Safety in the vicinity of 18th and Catharine Streets (lease, crime)

[Rone212]

Hi,

My boyfriend and I are seriously considering singing a lease on a property at 18th and Catharine. Based on what I've been reading, I can't seem to get a picture of how safe the area actually is. Some people seem to say "It's fine, just be aware of your surroundings, like you would in any other part of the city," while others seem to argue that you can't even leave your house after dark without fear of being mugged.

I don't know what to believe, and I'd really like to get a level-headed opinion from people who are more familiar with the area. I don't know if this would alter my safety prospects at all, but I am a petite, 24 year old, white female (I've heard some people suggest that this would make me a target in this particular neighborhood).

I would just like to feel safe in my home, and be able to go to the grocery store, gym, etc. after dark, and not feel overly nervous. So, those in the know: would you say 18th and Catharine is safe and a good place to lease a home?

[Marius Pontmercy]

I have friends who live there and have never had any problems.

I've also seen corner boys hanging around at like 2am. It's a neighborhood that has been changing very quickly, so good and bad are both still present. So yeah, it has all the nice amenities like cafes and restaurants and shopping and proximity to Rittenhouse square, but it also still has corner boys and car break-ins and muggings. If you think you can handle the latter so as to enjoy the former then go for it. And let me stress again: it is still a neighborhood in transition, it hasn't reached that safe stable feeling of other areas yet, so you're going to be part of the transition, not moving onto a historically stable block.

And again, I know lots of people who have moved in there and have never had any problems, but you can't treat it like Old City yet.

[bryson662001]

Marius you really nailed it. I go to the YMCA at 18th and Christian. Sometimes I drive and park on the street with no concerns and sometimes I take the bus. I follow the old advice of walking with a purpose like you know where you are going and don't make eye contact (but be aware of) a "corner boy" who may be up to no good. Problem in that area is the lack of foot traffic, sometimes you are the only person around. I haven't been there later than 6PM. That said I have never had a problem or really felt uneasy but I have lived in center city for 20 years and never been a victim. If I weren't a local I might feel more uneasy. yea I know we haven't been much help.

[kidphilly]

I used to park in this area quite often and in the evening, the area is mostly safe though as stated parts of the area are in transistion. It probably will continue to get better but is not perfect yet. For what it is worth I am a male in my late 30s and never had any issues; though heading South the crime progressivly (well in a few blocks) gets worse; that being said my ex gf would alos park in the area but had a little more caution after dark. Overall it is ok, not great and getting better

[phillies2011]

I used to live on 20th and kater 4 years ago which is only like 4 blocks away and I always felt it was a totally safe neighborhood. I was three blocks further north and closer to rittenhouse but it was also a few years back and things havw been getting nicer in this area in ahurry.

bottom line as people have pointed out you should be taking precautions, Esp late at night when the foot traffic is low. I think people should do that everywhere tho and don't think you'd have any issues. No one would call this a "bad neighborhood" and I personally think it's great area to live.

just be smart.