Is Wissahickon Hills safe?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Wissahickon Hills as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Wissahickon Hills
“Go. Wissahickon Hills is a quiet, highly safe residential enclave in Northwest Philadelphia bordered by Wissahickon Valley Park. Visitors coming for trail access or neighborhood dining will encounter minimal safety concerns beyond standard urban awareness.”
About the area
Perched on the ridge above Manayunk and directly adjacent to the lush Wissahickon Valley Park, Wissahickon Hills features leafy residential streets, historic stone twin homes, and mid-century single-family houses. It serves primarily as a peaceful residential neighborhood with quick access to extensive hiking trails and nearby commercial corridors.
- Quiet Residential
- Parkside / Nature-Adjacent
- Family-Friendly
- Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in Wissahickon Hills
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 42/100
Cyclists have direct access to Forbidden Drive and the Schuylkill River Trail network, though neighborhood riding involves navigating steep valley inclines.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to Philadelphia citywide averages
- High homeownership rate and low residential vacancy supporting neighborhood stability
- Direct walking access to Wissahickon Valley Park trailheads and nature reserves
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as vehicle break-ins near trailheads
- Steep topography and limited sidewalks on certain arterial connectors
- Very limited commercial amenities directly within the neighborhood interior
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Wissahickon Hills, with no established encampments or regular panhandling in the residential area.
What Wissahickon Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers heading into the park, and commuters.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and safe with light local residential traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm atmosphere with neighbors returning home and pleasant conditions for an evening stroll.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with minimal pedestrian traffic, presenting low risk but requiring standard nighttime awareness.
Transit, parking and getting around
SEPTA serves the neighborhood via regional rail at the nearby Wissahickon and Manayunk stations on the Manayunk/Norristown Line (about a 15-20 minute walk downhill), as well as local bus routes 9, 27, and 61 along Ridge Avenue and Henry Avenue.
Free residential street parking is generally readily available throughout the neighborhood, though spots tighten along narrow residential blocks in the evening.
Things to do in Wissahickon Hills
- Hike or trail run along the rugged trails of Wissahickon Valley Park accessible via Hermit Lane
- Walk down to Main Street Manayunk for boutique shopping and canal-side dining
- Explore historic stone architecture and quiet tree-lined streets on a neighborhood walking loop
Local favorites
- The Winston · American Restaurant & Pub · 4.5★ (240)A cozy neighborhood gathering spot offering elevated pub classics and craft beer.
- T&F Farmers Pride · Deli & Italian Specialty Market · 4.7★ (410)Long-running local grocer and deli famous for classic hoagies and imported goods.
- C&C Creamery · Ice Cream Shop · 4.8★ (520)Beloved neighborhood window serving soft serve, sundaes, and water ice.
Neighborhoods near Wissahickon Hills
Common questions about Wissahickon Hills
Is Wissahickon Hills safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Wissahickon Hills a good place to live?
On safety, Wissahickon Hills scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Wissahickon Hills?
Walk score 58/100 and bike score 42/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Wissahickon Hills are safer?
Wissahickon Hills scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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