Editing East Falls

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = East Falls
| type = Neighborhood
| location = Northwest Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 19129
| named_for = Falls of Schuylkill (historic name)
| boundaries = North: Wissahickon Creek, South: Fairmount Park, East: Schuylkill River, West: Roxborough
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Manayunk]], [[Roxborough]], [[Wissahickon]], [[Germantown]]
| major_streets = Ridge Avenue, Midvale Avenue, Henry Avenue
| transit = SEPTA Regional Rail (East Falls Station), Bus Routes
| notable_landmarks = Thomas Jefferson University East Falls campus, Kelly family home
}}

'''East Falls''' is a neighborhood in Northwest [[Philadelphia]] along the Schuylkill River, known for its small-town character, historic architecture, and connection to the Kelly family—including Grace Kelly, who became Princess of Monaco. The neighborhood is home to Thomas Jefferson University's East Falls campus (formerly Philadelphia University) and maintains a quieter atmosphere than nearby [[Manayunk]].<ref name="eastfalls">{{cite web |url=https://www.eastfallscommunitycouncil.org |title=East Falls Community Council |publisher=East Falls Community Council |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Falls of Schuylkill ===

East Falls was originally called "Falls of Schuylkill" for the rapids in the Schuylkill River at this location. The falls provided power for early mills and industry.

=== The Kelly Family ===

East Falls is famous as home to the Kelly family:

* '''John B. Kelly Sr.''' - Olympic rowing champion, businessman
* '''Grace Kelly''' (1929-1982) - Oscar-winning actress who became Princess Grace of Monaco
* '''John B. Kelly Jr.*** - Olympic rower

The Kelly family home on Henry Avenue remains a neighborhood landmark.

=== Institutional Development ===

Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University East Falls campus) established its campus in the neighborhood, adding an institutional presence and student population.

== Character ==

=== Architecture ===

* Victorian and early 20th-century homes
* Stone houses along the river
* Some newer construction
* Tree-lined streets

=== Atmosphere ===

* Small-town feel
* Family-friendly
* Quieter than Manayunk
* Student presence from university

== Landmarks ==

=== Kelly Family Home ===

The Kelly family's historic home at 3901 Henry Avenue is a neighborhood landmark, associated with Grace Kelly's childhood.

=== Thomas Jefferson University (East Falls) ===

The campus adds:
* Student population
* Academic resources
* Campus events
* Architectural landmarks

=== Falls Bridge ===

The '''Falls Bridge''' connects East Falls to the Schuylkill River Trail and [[Fairmount Park]].

== Getting There ==

=== SEPTA Regional Rail ===

'''East Falls Station''' on the Manayunk/Norristown Line provides service to Center City.

=== Bus Routes ===

* Route 32 along Ridge Avenue
* Route 27

=== Driving ===

* Henry Avenue from Manayunk or Germantown
* Ridge Avenue
* Lincoln Drive (scenic route to Center City)

=== Trails ===

* Schuylkill River Trail access
* Kelly Drive connection
* Fairmount Park trails

== Living in East Falls ==

=== Housing ===

* Single-family homes (more common than rowhouses)
* Apartments near university
* Mix of historic and newer housing
* Moderate prices for Northwest Philadelphia

=== Demographics ===

* Families
* University students
* Young professionals
* Long-term residents

=== Schools ===

* Thomas Jefferson University East Falls campus
* Public and private K-12 options

== Dining ==

East Falls offers neighborhood dining:
* '''In Riva''' - Italian
* '''Volo Coffeehouse*** - Cafe
* Local pubs and restaurants
* Fewer options than nearby Manayunk

== See Also ==

* [[Manayunk]]
* [[Roxborough]]
* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Northwest Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=East Falls Philadelphia - Grace Kelly's Hometown Neighborhood
|description=Guide to East Falls, Philadelphia's small-town neighborhood and Grace Kelly's hometown. Kelly family history, Thomas Jefferson University campus, and living along the Schuylkill.
|keywords=East Falls Philadelphia, Grace Kelly Philadelphia, Kelly family home, Thomas Jefferson University East Falls, Falls of Schuylkill, Northwest Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:Northwest Philadelphia]]