Editing Somerton

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Somerton
| type = Neighborhood
| location = Far Northeast Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 19116
| boundaries = Roughly Byberry Road to Bucks County line, Roosevelt Boulevard to Pennypack Park
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Bustleton]], [[Fox Chase]], [[Bucks County]]
| major_streets = Roosevelt Boulevard, Byberry Road, Philmont Avenue
| transit = SEPTA bus routes
| notable_landmarks = Byberry State Hospital site (redeveloped), near city boundary
}}

'''Somerton''' is a neighborhood in the far [[Northeast Philadelphia]], located at the northern edge of the city near the Bucks County border. The area has the most suburban character of any Philadelphia neighborhood, with newer housing developments, shopping centers, and a car-dependent layout.

== History ==

Somerton remained rural farmland until the late 20th century, making it one of the last areas of Philadelphia to be developed. The neighborhood attracted families seeking new construction homes with suburban amenities while remaining within city limits.

=== Byberry State Hospital ===
The former '''Byberry State Hospital''' occupied a large portion of the area:
* Psychiatric hospital operated 1907-1990
* Notorious for poor conditions
* Demolished after closure
* Site redeveloped for residential use

== Character ==

=== Housing ===
* Newer single-family homes
* Townhouse communities
* Apartment complexes
* Suburban subdivisions
* Cul-de-sacs and planned developments

=== Community ===
* Young families
* Commuters to Center City and suburbs
* More transient than older neighborhoods
* Less dense development

== Commercial Areas ==

* Shopping centers along Roosevelt Boulevard
* Philmont Plaza area
* Typical suburban retail
* Auto-oriented development

== Living in Somerton ==

* Newer homes
* Suburban feel
* Near Bucks County
* Family-oriented
* Car necessary

== Getting There ==

* '''SEPTA buses:''' 1, 14, 58
* '''Roosevelt Boulevard:''' Primary arterial
* '''Near:''' PA Turnpike, Bucks County
* '''Long commute:''' To Center City

== See Also ==

* [[Bustleton]]
* [[Fox Chase]]
* [[Northeast Philadelphia]]

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

{{FAQ
|q1=Is Somerton still part of Philadelphia?
|a1=Yes, Somerton is within Philadelphia city limits, though it sits at the very northern edge of the city bordering Bucks County. Residents pay Philadelphia taxes and receive city services. The suburban character often makes visitors assume it's part of the suburbs.

|q2=What was Byberry State Hospital?
|a2=Byberry State Hospital was a psychiatric institution that operated from 1907 to 1990 in the Somerton area. It became notorious for overcrowding and inhumane conditions, documented in exposés and lawsuits. After closing in 1990, the buildings were demolished and the site has been redeveloped for residential use.

|q3=How far is Somerton from Center City Philadelphia?
|a3=Somerton is approximately 15 miles from Center City Philadelphia. By car via Roosevelt Boulevard or I-95, the drive takes 30-45 minutes without traffic, but can exceed an hour during rush hour. SEPTA bus service exists but involves long travel times, making most residents car-dependent.

|q4=Is Somerton a good place to raise a family?
|a4=Somerton is popular with families seeking newer homes, suburban-style living, and more space while remaining within Philadelphia. The neighborhood has relatively low density, shopping amenities, and is near Bucks County. Trade-offs include limited public transit and long commutes to Center City.
}}

{{#seo:
|title=Somerton Philadelphia - Far Northeast Philadelphia Neighborhood Guide
|description=Guide to Somerton, the far Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood at the city's northern boundary with suburban-style development.
|keywords=Somerton Philadelphia, Far Northeast Philadelphia, Byberry, Philadelphia neighborhoods
|type=Article
}}

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