Is Upland safe?
Upland, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Upland as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Upland
“Go with care. Upland is a small, quiet residential borough anchored by its historic roots and the Crozer-Chester Medical Center, but its direct proximity to Chester warrants awareness. Visitors for medical appointments or historic visits will generally encounter few safety issues during the daytime.”
About the area
Upland is a compact, working-class borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, situated along the Chester Creek. It is best known for its historic colonial sites and the sprawling Crozer-Chester Medical Center campus that occupies a significant portion of its land area.
- Working-Class
- Historic
- Hospital-Anchored
- Quiet Residential
Walking and biking in Upland
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There are no public bike-share stations or dedicated on-street bike lanes, though cyclists can access portions of the developing Chester Creek Trail network in adjacent townships.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Dedicated local municipal police department provides responsive neighborhood coverage.
- Rich local history anchored by the well-preserved 1683 Caleb Pusey House.
- Lower violent crime rates compared to neighboring Chester.
- Moderate cost of living with stable, long-term working-class homeownership pockets.
Cons
- Direct borders with high-crime zones in Chester can lead to spillover property and vehicle theft.
- Below-county-average median household income and elevated local poverty rates (~15-18%).
- Limited commercial dining, retail, and entertainment options within borough limits.
- Aging housing stock and localized infrastructure maintenance challenges.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is generally minimal in the residential tracts, though transient individuals are occasionally observed near the perimeter of the medical center and adjacent transit stops along Main Street.
What Upland is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and orderly with hospital workers arriving and residents heading out on their morning commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally quiet residential atmosphere with standard neighborhood traffic and delivery activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm in most residential side streets, though situational awareness is advised near the Chester borders and major transit stops.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic drops off considerably; walking alone along border streets or poorly lit blocks is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA operates several bus routes through Upland (notably Routes 114, 117, and 118), offering connections to the Chester Transportation Center (Regional Rail Newark Line) and nearby Media.
Residential street parking is readily available and mostly free without meters; Crozer-Chester Medical Center provides paid structured garages and visitor lots.
Things to do in Upland
- Tour the historic Caleb Pusey House and Landingford Plantation, one of the oldest standing homes in Pennsylvania.
- Relax or attend community events at Bristol Lord Field and Upland Park.
- Explore the nearby riparian corridor along the Chester Creek.
Local favorites
- Upland Pizzeria · Pizza Restaurant · 4.3★ (210)A neighborhood mainstay serving classic thin-crust pies, cheesesteaks, and hoagies.
- Caleb Pusey House & Museum · Historical Landmark · 4.7★ (65)A rare 17th-century historic homestead offering guided tours and local colonial artifacts.
- New China Restaurant · Chinese Takeout · 4.1★ (115)Straightforward counter-serve spot known for reliable Chinese-American takeout staples.
Neighborhoods near Upland
Common questions about Upland
Is Upland safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Upland a good place to live?
On safety, Upland scores 64/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Upland?
Walk score 58/100 and bike score 42/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Upland are safer?
Brookhaven (PA) (84), Fairview (Ridley) (80), Parkside (PA) (76) score higher nearby.
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