I used to be a social worker and was out in every neighborhood taking SEPTA (including north philly) all the time by myself with no issues. I'm a small white lady and obviously out of place so people either could tell I was a social worker or sometimes thought I was L&I. I always felt safe. The worst that would happen to me would be catcalling or old men offering me rides.

Tips? Know where you're going so you don't look super lost. Say a friendly hi if you're passing by people sitting out on their steps.

I recommend East Passyunk as an alternative. The subway is closeby so it's easier to get around, plus it's an extremely cute walkable neighborhood with everything you need.

Very wild. I've lived here for about 10 years, 3 different blocks, and they all were full of kids. The little side streets are where it's at.

The kids on my block in East Passyunk run/bike/scoot up and down the street and knock on each other's doors to ask if so-and-so can come out and play. It's so cute and reminds me of my childhood.

Totally agree! So many of those streets should be one-way and it can be scary when you're on a hill in the snow and then you see someone coming the other way!

Masami at Dakini Tattoo in South Philly did a portrait of my cat for me a year or so ago and it's amazing. Masamitattoo on instagram

I grew up in lower bucks and have lived in Philly for almost 20 years. When I'm travelling, I tell people I'm from Philly because I am pretty sure they are just asking where I live now when they ask, "where are you from?"

When someone at home (Philly) asks where I'm from I say, "I grew up in the suburbs and moved to Philly for college and never left." I can't imagine telling someone who grew up in here that I'm from here.

I happened upon this recently and it was mostly middle aged men.

Some of the best nights I only vaguely remember were Thursdays at sisters.