Port Richmond to City Hall - SEPTA - dangerous? (Philadelphia: low crime, mortgage)

[kman98]

Greetings, I recently accepted a job and will be working a few blocks from City Hall. I'm from Colorado, and have never been to (nor do I know anyone from) Philadelphia. But I've been doing a lot of research online, and Port Richmond seems to be an ideal place to buy a home (prices are in my range, and the area sounds pretty safe).

However, one of the caveats of the job is that they don't provide parking, so it looks like I'll be commuting using SEPTA (bus from house to MFL station, then train to City Hall). Now although I've seen a lot of people raving about Port Richmond, I've simultaneously been reading that the areas around the Somerset and Allegheny MFL stations are really crime-infested. (I actually saw an article in Philadelphia Weekly that ranked Kensington/Somerset the worst drug intersection in the city.) Let me be honest -- I'm skinny, short, pale white, and pretty much just an all around geeky looking kid. The job calls for late hours, so I'd plan on standing outside one of those stations waiting for the bus around 8 or 9 PM every night. Bottom line -- I need to know, am I going to get killed?

Also, if I'm misunderstanding the routes and should actually be commuting a different way, please let me know.

Thanks for any insight.

[bryson662001]

Moderator cut: Competing site.
I know that that route is considered very safe but I am not sure what goes on down on the street at each stop.

[nmlmom]

You really should be safe depending on where in Port Richmond you are. You can get the 25 bus down Aramingo Ave. and hope on the El at Spring Garden and you'll be at City Hall in 5 minutes.

My advice though about ports of Port Richmond...brush up on your Spanish!

[Pilot1]

I did the opposite and moved to Colorado from the Philly burbs. I would NOT live in Port Richmond. There are many other, safer areas to live in than there. Manayunk, Northern Liberties, Art museum area, suburbs, etc.

[loose cannon]

I've heard many ex-Philly people talk badly about Port Richmond. I do not think I've ever been there. My advice to you is to walk fast with your fist clenched. Be quick with people but do not totally ignore them. Show some humility and courtesy. If people ask for change and stuff zip past them. But, if they ask for the time you should cautiously give them an estimated time with a smile. Never stop to look at your watch. Greet people. Even if they look like a gangsta Young Jezzy hoodlum. Smile and say what's up. If they do not respond and give you a mean face just keep going. Exert confidence. This is what I do in these situations and I have yet to encounter any problems.

[bryson662001]

Port Richmond is a very working class, dare I say "white trash" kind of neighborhood which would explain the low house prices. On the other hand it is relativly low crime and very convenient to everything including public transit and shopping. If you aren't hung up on status it can be a decent place to live.

[Bonn]

I am a young professional who just bought in Port Richmond. The houses are affordable and it is safe neighboorhood to live. I got monthly parking in city and compansate my low mortgage payments.

[solibs]

oh man, I don't know where in Port Richmond you're looking but the Port Richmond i've been to is an irish/polish neighborhood.

If you find something between Tulip and Richmond you're fine. Also, there's no need to use the Allegheny stop on the El. The 15 trolley runs down Richmond Ave (which turns into Girard Ave.) and connects with the the el and with the subway at the two Girard Ave. stops.

This is Philly and the crime is probably higher than what you're used to in Denver but if you're smart you'll be fine. You're not going to killed. Fishtown and Northern Liberties aren't "unsafe" by Philly standards and neither is Port Richmond

That said, why in the world are you looking in Port Richmond? You can get the same thing in South Philly, be a lot closer to Center City, and not have to transfer from subway to bus to get home at night. That and there's a heck of a lot more to do for a young, geeky white kid - stuff you can walk to.

[clickclack]

Port Richmond only gets skeevy after 10 or 11, and anyway the stations aren't skeevy just the streets...

[kyle19125]

Actually SoLibs, comparably priced homes in South Philly are further away from Center City than Port Richmond....and in much rougher areas. I know, live here and priced both. As a gay male who moved here five years ago can tell you I've never felt unsafe or had an issue. I ride SEPTA to/from work and use it on the weekends. It takes 30 minutes door to door transferring bus to subway, even weekends. Late at night if in Center City I take a cab home because it's quicker/less hassle. In terms of crime, I actually hear of more crime happening in Northern Liberties than here. I never have had problems here or know of any in my neighborhood, near Aramingo and Lehigh. Like any big city, be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine.