Francisville
Appearance
Francisville
| Type | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Location | North Philadelphia / Center City border |
| ZIP code(s) | 19121, 19130 |
| Named for | Tench Francis, colonial attorney |
| Boundaries | Roughly Girard Avenue to Fairmount Avenue, Broad Street to 22nd Street |
| Adjacent | Fairmount, Spring Garden, Brewerytown, Temple University Area |
| Major streets | Girard Avenue, Ridge Avenue, 15th Street |
| Transit | Broad Street Line (Girard, Fairmount stations), trolley routes |
| Landmarks | Eastern State Penitentiary (nearby), emerging restaurant scene |
Francisville is a neighborhood on the border between North Philadelphia and Center City, named for Tench Francis, a colonial attorney. The neighborhood has experienced significant gentrification in recent years, with new construction, restaurants, and rising property values transforming the formerly underserved area.
History
[edit | edit source]Francisville has roots dating to colonial times and developed as a residential neighborhood in the 19th century. The area declined economically in the mid-to-late 20th century but has seen rapid change since the 2000s due to its proximity to Center City and Fairmount.
Character
[edit | edit source]Rapid Change
[edit | edit source]- Gentrification ongoing
- New construction condos and apartments
- Historic rowhouse renovations
- Rising property values
- Displacement concerns
Housing
[edit | edit source]- Mix of old and new
- Renovated rowhouses
- New construction buildings
- Mix of renters and owners
Demographics
[edit | edit source]- Changing rapidly
- Young professionals moving in
- Longtime residents (declining)
- Increasingly diverse economically
Dining and Nightlife
[edit | edit source]Francisville has developed a dining scene:
- New restaurants opening
- Bars and coffee shops
- BYOB establishments
- Mix of cuisines
Living in Francisville
[edit | edit source]- Proximity to Center City
- Rising prices (but below Fairmount)
- New construction options
- Restaurant and bar scene
- Rapid change
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- Broad Street Line: Girard Station, Fairmount Station
- SEPTA buses: 48
- Walking: Close to Center City