20 Areas to Avoid in Philadelphia [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is an area steeped in culture and history. Home to more than 1.5 million folks, it is a community that pulses with daily life, from its legendary Liberty Bell to the vibrant food scene of its. Nevertheless, like any major city, it is vital that you know which areas to enjoy and which areas to avoid in Philadelphia. Steering clear of neighborhoods that could create safety risks is an important component of traveling wisely.

Additionally, staying away from overhyped tourist spots which are overpriced and crowded often can enhance the experience of yours of the city. Whether your concerns of yours are about safety or just wishing to avoid the standard tourist traps, this list of areas to prevent in Philadelphia will aid you get around this historic town with confidence.

Continue reading to get a much deeper understanding of Philadelphia’s social landscape, and also provide yourself together with the expertise to create the most of your visit of yours to this amazing city. Remember, knowledge is power, and also being educated about the areas to prevent in Philadelphia is a vital step in making sure an enjoyable and safe trip.

See Also: things to do in Philadelphia

1. Tioga-Nicetown

Tioga-Nicetown is a community situated in the North of Philadelphia. Even with its inviting name, it’s a recognition for becoming among the very least secure areas in the community, making it an area on the list of places to avoid in Philadelphia. With a population of around 17,382 residents, it is noted for the high crime rate of its, which is 2639 per 100,000 inhabitants. This particular area’s crime rate is bigger compared to the national average, which could make residents and visitors equally feel cautious. While the region has the ability with the unique characteristics of its, the excessive crime rate regrettably overshadows these aspects. Visitors are especially advised to remain conscious of their surroundings of theirs and take precautions that are necessary when in this specific area.

2. Hunting Park

Next door to Tioga Nicetown, Hunting Park is yet another community in North Philadelphia. It shares several similarities with the neighbor of its, such as safety concerns. Home to around 22,735 folks, Hunting Park features a crime rate of 1452 crimes per 100,000 people. Even with the greenery of its shopping areas, it regrettably joins Tioga Nicetown on the list of areas to avoid living in Philadelphia, thanks to the crime rate of its being a hundred % higher compared to the national average. The spot likewise grapples with a low average yearly income, and that is usually connected to the high crime rate of its. Visitors, just love residents, are encouraged to be mindful and vigilant of their belongings of theirs when in this specific place.

3. Strawberry Mansion

Strawberry Mansion is usually mentioned in all the areas to prevent in Philadelphia. This particular community placed in North Philadelphia near Fairmount Park is home to approximately 22,500 individuals and also features a crime rate of 1,944 per 100,000 inhabitants. Even with the historic mansion of its non-commercial appeal, Strawberry Mansion has a significant criminal rate which is 162 % higher compared to the national average. Violent crimes, including murder and gun violence, are especially loaded with this particular component of the community. Visitors are encouraged to be aware and cautious of their surroundings of theirs when in this specific place.

4. Fairhill

Fairhill, located in the North Philadelphia section of the community, is a mixed-use location with each commercial and residential properties. Even with the vibrant Hispanic community of its and also the bustling industrial area referred to as “El Centro de Oro” (Golden Block), Fairhill has a significant theft pace. Latin gangs are recognized to work in the spot, along with crimes including theft, muggings, and even street violence are routine. Visitors and residents are usually told that this’s among the places to avoid in Philadelphia, particularly during late hours. Regardless of the challenges, the neighborhood is home to a lot of hardworking families and individuals that are trying to enhance the neighborhood.

5. Alleghany West

When a thriving element of the city, Alleghany West has become deemed on the list of “bad parts of Philadelphia.” Situated on the west side of Broad Street, it’s experienced a drop through the years and it is currently a predominantly disadvantaged African American society with good crime rates. The wide open areas which were previously an attraction were mostly taken over by gangs of people that are young. Strangers tend to be targeted, resulting in advisories of “stay from Philadelphia” specifically mentioning this particular neighborhood. Regardless of these challenges, you will find nevertheless residents and companies that persistently operate in the spot.

6. Harrowgate

Harrowgate, located on the northeast side of Kensington, near Kensington Avenue, was created in 1784 as a spa and set of entertainment. Nowadays, it is a multi-ethnic community notorious for the high crime rate of its, often pointed out when discussing “where never to dwell in Philadelphia.” With average yearly earnings of 1dolar1 23,871, it’s regarded as a bad region. The crime rate is a tremendous problem, with 1,701 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants. Nevertheless, in spite of the crime rate, Harrowgate is home to a diverse community of residents who bravely keep on living and also operate in the spot.

7. Haddington-Carroll Park

Haddington-Carroll Park, located on the West side of Philadelphia, is usually mentioned of all the “areas to prevent in the Philadelphia map.” This neighborhood, meant to become an amiable non-commercial area, is wrestling with a significant criminal rate of 1,588 crimes per 100,000 people. The absence of investments along with a low average yearly earnings of 1dolar1 28,706 have exacerbated this particular crime issue. Regardless of these challenges, the community spirit stays strong, along with residents continually working towards finding solutions. Site visitors are strongly advised to remain alert and conscious of their surroundings of theirs when in this specific place.

8. Elmwood

Elmwood, a community situated in Philadelphia’s southwest near Delaware County, might not always show up on the listing of “places to prevent in Philadelphia,” though it’s its own challenges of its. Established around Catholic parishes in the early twentieth century, it’s normally inhabited by Irish Americans. Even with the residential appeal of its, Elmwood experiences a top criminal rate of 1,217 per 100,000 inhabitants. With average yearly earnings of 1dolar1 36,424, which is fairly average, crime is still a tremendous matter. Visitors to Elmwood must remain mindful and vigilant of their belongings of theirs.

9. Frankford

Frankford, a community in the center of North Philadelphia, is known for the red brick townhouses of its historic architecture. Home to 39,792 residents, it features historical, museums, and church buildings. Nevertheless, on account of a significant criminal rate of 1,369 crimes per 100,000 persons, the question “Is North Philadelphia dangerous?” usually occurs in discussions relating to this place. With an average annual wage of 1dolar1 33,217, Frankford requires additional investments to provide jobs because of the youth and also provide them options for crime. While it is crucial to value the historic charm and cultural richness of Frankford, guests must also remain conscious of their surroundings of theirs for their safety of theirs.

10. North Central

North Central, a vibrant area located centrally in Philadelphia, is home to a diverse population of around 21,880 residents. Nevertheless, with 1,982 crimes per 100,000 residents, it plays a role in the narrative that North Philadelphia could be harmful. The typical yearly salary here’s 1dolar1 25,296, suggesting a correlation between financial hardship and crime. Regardless of these challenges, North Central is an area of resilience plus community spirit. Frequently referred to as among the areas to prevent in Center City, it also maintains a good feeling of community where individuals check for one another, maybe even in the face of adversity.

11. Kensington

A community marked by a rich history and a strong sense of community, Kensington is struggling with problems of violence as well as drug use which unfortunately put it among the negative areas of Philadelphia. Kensington has undergone a substantial decline over time, having previously been a bustling industrial hub. The region continues to be substantially influenced by the opioid crisis, which has increased crime rates and led to several social issues. Regardless of the difficulties, the determined inhabitants of Kensington are attempting to regain their neighborhood and restore its former splendor.

12. West Kensington

Adjacent to Kensington is West Kensington, yet another neighborhood grappling with similar challenges and occasionally talked about in discussions of where not to go in Philadelphia. High crime rates and widespread drug issues are an issue in West Kensington. Even with its difficulties, it remains a neighborhood with tremendous potential where people are working hard to enhance their living conditions. When navigating this particular area, visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant of their surroundings.

13. Grays Ferry

The neighborhood of Grays Ferry has a long history and it is a meeting spot of history and modern challenges. Grays Ferry has undergone ups and downs despite being a significant industrial hub in the past. These days it is a neighborhood that needs your attention, not just for its historical importance, but for the pressing problems it faces. The area is regarded as a no-go zone in Pennsylvania due to high criminal activity rates. Nevertheless, amidst these difficulties, the spirit of resilience is palpable. The existence of the community is a symbol of the enduring character of Philadelphia, a city famous for its toughness and ambition.

14. Germantown

A place that is going to stay with you forever is Germantown, a historic and cultural area. But beneath its historic appeal is a pressing problem: A top crime rate. This particular scenario in Germantown has raised questions about whether North Philadelphia is safe. Crime has been an issue in the area, obscuring its storied past and lively community life. Nevertheless, Germantown isn’t a neighborhood defined by its troubles. The community is actively working towards a brighter future, proving that Germantown is more than just its crime statistics.

15. North Philadelphia

With all of its striking contrasts, North Philadelphia often prompts the question – is North Philly dangerous? It’s a neighborhood that can challenge your perceptions. It’s alive with life and energy – home to historic landmarks and university campuses. But it also has greater than typical crime rates, raising concerns about security. North Philadelphia is a living example of the strength of its people despite these challenges. It’s a community in which community spirit flourishes – even in times of adversity.

16. Southwest Philadelphia

Southwest Philadelphia, amidst its cultural diversity, often sparks the question – is West Philadelphia safe? Underneath the rich cultural fabric is a more somber reality. This is a neighborhood that needs your consideration for its cultural diversity and the pressing problems it faces, with crime rates exceeding the national average. The enduring spirit of resilience here is palpable, indicating that safety is a complex problem, intertwined with the vibrancy of community spirit. The neighborhood is a reminder of the resilient spirit of Philadelphia, a city famous for its toughness and determination. Although its cultural vibrancy might interest you, remember to remain alert and conscious of your surroundings.

17. West Philadelphia

Charming West Philadelphia is a neighborhood full of historic homes and tree-lined streets. Nevertheless, its high crime rate oftentimes leads visitors to question if West Philadelphia is safe, juxtaposing a stark contrast with its picturesque exterior. West Philadelphia is not defined by its challenges despite its struggles with crime that have shadowed its lively community life. Resilient: the society is committed to a better future. Despite the alarming crime figures, it’s essential to recall that West Philadelphia is far more than meets the eye.

18. Brewerytown

The history-rich neighborhood of Brewerytown is famous because of its ability to seduce its visitors. The location had been once a bustling center for breweries but has gone through an amazing revival in recent years. Nevertheless, crime rates greater than the national average have resulted in some suggesting where not to stay in Philadelphia. However, Brewerytown is a reminder of the strength of its inhabitants. Here, community spirit flourishes despite the adversity faced. This particular neighborhood can serve as a reminder that hope as well as resilience can blossom even in the toughest of conditions. Consequently, although the crime rates might raise eyebrows, Brewerytown remains a neighborhood defined by its history as well as robust community spirit.

19. Mantua

Mantua is a culturally diverse neighborhood that will leave you with an intense sense of contrast. Noted for its lively arts scene and historic sites, Mantua is a neighborhood pulsing with life, yet also grappling with the question, “Is North Philly safe?”. The area is less culturally vibrant due to a greater crime rate than the national average. The resilience of Mantua is woven into the fabric of the community despite the difficulties encountered. Mantua isn’t defined by its crime statistics – and so although the crime statistics might boggle your mind – there is far more to it than meets the eye in fact.

20. Powelton Village

Powelton Village, with its Victorian homes as well as tree-lined avenues, is a neighborhood exuding charm. Nevertheless, under its picturesque exterior is a far more somber truth. The question of downtown Philadelphia safety arises here, with a crime rate greater than the national average. Powelton Village is a community demanding your attention, not only for its architectural beauty but for the pressing problems it faces. The resilience of its inhabitants is apparent, thriving even in adversity. It is a reminder that optimism and tenacity can flourish – maybe even in tough circumstances. Although the crime data might cause you to think twice, recall that Powelton Village is a lot more than meets the eye.

Conclusion

Philadelphia is a town filled with history, tradition, and culinary delights, however, it is essential to know what to avoid in Philadelphia for an enjoyable and safe experience. The objective of this list isn’t to prevent you from exploring the city of Brotherly Love, but to offer you the information to get around the city efficiently.

Philadelphia is not an exception to the rule – each town has its difficulties. Nevertheless, it’s also a town of undeniable charm, community spirit, and resilience. Staying informed and vigilant will enable you to enjoy the best of Philadelphia and avoid possible pitfalls.

We hope this guidebook is useful to anyone planning a visit to Philadelphia or curious about its social fabric. Remain safe, stay informed, and above all, do not let these areas to avoid in Philadelphia keep you from experiencing the diverse array of living this amazing city has to offer.