On your next visit to Pennsylvania, it may be useful to know which neighborhoods to avoid in Philadelphia, such as Kensington and other areas known for their drug problems and unsafe environments. However, Philadelphia is worth visiting, located less than 2 hours from New York City, with a rich history as the former capital of the United States.
This article provides a summary of data collected on the dangers of Philadelphia in 2023 and its various neighborhoods, based on press articles, statistics, and rankings. Unfortunately, Philadelphia has a higher crime rate than the national average, especially for violent crimes, and is one of the most crime-prone cities in North America and the world in 2023.
However, tourists are generally not direct targets of violent crimes in Philadelphia, but they may fall victim to fraud and theft. There is a geographical disparity in terms of safety across different neighborhoods in Philadelphia, with areas affected by drug abuse being the most dangerous.
Kensington: The Drug-infested Neighborhood of Philadelphia
Kensington is a former industrial district in Philadelphia that spans 2 square kilometers and has become the largest drug market in the United States. With over 1,000 drug users and dealers engaged in violent turf wars, Kensington has become the most dangerous neighborhood in Philadelphia.
While not as dangerous as Kensington or the areas mentioned above, here are some other neighborhoods in Philadelphia to avoid when staying or walking around at night
- Brewerytown
- Germantown
- Tacony-Idlewood-Yorktown
- Grey’s Ferry
- Hartranft
- Belmont
- Logan-Fern Rock
- River View
- Morris Park
- Richmond.
Safe neighborhoods exist too
Apart from the areas to avoid, there are many pleasant neighborhoods to stay in Philadelphia. However, there are too many and they are too diverse to say which ones are the best. After all, each has its own personality, character, and atmosphere, it’s a matter of taste.
So, I’ll simply introduce you to the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia and the tourist’s favorite. The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Philadelphia – The Safest Ones
Most real estate agencies agree that the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia are:
- Bustleton
- Somerton
- Chestnut Hill
- Fox Chase
- Academy Gardens
- Rhawnhurst
- Roxborough
- Torresdale
- Bridesburg
These are the areas with the lowest crime rates per capita compared to other neighborhoods in Philadelphia. That doesn’t mean they are completely safe. Indeed, they are less dangerous than others.
