Editing Frankford

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Frankford
| type = Neighborhood
| location = Northeast Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 19124, 19135, 19137
| established = 1683
| named_for = Frankfurt, Germany
| boundaries = Complex; roughly Tacony Creek to the Juniata Park area
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Juniata Park]], [[Holmesburg]], [[Bridesburg]], [[Kensington]]
| major_streets = Frankford Avenue, Torresdale Avenue, Margaret Street
| transit = Market-Frankford Line (multiple stations ending at Frankford Transportation Center)
| notable_landmarks = Frankford Transportation Center, Frankford Avenue commercial district
}}

'''Frankford''' is a historic neighborhood in [[Northeast Philadelphia]], serving as the terminus of the Market-Frankford Line (the "El"). Originally founded as an independent borough in 1683, Frankford is one of Philadelphia's oldest settlements. The neighborhood centers on Frankford Avenue, a major commercial corridor, and the Frankford Transportation Center, a critical transit hub.<ref name="frankford">{{cite web |url=https://www.philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/places/frankford/ |title=Frankford |publisher=Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Colonial Era ===

Frankford was settled in '''1683''' by German and Swedish colonists along the Frankford Creek. The settlement was named for Frankfurt, Germany, home of many early residents. Frankford became a milling and manufacturing center, using water power from the creek.

=== Borough Era ===

Frankford was incorporated as a borough in 1800 and remained independent until consolidation with Philadelphia in 1854. The town had its own character and identity, centered on Frankford Avenue.

=== Industrial Era ===

Frankford became a manufacturing center:
* Textile mills
* Arsenal (Frankford Arsenal, 1816-1977)
* Various factories
* Working-class employment

=== Modern Era ===

Deindustrialization hit Frankford hard. The closing of Frankford Arsenal in 1977 removed a major employer. The neighborhood has struggled economically while remaining a critical transit hub.

== Frankford Transportation Center ==

The '''Frankford Transportation Center''' is the terminal station for the Market-Frankford Line:
* Major transit hub
* Bus connections
* Thousands of daily commuters
* Commercial activity around station

The El runs along Market Street in Center City, then along Front Street and Kensington, terminating at Frankford.

== Frankford Avenue ==

'''Frankford Avenue''' is one of Philadelphia's oldest roads and the neighborhood's commercial corridor:
* Retail shops
* Restaurants
* Services
* Mix of occupied and vacant storefronts

The avenue extends from [[Old City]] through Kensington and into Frankford.

== Character ==

=== Architecture ===

* Rowhouses (dominant)
* Some Victorian-era buildings
* Commercial buildings along Frankford Avenue
* Former industrial sites

=== Challenges ===

Frankford faces economic challenges:
* Commercial vacancies
* Poverty
* Crime concerns
* Disinvestment

=== Community ===

Despite challenges:
* Strong community organizations
* Long-term residents
* Neighborhood pride
* Revitalization efforts

== Living in Frankford ==

=== Housing ===

* Affordable rowhouses
* Lower prices than most Philadelphia neighborhoods
* Mix of owner-occupied and rental
* Some vacant properties

=== Demographics ===

* Diverse by race and ethnicity
* Working-class
* Long-term residents
* Some newcomers seeking affordability

== Getting There ==

=== Market-Frankford Line ===

Multiple El stations serve Frankford:
* '''Frankford Transportation Center''' (terminal)
* '''Arrott Transportation Center'''
* '''Church Street***
* '''Margaret-Orthodox'''

=== Bus Routes ===

Numerous bus routes connect at Frankford Transportation Center.

== See Also ==

* [[Juniata Park]]
* [[Holmesburg]]
* [[Northeast Philadelphia]]
* [[SEPTA]]

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

{{FAQ
|q1=Why is the El called the Frankford Line?
|a1=The Market-Frankford Line is named for its two termini: it begins at 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby and terminates at Frankford Transportation Center. The line runs along Market Street through Center City, then through Kensington before ending in Frankford, hence the "Market-Frankford" name.

|q2=How old is Frankford?
|a2=Frankford was settled in 1683, making it one of the oldest communities in the Philadelphia area—only three years after Philadelphia itself was founded. It was an independent borough from 1800 until consolidation with Philadelphia in 1854.

|q3=What happened to Frankford Arsenal?
|a3=Frankford Arsenal was a U.S. Army ammunition manufacturing facility that operated from 1816 to 1977. At its peak, it employed over 20,000 workers. The arsenal closed in 1977 as part of military downsizing, removing a major employer and contributing to the neighborhood's economic decline. The site is now an industrial park.

|q4=Is Frankford safe?
|a4=Frankford has higher crime rates than many Philadelphia neighborhoods and faces economic challenges including poverty, vacant properties, and commercial decline. However, the neighborhood has active community organizations working on revitalization. Safety varies by specific block, and many longtime residents take pride in their community.
}}

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Frankford Philadelphia - Historic Northeast Philadelphia Neighborhood
|description=Guide to Frankford, Philadelphia's historic Northeast neighborhood at the end of the El. Frankford Transportation Center, Frankford Avenue, and community history.
|keywords=Frankford Philadelphia, Frankford Transportation Center, Market-Frankford Line, Frankford Avenue, Northeast Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:Northeast Philadelphia]]