Is Upper Roxborough safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Upper Roxborough as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Upper Roxborough
“Go. Upper Roxborough is one of Philadelphia's safest, quietest, and most stable residential neighborhoods. Visitors coming to explore the nearby nature trails or visit local family will find a peaceful, suburban environment with virtually no serious safety concerns.”
About the area
Upper Roxborough is a hilly, leafy enclave tucked into the northwestern edge of Philadelphia, characterized by mid-century single-family homes, twins, and expansive green space. It functions much more like a sleepy suburb than an urban center, bordered by the Schuylkill River and the lush woodlands of Wissahickon Valley Park.
- Suburban Feel
- Tree-Lined / Leafy
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet / Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Upper Roxborough
Walk score: 44/100 · Bike score: 38/100
Indego bike-share stations are not currently present this far northwest, but the neighborhood provides road access to the Wissahickon trails and the Schuylkill River Trail via steep descents.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Philadelphia citywide averages
- Strong economic stability with high homeownership rates and a median household income exceeding $90,000
- Direct proximity to expansive trail networks and environmental conservation centers
- Very low residential vacancy rate and well-kept properties throughout
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like theft from unlocked parked vehicles
- Car-dependent layout with sparse commercial corridors and long walks to dining
- Steep topography and narrow roads that can be challenging to navigate in winter weather
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in Upper Roxborough due to its strictly residential, low-density suburban layout; there are no active encampments or local shelters.
What Upper Roxborough is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and school commuters along quiet residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and safe with light local traffic and families enjoying backyard yards and nearby trailheads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential, with well-lit neighborhood avenues and minimal street activity.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely sleepy and quiet with very little foot traffic, remaining safe for night walks but generally deserted.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by SEPTA, with express bus routes 9 and 27 providing direct service to Center City along Ridge Avenue, while the Ivy Ridge Regional Rail Station is roughly a 5-to-10 minute drive away.
Street parking is abundant and free throughout the neighborhood without meters, and most single-family residences feature dedicated driveways or garages.
Things to do in Upper Roxborough
- Hike the forested trails and explore wildlife habitats at The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
- Take in scenic views and birdwatch around the Upper Roxborough Reservoir Preserve
- Access the rugged multi-use trails of Upper Wissahickon Valley Park along Gorgas Creek
Local favorites
- T&F Farmers Pride · Italian Deli & Market · 4.7★ (320)Beloved neighborhood staple known for hearty hoagies, prepared Italian specialties, and specialty deli cuts.
- Barry's Buns · Bakery · 4.6★ (180)Scratch-made bakery specializing in fresh sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, and gourmet pretzels.
- The Rook Manayunk/Roxborough · Gastropub · 4.5★ (410)Relaxed neighborhood tavern offering craft draft beers, upscale burgers, and casual comfort food.
Neighborhoods near Upper Roxborough
Common questions about Upper Roxborough
Is Upper Roxborough safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Upper Roxborough a good place to live?
On safety, Upper Roxborough scores 88/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Upper Roxborough?
Walk score 44/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Upper Roxborough are safer?
Hollow Woods (94) score higher nearby.
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