Norris Square

Norris Square

Type	Neighborhood
Location	North Philadelphia / Kensington
ZIP code(s)	19122
Named for	Norris Square park
Boundaries	Roughly Susquehanna Avenue to Berks Street, Front Street to 5th Street
Adjacent	West Kensington, Kensington, Temple University Area
Major streets	2nd Street, Susquehanna Avenue, Front Street
Transit	Market-Frankford Line (Berks Station nearby), SEPTA buses
Landmarks	Norris Square Park, Norris Square Neighborhood Project

Norris Square is a neighborhood in North Philadelphia / Kensington centered on Norris Square Park. The neighborhood has a significant Puerto Rican community and is known for the Norris Square Neighborhood Project, a community organization focused on urban agriculture and neighborhood improvement.

Norris Square Park

Norris Square is the neighborhood's central park:

• Historic public square
• Community gathering space
• Community gardens nearby
• Playground
• Event space

Norris Square Neighborhood Project

The Norris Square Neighborhood Project is a notable community organization:

• Community gardens and urban farming
• Youth programs
• Environmental education
• Neighborhood beautification
• Cultural programming

History

Norris Square was laid out as a public square in the 19th century. The surrounding neighborhood developed as part of industrial Kensington. Puerto Rican migration transformed the area's demographics in the mid-20th century.

Character

Housing

• Rowhouses
• Mix of conditions
• Some renovation occurring
• Affordable prices

Community

• Puerto Rican community
• Active neighborhood organizations
• Community gardens
• Youth programs

Challenges

• Poverty
• Proximity to opioid crisis areas
• Property vacancies

Living in Norris Square

• Affordable housing
• Strong community organizations
• Latino community and culture
• Near Temple University

Getting There

• Market-Frankford Line: Berks Station
• SEPTA buses: 3, 47
• Near Temple University campus

See Also

• West Kensington
• Kensington
• Temple University Area