East Falls area (Philadelphia, Arnold: crimes, homes, safe neighborhood)

[richstro]

I'm moving to Philadelphia very soon. I've found a couple good looking deals in the East Falls neighborhood, between Midvale and Roosevelt. I know East Falls is generally considered a safe neighborhood, but I read somewhere that this is referring to north of Midvale. Anyone know a little more about this area? The cheap rates I found have me a little suspicious. Specifically, I'm looking at the areas around Tilden at Henry and Arnold St. Thanks.

[maf763]

Tilden and Henry is fine, it's a residential area. The reservoir is across Henry from the neighborhood and that creates a clear boundary to the end of the neighborhood. Arnold St. is further down the hill, just a tiny dead-end off Midvale. It's closer to the river rail and the few bars and restaurants around Ridge and Midvale. I'd consider both areas safe.

[Hillrunner]

It depends if you like the projects that are right down the street. Thats why the rates are cheaper.

[maf763]

You mean Abbotsford? It's a half mile away from Tilden and the Boulevard, reservoir and (former) hospital campus all act as a buffer. I have a friend who lived on Bowman and Henry for years and never had any problems, even for petty stuff like car break-ins. Tilden and Henry is plenty safe.

[Hillrunner]

Originally Posted by maf763

You mean Abbotsford? It's a half mile away from Tilden and the Boulevard, reservoir and (former) hospital campus all act as a buffer. I have a friend who lived on Bowman and Henry for years and never had any problems, even for petty stuff like car break-ins. Tilden and Henry is plenty safe.

Oh...perhaps then its the Youth detention center that is right across from the reservoir or the fact that the Phila sex crimes unit is also housed on that same campus. Mind you a half mile isn,t far enough away from the likes of Abbottsford projects. IMO.

[Ohiogirl81]

Tilden and Henry is perfectly safe. Tilden is an attractive residential street.

And Abbottsford Homes is far away enough to not be an issue. There's a charter school in the old Women's Medical College complex, but the students seem to stick close to the bus stops several blocks away.

Arnold Street is also safe; it's within the business district -- sandwich shops, post office, couple of bars and a (somewhat bland, IMO) Mexican restaurant.

Both locations are close to the train station. You should be OK no matter which you choose. If it were me, I'd choose Tilden just because it's not as congested. Good luck!

[Hillrunner]

I will let the housing rates speak for themself. Good Luck OP.

[Just1Lion]

i always liked east falls. my only concern was that the surplus of college students living there would make to much partying and loud drunken nonsense.