Editing Roxborough

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Roxborough
| type = Neighborhood
| location = Northwest Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 19128
| established = 1690s (original settlement)
| boundaries = North: Montgomery County, South: Manayunk/Wissahickon Creek, East: Wissahickon Valley Park, West: Schuylkill River
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Manayunk]], [[Wissahickon]], [[Andorra]], [[Upper Roxborough]]
| major_streets = Ridge Avenue, Henry Avenue, Pechin Street
| transit = SEPTA Bus Routes 9, 27, 35
| notable_landmarks = Andorra Natural Area, Dalessandro's Steaks, Umbria Street
}}

'''Roxborough''' is a neighborhood in Northwest [[Philadelphia]] with a small-town atmosphere, located between the Schuylkill River and [[Wissahickon Valley Park]]. Unlike many Philadelphia neighborhoods, Roxborough developed with single-family homes and maintains a residential character more typical of suburbs. The neighborhood is known for its strong community identity, local businesses, and famous cheesesteak shops.<ref name="roxtimes">{{cite web |url=https://roxboroughnews.com |title=Roxborough News |publisher=Roxborough Review |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Early Settlement ===

Roxborough was settled in the late 17th century by German, Dutch, and Swedish farmers. The area remained rural while Philadelphia developed to the southeast.

=== Consolidation ===

Roxborough was consolidated into Philadelphia in 1854 but retained its distinct identity due to geographic isolation—the Wissahickon Valley separated it from the main city.

=== 20th Century ===

Roxborough developed as a working-class and middle-class neighborhood, attracting families seeking affordable single-family homes while remaining within city limits. The neighborhood has maintained stability while areas closer to Center City experienced more dramatic changes.

== Character ==

Roxborough has a distinctly un-Philadelphia character:

=== Small-Town Feel ===

* Tree-lined streets
* Single-family homes dominant
* Local commercial strips
* Strong community identity
* Multi-generational families

=== Architecture ===

* Single-family houses (not rowhouses)
* Various styles (Victorian, Cape Cod, Colonial)
* Larger lots than typical Philadelphia
* Some apartment buildings along Ridge Avenue

== Cheesesteak Rivalry ==

Roxborough has its own famous cheesesteak rivalry:

=== Dalessandro's Steaks ===

'''Dalessandro's Steaks''' at Wendover Street and Henry Avenue is widely considered one of Philadelphia's best cheesesteak shops:
* Family-owned since 1960
* Small neighborhood location
* Cash only
* Long lines at peak times

=== Chubby's Steaks ===

'''Chubby's Steaks''' sits nearby, creating a Roxborough version of the Pat's vs. Geno's rivalry. Locals debate which serves the better sandwich.

== Commercial Areas ==

=== Ridge Avenue ===

The main commercial corridor featuring:
* Local restaurants and bars
* Shops and services
* Grocery stores
* Banks and pharmacies

=== Henry Avenue ===

Secondary commercial strip.

=== Umbria Street ===

Growing restaurant and nightlife district.

== Wissahickon Valley Park ==

Roxborough borders [[Wissahickon Valley Park]] along its eastern edge:
* Trail access points throughout the neighborhood
* Hiking, biking, and horseback riding
* Historic sites (Valley Green Inn, covered bridges)
* Urban wilderness within the city

== Getting There ==

=== Public Transit ===

* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:''' 9, 27, 35
* No subway or rail service (requires bus to Manayunk station)

=== Driving ===

* Ridge Avenue from Manayunk
* Henry Avenue from East Falls
* I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) via Green Lane exit

== Living in Roxborough ==

=== Housing ===

* Single-family homes (most common)
* Some apartments and condos
* Lower prices than nearby Chestnut Hill
* More affordable than Center City

=== Demographics ===

* Working-class and middle-class families
* Many long-term residents
* Some newcomers attracted by affordability
* Predominantly white (historically), diversifying

=== Schools ===

* Roxborough High School
* Several elementary schools
* Parochial school options

=== Pros and Cons ===

'''Pros:'''
* Affordable by Philadelphia standards
* Family-friendly
* Strong community
* Nature access
* Safe streets

'''Cons:'''
* Limited public transit
* Car-dependent
* Less dining variety than Center City
* Far from downtown

{{FAQ
| q1 = What is Dalessandro's?
| a1 = Dalessandro's Steaks at Wendover Street and Henry Avenue is considered one of Philadelphia's best cheesesteak shops. Family-owned since 1960, it's cash-only with long lines at peak times. Nearby Chubby's creates a local rivalry.
| q2 = What is Roxborough like?
| a2 = Roxborough has a small-town feel unusual for Philadelphia, with single-family homes (not rowhouses), tree-lined streets, and multi-generational families. It's more car-dependent than other neighborhoods due to limited transit.
| q3 = Is Roxborough in Philadelphia?
| a3 = Yes, Roxborough is within Philadelphia city limits in the Northwest section. It was consolidated into Philadelphia in 1854 but retained its distinct identity due to geographic isolation from the Wissahickon Valley.
| q4 = Can you access Wissahickon from Roxborough?
| a4 = Yes, Roxborough borders Wissahickon Valley Park along its eastern edge with multiple trail access points. Residents can hike, bike, and ride horses in the 2,000-acre urban wilderness.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Manayunk]]
* [[Wissahickon Valley Park]]
* [[Northwest Philadelphia]]
* [[Andorra]]
* [[Upper Roxborough]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Roxborough Philadelphia - Small-Town Neighborhood With Dalessandro's Steaks
|description=Guide to Roxborough, Philadelphia's small-town Northwest neighborhood. Dalessandro's cheesesteaks, Wissahickon Valley Park access, and family-friendly living.
|keywords=Roxborough Philadelphia, Dalessandro's Steaks, Chubby's Steaks, Roxborough cheesesteak, Wissahickon Valley Park, Northwest Philadelphia, Philadelphia neighborhoods
|type=Article
}}

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