Considering living in Philadelphia? With iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, the city of Philly is a touchstone of American history and culture. While the cost of living in Philadelphia is slightly above the national average, safe and affordable neighborhoods can be determined by evaluating housing prices, crime rates, and things to do. Here’s our list of safe, affordable neighborhoods that are some of the best places to live in Philadelphia!
As with most large U.S. cities, Philadelphia’s crime rate is higher than the national average. However, there are still plenty of areas within the Philly metro that offer a safe place to live, typically areas further from the city center. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia include Bustleton, Fox Chase, and Manayunk.
Want to live in one of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia? Check out Bustleton! Located in Northeast Philadelphia, the town of Bustleton was settled by the Quakers in 1675 and was primarily a farming community before being incorporated into the City of Philadelphia in 1854. Today, this Philadelphia neighborhood offers residents a suburban feel with housing options like townhomes and Colonial-style single-family homes. Bustleton is also full of schools like Anne Frank School, Joseph Greenberg School, and George Washington High School—making it perfect for families with kids!
Walk the trails, go birdwatching, or shred some snow while sledding and cross-country skiing at the 230-acre Lorimer Park. Turn the kids loose on the playground, practice tennis, or play a game of basketball at Gifford Playground. Dive into the 25-meter pool, watch the little ones splash in the kiddie pool, or sign the older kids up for the swim team at Bustleton Swim Club. Go roller skating, refuel at The Cafe, or play games in the arcade at Philly SkatePlex—located just ten minutes from Bustleton. Start your morning with a plate of Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Stuffed Cannoli French Toast, or the Lox Ensemble at Tiffany on the BLVD. Feast on Italian favorites like Baked Orrechiette, Cioppino, or Chicken Parmigiana from Macaroni’s. Enjoy seafood dishes like the Jambalaya, BBQ Salmon Tacos, or a bowl of the New England Clam Chowder from Benny The Bum’s. Or try the Original Village Special Stromboli, Steak & Onions Pizza, and Tuna Sandwich from Original Village Pizza.
Q: Is Philadelphia affordable?
A: Although Philadelphia has slightly higher living costs, residents can find cheap homes, with median home prices below the national average. Philly is especially budget-friendly compared to other East Coast cities like Boston and New York City.
Situated in Northwest Philadelphia along the Schuylkill River is East Falls, one of the best neighborhoods in Philly! Not only is this area popular among college students attending local universities like Thomas Jefferson University and Drexel University College of Medicine, but it’s also a favorite for families—with great private schools like William Penn Charter School and public schools like Thomas Mifflin School. Residents of East Falls will appreciate the area’s variety of affordable housing options and proximity to green spaces, including Fernhill Park and Fairmount Park. Plus, the neighborhood is just northeast of I-76, providing quick commutes to Philly’s city center for jobs and more entertainment.
Sign the kids up for Summer Tennis Camp, work out in the Fitness Clinic, and more at Legacy Youth Tennis and Education. Every Sunday, pick up fresh produce, meats, and artisan creations from local farmers during the year-round East Falls Farmers’ Market. Catch one-acts and ensemble plays put on by local actors or get your kids involved in the Children’s Arts Program at Old Academy Players. Find new books or bring the kiddos for Yoga Storytime at the Falls of Schuylkill Library. Enjoy a Weekend Vibes Smoothie or cold-pressed juice like the Electric Green Juice or Caribbean Sunset from Vegan Vibes Cafe & Juice Bar. Savor the Bacon Chicken Ranch Pizza or Philly Cheese Steak Pizza from Slices Pizza. Grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks and pair it with a draft beer like Girl Dinner or Philly United at Wissahickon Brewing Company. Or share a bottle of wine on date night and dig into hearty Italian dishes like Mommy’s Meatballs, Gnocchi, or Burrata from In Riva.
Q: How safe is Philadelphia?
A: Philadelphia is a large metro that’s safer than 2% of cities in the U.S.; however, despite higher crime in specific areas, several Philadelphia neighborhoods offer safe places to live, including Bustleton and Fox Chase.
Located in Lower Northeast Philly, Fox Chase is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Those moving to this area can choose from a variety of housing styles, including Tudor, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman homes. Families will appreciate the area’s safe streets and proximity to Philly schools like Saint Cecilia School or Fox Chase School—and residents working in healthcare can find career opportunities at nearby hospitals like Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus and Kindred Hospital Philadelphia. Plus, residents of all ages enjoy the area’s easy access to cafes, restaurants, and parks!
Attend events like the Maple Sugar Festival or AppleFest at Fox Chase Farm. Go horseback riding, biking, or hiking along the nine-mile stretch in Pennypack Park. Look at model trains and learn about the railroads at the Rockledge Model Railroad Museum. Spend the day at Burholme Park, where you can have a family picnic outside, play mini golf at Burholme Golf & Family Entertainment, explore the books and art collections at the Ryerss Museum & Library, and much more! Try Middle Eastern dishes like the Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl, Kifta Kabab Rice Bowl, or Hummus Bowl w/ Falafel from Bishos. Order the Honey Bee Chicken Cutlet, Roast Pork Italiana Hot Sandwich Grinder, or Smokey The Bear from Chubby’s Deli Fox Chase. Take the family out for dinner favorites like Roast Turkey, Baked Meatloaf, or Spaghetti & Meatballs from Country Club Diner. And don’t forget to pick up sweet treats like cupcakes, donuts, and cakes from Schenk’s Family Bakery!
Q: Where is the cheapest place to live in Philadelphia?
A: Fox Chase is one of the most affordable places to live in Philadelphia, with median home prices at $227,400 and a median rent of $999. Other Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods like Bustleton provide budget-friendly living without sacrificing access to downtown amenities.
Settled along the Schuylkill River, the neighborhood of Manayunk has become one of Philadelphia’s best neighborhoods for singles and young professionals who want a place to live, work, and play. Thanks to its trendy rowhouses, Victorian-style homes, and selection of apartments, this is also a great neighborhood for renters in Philadelphia. And with fun community events, tons of local restaurants and bars lining Main Street Manayunk, and green spaces like Pretzel Park and Fairview Park, there’s always something to do in this Philly neighborhood!
Sample bites from some of Philadelphia’s best food trucks and local restaurants during the annual Manayunk StrEAT Festival. Go for a morning run along the Schuylkill River Trail, which spans more than 120 miles! Attend the Shoe Box Short Theatre Festival, see shows at the 250-seat theatre, or sign your toddler up for Ms. Molly’s Classes at Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center. Catch live shows five nights a week featuring indie bands or join in for open mic night at The Grape Room. Try Mexican staples like Guacamole Loco, Enchiladas de Pollo, and Pork Carnitas paired with a Strawberry Frozen Margarita from Taqueria Amor. Order the Hilltown Mac & Cheese, Thai Peanut Wings, or the Nacho Basket at Hilltown Tavern. Stop by for happy hour to enjoy Street Corn Dip and a Prickly Pear Jalapeno Margarita from Manayunk Brewing Company. Or savor a scoop of Blueberry Pie Ice Cream, the Brownie Sundae, or the Pineapple Dole Whip Milkshake from C&C Creamery.
Q: What is the safest neighborhood in Philadelphia?
A: One of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia is Bustleton, with crime rates better than 98% of the city. This historic neighborhood comes with great schools and suburban living, also making it one of the best family neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
Bordered by Wissahickon Valley Park and Germantown, the Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood of Mount Airy appeals to residents of all ages. This neighborhood encompasses the areas of West Mount Airy and East Mount Airy and offers a variety of housing options, ranging from townhomes and rowhouses to Victorian and Tudor-style houses—with some dating back to the 18th century! Locals will also find galleries, cafes, and more along cobbled Germantown Ave and other tree-lined streets.
Hike along Wissahickon Creek, go fishing, try horseback riding, and more at Wissahickon Valley Park. Visit The Farm at Awbury, spend time at the pond and meadows, and see the state bird—the Northern Mockingbird—at the Awbury Arboretum. Sign the kids up for art classes, explore exhibits, and more at Allens Lane Art Center. Take your little ones to Baby Storytime or find your next read at the Lovett Memorial Library. On your way to work, grab a Honey Coffee with a Breakfast Sammy from Avenues Cafe. For lunch, get the Falafel Pita, Dolma Platter, or a Grilled Chicken Platter from Malelani Cafe. Enjoy the Parmesan Truffle Fries, Onion and Beer Soup, and Fried Chicken Sandwich with draft beers from Mount Airy Tap Room. Or order the Aosta Valley Pizza, Grilled Turkey Bacon Pizza, or Steamed Broccoli Pizza from Fino’s Pizza.
Q: Is Philadelphia more affordable than Chicago?
A: Yes, Philadelphia is, on average, cheaper than Chicago. The cost of living in Chicago is 14% above the national average, while living costs in Philadelphia are only 2% above. Both cities are considered large U.S. urban centers with a strong culture and job opportunities.
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The team at Extra Space Storage understand that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you —considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education —to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
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