Northeast Philadelphia
| Type | Region |
|---|---|
| Location | Philadelphia |
| ZIP code(s) | 19111, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19124, 19135, 19136, 19149, 19152, 19154 |
| Boundaries | North: Bucks County line, South: Kensington/River Wards, East: Delaware River, West: Cheltenham Township |
| Major streets | Roosevelt Boulevard, Bustleton Avenue, Frankford Avenue, Cottman Avenue |
| Transit | Market-Frankford Line (Frankford Transportation Center), SEPTA bus routes |
| Landmarks | Roosevelt Boulevard, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Pennypack Park |
Northeast Philadelphia, commonly called "the Northeast," is the largest region of Philadelphia by area. It covers the city's northeastern section and looks nothing like the dense rowhouse blocks of South Philadelphia or Center City. Instead, you'll find suburban-style development, mostly post-World War II housing, and a car-oriented street layout. About 400,000 people call it home, spread across everything from the Near Northeast's tightly packed rowhouses to the Far Northeast's sprawling single-family homes.[1]
Geography
The region breaks down into two distinct halves.
Near Northeast
This is what's closest to Center City. It includes:
You'll find older housing stock here: rowhouses mostly, along with buildings that predate the postwar boom. The Market-Frankford Line actually serves this area, which makes it somewhat different from the outlying neighborhoods.
Far Northeast
The outer section grew up after World War II ended, when developers wanted to build something new. These neighborhoods include:
Single-family homes dominate out here. Development patterns depend almost entirely on cars, and public transit barely exists. That's shaped how people live and get around.
Roosevelt Boulevard
Roosevelt Boulevard (U.S. Route 1) is the major north-south arterial cutting through Northeast Philadelphia. It's a 12-lane divided highway. A major commercial corridor runs along it. And it's become notorious, honestly, for traffic problems and pedestrian safety issues. The road connects Center City directly to Bucks County.
The Boulevard shapes how people experience the Northeast. It's been the focus of multiple safety improvement efforts, though the results have been mixed.
Character
Housing
What sets the Northeast apart from other Philadelphia regions? The housing stock, mainly. Single-family homes are common, especially in the Far Northeast. Semi-detached homes, often called "twins" locally, fill blocks throughout. The Near Northeast still has rowhouses, but they're fewer. Suburban-style subdivisions appeared in waves after the war. Lots tend to be bigger than what you'd find near Center City, which was the whole point.
Demographics
Northeast Philadelphia's population has always been diverse, though that diversity has shifted over time. The area was historically white, with strong Irish and Jewish communities. Today you'll find a growing Asian-American population. Latino neighborhoods have taken root. African-American families live throughout the region. Russian and Ukrainian immigrants arrived in larger numbers in recent decades. The neighborhood continues to change.
Commercial
Strip mall development dominates the commercial landscape. Big-box retail stores clustered around major intersections. Shopping centers were built for people driving, not walking. Still, some traditional commercial corridors remain important, particularly Frankford Avenue and Bustleton Avenue.
Parks
Pennypack Park
Pennypack Park is the major green space in the Northeast. This linear park follows Pennypack Creek for miles. Trails wind through for hiking and biking. Historic sites dot the landscape. Nature areas offer a break from the developed neighborhoods around it.
Other Parks
Burholme Park provides green space as well. Fox Chase Farm is worth visiting. Benjamin Rush State Park rounds out the options for outdoor recreation.
Institutions
Healthcare
Fox Chase Cancer Center is a major cancer research hospital that's known nationally. Nazareth Hospital serves the region too. Aria Health facilities operate multiple locations throughout the area.
Education
Numerous public schools serve Northeast Philadelphia. Archbishop Ryan High School draws students from across the city. Holy Family University offers higher education options.
Getting There
Public Transit
Here's the honest truth: transit service lags far behind other Philadelphia regions. The Market-Frankford Line runs only to the Frankford Transportation Center. SEPTA Bus Routes cover the area extensively, but travel times are long. The Fox Chase Line provides regional rail service, though it's limited.
Driving
Most of the Northeast is car-dependent. Roosevelt Boulevard, also known as US Route 1, runs north-south through the region. Interstate 95 hugs the Delaware River edge. Bustleton Avenue and Cottman Avenue carry local traffic. Public transportation exists, but driving is how most people get around.
Neighborhoods
Near Northeast
Frankford is historic. The El's terminus sits here. Juniata Park developed as a rowhouse neighborhood. Mayfair evolved into a residential area. Holmesburg is known as the site of a former prison. Tacony sits along the Delaware River.
Far Northeast
Bustleton functions as a commercial corridor neighborhood. Fox Chase grew near the cancer center. Somerton represents the outer neighborhoods. Rhawnhurst is primarily residential. Torresdale stretches along the Delaware River.
See Also
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- ↑ "Northeast Philadelphia". Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia. Retrieved December 22, 2025