Cedar Park

Cedar Park

Type	Neighborhood
Location	West Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19143
Named for	Cedar Park at 50th and Baltimore
Boundaries	North: Market Street, South: Woodland Avenue, East: 46th Street, West: 52nd Street
Adjacent	Spruce Hill, Walnut Hill, Cobbs Creek
Major streets	Baltimore Avenue, 48th Street, 50th Street
Transit	SEPTA trolleys (Route 34), Bus Routes
Landmarks	Clark Park, Baltimore Avenue corridor

Cedar Park is a neighborhood in West Philadelphia known for its Victorian architecture, diverse community, and the vibrant commercial corridor along Baltimore Avenue. The neighborhood is named for Cedar Park, a small park at 50th and Baltimore that serves as a community gathering place. Cedar Park has a strong identity as a progressive, walkable neighborhood with locally-owned businesses and active civic life.

History

Development

Cedar Park developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Philadelphia expanded westward. The neighborhood attracted working-class and middle-class families seeking affordable Victorian housing.

Modern Era

Cedar Park has maintained stability while experiencing gradual change:

• Longtime African-American community
• University of Pennsylvania proximity
• Baltimore Avenue commercial revival
• Strong community organizations

Baltimore Avenue

The Baltimore Avenue commercial corridor defines Cedar Park:

Restaurants

• Mariposa Food Co-op - Community-owned grocery
• Dock Street Brewing*** - Brewpub
• Dahlak*** - Ethiopian restaurant
• Cafes and international cuisines

Shopping

• Independent shops
• Vintage stores
• Local boutiques

Character

Baltimore Avenue maintains a local, independent character without chain retail.

Clark Park

While technically in adjacent Spruce Hill, Clark Park serves as a gathering place for Cedar Park residents:

• Farmers market (Saturdays)
• Community events
• Green space
• Playground

Character

Architecture

• Victorian rowhouses and twins
• Porches and front stoops
• Tree-lined streets
• Some larger homes

Community

• Diverse by race and income
• Strong neighborhood identity
• Progressive politics
• Active civic engagement

Living in Cedar Park

Housing

• Victorian homes
• More affordable than closer-in neighborhoods
• Mix of rentals and owner-occupied
• Stable housing stock

Demographics

• African-American community (historically)
• University affiliates
• Young professionals
• Artists and activists

Getting There

Public Transit

• SEPTA Trolley Route 34: Along Baltimore Avenue
• Bus Routes:*** 21, 42
• Walkable to 46th Street El station

See Also

• Spruce Hill
• University City
• West Philadelphia
• Cobbs Creek