Spruce Hill

Spruce Hill

Type	Neighborhood
Location	West Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19104
Boundaries	Roughly Market Street to Woodland Avenue, 40th Street to 46th Street
Adjacent	University City, Cedar Park, Walnut Hill
Major streets	Spruce Street, Baltimore Avenue, 42nd Street
Transit	SEPTA trolleys (Routes 13, 34), Market-Frankford Line (40th Street Station)
Landmarks	Victorian architecture, Clark Park

Spruce Hill is a residential neighborhood in West Philadelphia known for its Victorian architecture and proximity to the University of Pennsylvania. The neighborhood is home to Clark Park, one of West Philadelphia's most beloved green spaces, and features tree-lined streets with elegant 19th-century homes.

History

Spruce Hill developed in the late 19th century as Philadelphia expanded westward. The Victorian homes attracted middle-class and wealthy families seeking space outside Center City while maintaining transit access.

Clark Park

Clark Park is the neighborhood's centerpiece:

• 9-acre urban park
• Farmers market (Saturdays)
• Concerts and events
• Playground
• Dog-friendly areas
• Community gathering space

The park features a statue of Charles Dickens, the only public monument to Dickens in the world.

Character

Architecture

• Victorian single-family homes
• Large houses on spacious lots
• Tree-lined streets
• Some apartment conversions

Community

• Mix of families and professionals
• University-affiliated residents
• Active civic association
• Progressive character

Living in Spruce Hill

• Victorian homes (single-family and converted)
• Higher prices than outer West Philadelphia
• Family-friendly
• Strong schools interest

Getting There

• Market-Frankford Line: 40th Street Station
• SEPTA Trolleys: Routes 13, 34 along Baltimore Avenue
• Walkable to Penn campus

See Also

• University City
• Cedar Park
• West Philadelphia
• Clark Park