Editing Northeast Philadelphia

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Northeast Philadelphia
| type = Region
| location = Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 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
| notable_landmarks = Roosevelt Boulevard, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Pennypack Park
}}

'''Northeast Philadelphia''' (commonly called "the Northeast") is the largest region of [[Philadelphia]] by area, occupying the northeastern section of the city. The Northeast is characterized by its suburban-style development, predominantly post-World War II housing, and car-oriented street patterns—distinct from the dense rowhouse neighborhoods of South Philadelphia or Center City. The region is home to approximately 400,000 residents and includes diverse neighborhoods ranging from the Near Northeast's rowhouse blocks to the Far Northeast's single-family homes.<ref name="nepa">{{cite web |url=https://www.philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/places/northeast-philadelphia/ |title=Northeast Philadelphia |publisher=Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

== Geography ==

Northeast Philadelphia is typically divided into:

=== Near Northeast ===

The section closest to Center City, including:
* [[Frankford]]
* [[Juniata Park]]
* [[Mayfair]]
* [[Holmesburg]]
* [[Tacony]]

The Near Northeast has older housing stock, including rowhouses, and is served by the Market-Frankford Line.

=== Far Northeast ===

The outer section, developed primarily after World War II:
* [[Bustleton]]
* [[Fox Chase]]
* [[Somerton]]
* [[Rhawnhurst]]
* [[Pennypack]]
* [[Torresdale]]

The Far Northeast has more single-family homes, car-dependent development, and limited transit.

== Roosevelt Boulevard ==

'''Roosevelt Boulevard''' (U.S. Route 1) is the major north-south arterial through Northeast Philadelphia:
* 12-lane divided highway
* Major commercial corridor
* Notorious for traffic and pedestrian safety concerns
* Connects Center City to Bucks County

The Boulevard defines much of Northeast Philadelphia's character and has been the focus of safety improvement efforts.

== Character ==

=== Housing ===

Unlike other Philadelphia regions:
* Single-family homes common (especially Far Northeast)
* Semi-detached homes ("twins")
* Some rowhouses (Near Northeast)
* Suburban-style developments
* Larger lots than Center City

=== Demographics ===

Northeast Philadelphia is diverse:
* Historically white, Irish, and Jewish
* Growing Asian-American population
* Latino communities
* African-American neighborhoods
* Russian and Ukrainian immigrants
* Changing demographics

=== Commercial ===

* Strip mall development
* Big-box retail
* Auto-oriented shopping
* Some traditional commercial corridors ([[Frankford]] Avenue, Bustleton Avenue)

== Parks ==

=== Pennypack Park ===

'''Pennypack Park''' is the major green space:
* Linear park along Pennypack Creek
* Trails for hiking and biking
* Historic sites
* Nature areas

=== Other Parks ===

* Burholme Park
* Fox Chase Farm
* Benjamin Rush State Park

== Institutions ==

=== Healthcare ===

* '''Fox Chase Cancer Center*** - Major cancer research hospital
* Nazareth Hospital
* Aria Health facilities

=== Education ===

* Numerous public schools
* Archbishop Ryan High School
* Holy Family University

== Getting There ==

=== Public Transit ===

Transit service is limited compared to other regions:
* '''Market-Frankford Line:*** Terminates at Frankford Transportation Center
* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:*** Many routes, but long travel times
* '''Regional Rail:*** Fox Chase Line (limited service)

=== Driving ===

Most Northeast Philadelphia is car-dependent:
* Roosevelt Boulevard (US-1)
* I-95 (along Delaware River)
* Bustleton Avenue
* Cottman Avenue

== Neighborhoods ==

=== Near Northeast ===

* [[Frankford]] - Historic terminus of the El
* [[Juniata Park]] - Rowhouse neighborhood
* [[Mayfair]] - Residential neighborhood
* [[Holmesburg]] - Site of former prison
* [[Tacony]] - Along Delaware River

=== Far Northeast ===

* [[Bustleton]] - Commercial corridor neighborhood
* [[Fox Chase]] - Near cancer center
* [[Somerton]] - Outer neighborhood
* [[Rhawnhurst]] - Residential area
* [[Torresdale]] - Along Delaware River

== See Also ==

* [[Frankford]]
* [[Roosevelt Boulevard]]
* [[Pennypack Park]]
* [[SEPTA]]

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

{{FAQ
|q1=What is the difference between the Near Northeast and Far Northeast?
|a1=The Near Northeast (Frankford, Mayfair, Tacony, Holmesburg) has older rowhouse development and is served by the Market-Frankford Line. The Far Northeast (Bustleton, Fox Chase, Somerton) was developed after World War II with single-family homes and has limited public transit, requiring car transportation for most residents.

|q2=Is Northeast Philadelphia safe?
|a2=Northeast Philadelphia varies significantly by neighborhood. Many areas like Fox Chase, Bustleton, and Somerton are quiet suburban-style communities with relatively low crime. Other areas, particularly parts of the Near Northeast near Frankford and Kensington, have higher crime rates. As with any large region, safety varies by specific location.

|q3=Why is Roosevelt Boulevard so dangerous?
|a3=Roosevelt Boulevard is a 12-lane divided highway that runs through residential neighborhoods, creating a dangerous mix of high-speed traffic and pedestrian crossings. The Boulevard has been called one of America's most dangerous roads, with frequent pedestrian fatalities. The city has implemented safety improvements including speed cameras and better crossings.

|q4=What happened to the Jews of Northeast Philadelphia?
|a4=Northeast Philadelphia, particularly neighborhoods like Oxford Circle and Bustleton, was home to a large Jewish community that peaked from the 1950s through the 1980s. Many families moved to the suburbs (especially Montgomery County) as demographics shifted. Some Jewish institutions remain, but the community is smaller than its peak.

|q5=Is Northeast Philadelphia considered the suburbs?
|a5=Though Northeast Philadelphia has suburban characteristics—single-family homes, strip malls, car-dependent development—it is fully within Philadelphia city limits. Residents pay Philadelphia wage tax and receive city services. The area was developed to provide suburban-style living for families who wanted to remain in the city.
}}

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Northeast Philadelphia - Complete Guide to the Northeast
|description=Guide to Northeast Philadelphia, the city's largest region. Roosevelt Boulevard, Pennypack Park, Near Northeast and Far Northeast neighborhoods, and suburban-style living within city limits.
|keywords=Northeast Philadelphia, Far Northeast, Near Northeast, Roosevelt Boulevard, Pennypack Park, Philadelphia neighborhoods, Bustleton, Fox Chase
|type=Article
}}

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