poverty and vacancy. Casual foot exploration after dark or venturing off main thoroughfares into residential interior blocks is not recommended for unfamiliar visitors.”
About the area
Strawberry Mansion is a historic North Philadelphia neighborhood bordering the expansive East Fairmount Park, renowned for its heritage, historic estates, and rich jazz legacy along Ridge Avenue. While rich in cultural history and community resilience, the area experiences high economic distress and significantly elevated crime rates relative to city and national averages.
- Historic
- Park-Adjacent
- Under-Resourced
- Urban Core
Walking and biking in Strawberry Mansion
Walk score: 74/100 · Bike score: 68/100
Indego bike-share stations are situated near 33rd Street and Fairmount Park entrances, linking directly to the Schuylkill River Trail and Boxers' Trail network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Direct walking access to East Fairmount Park, the historic Strawberry Mansion estate, and the Discovery Center
- Rich cultural and musical heritage with several preserved architectural landmarks
- Active grassroots community groups and non-profits dedicated to neighborhood revitalization
Cons
- High rates of violent crime, including gun violence and aggravated assaults significantly above the national average
- High poverty rate exceeding 35% with elevated residential and commercial vacancy
- Limited retail, dining, and grocery infrastructure compared to adjacent gentrified neighborhoods
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is generally low to moderate and typically dispersed, with occasional individuals near commercial intersections along Ridge Avenue or transit stops. It is not characterized by large encampments, though localized poverty and housing instability are prevalent throughout the neighborhood.
What Strawberry Mansion is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Relatively calm as residents commute and park visitors arrive, making it the safest time to visit park edges and historic sites.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderate foot traffic along Ridge Avenue and around school dismissals; standard situational awareness is advised.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity tapers off quickly as daylight fades, and walking around residential side streets is not advised for visitors.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Safety risks elevate sharply with high occurrences of late-night criminal activity; visiting or walking at this time should be avoided.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by SEPTA, with frequent bus service provided by Routes 7, 32, 48, and 49, connecting directly to Center City. The nearest rail hub is the North Philadelphia SEPTA Regional Rail and Broad Street Subway station, located roughly 1.5 miles east.
Free on-street parallel parking is generally easy to find along 33rd Street and surrounding side streets, though visitors should lock doors and avoid leaving valuables visible. Dedicated parking lots are available at The Discovery Center and Historic Strawberry Mansion.
Things to do in Strawberry Mansion
- Tour Historic Strawberry Mansion, a restored 18th-century summer estate with period antique collections
- Visit The Discovery Center for environmental education, birdwatching, and canoeing on the East Park Reservoir
- Explore the John Coltrane House exterior and learn about the neighborhood's deep jazz history
Local favorites
- Historic Strawberry Mansion · Historic Museum · 4.6★ (210)A landmark federal-style mansion offering guided historical tours and landscaped grounds overlooking Fairmount Park.
- The Discovery Center · Nature & Environmental Center · 4.8★ (320)An educational hub and nature sanctuary co-run by Audubon Mid-Atlantic and Outward Bound.
- Parkside Corner Cafe · Cafe & Deli · 4.4★ (85)A casual local spot serving hearty breakfast platters, sandwiches, and coffee.
Neighborhoods near Strawberry Mansion
Common questions about Strawberry Mansion
Is Strawberry Mansion safe to walk at night?
We don't recommend walking around casually after dark here; take a ride instead.
Is Strawberry Mansion a good place to live?
On safety, Strawberry Mansion scores 38/100 — among the lowest we score, so look closely at specific blocks before deciding to move.
How walkable is Strawberry Mansion?
Walk score 74/100 and bike score 68/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Strawberry Mansion are safer?
East Park (62), Brewerytown (60), North Central (46) score higher nearby.
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