Fairmount

Fairmount

Type	Neighborhood
Location	North Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19130
Boundaries	North: Girard Avenue, South: Spring Garden Street/Fairmount Avenue, East: Broad Street, West: 29th Street
Adjacent	Spring Garden, Brewerytown, Francisville, Logan Square
Major streets	Fairmount Avenue, 22nd Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
Transit	Broad Street Line (Fairmount Station)
Landmarks	Philadelphia Museum of Art, Eastern State Penitentiary, Fairmount Park

Fairmount is a neighborhood in Philadelphia located north of Center City, adjacent to Fairmount Park and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The neighborhood is characterized by Victorian rowhouses, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the city's cultural institutions along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Eastern State Penitentiary, the historic former prison now operating as a museum, sits at the neighborhood's heart.

Fairmount has become one of Philadelphia's most desirable residential neighborhoods, attracting young professionals and families with its combination of historic character, park access, and proximity to Center City.

History

Early History

Fairmount takes its name from "Faire Mount," the colonial-era name for the hill where the Philadelphia Museum of Art now stands. The Fairmount Water Works, built in 1815, was one of America's first municipal water systems and drew the name from this geographic feature.

19th Century Development

The neighborhood developed rapidly after the Civil War as wealthy Philadelphians built elegant Victorian homes along the park's edge. The construction of Eastern State Penitentiary (1829) preceded residential development; the prison's massive walls remain a neighborhood landmark.

20th Century

Like many Philadelphia neighborhoods, Fairmount experienced decline in the mid-20th century. Revitalization began in the 1990s and accelerated in the 2000s, driven by the neighborhood's architecture, location, and proximity to the museum district.

Landmarks

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary operated as a prison from 1829 to 1971 and is now a museum and historic site. The prison's innovative radial design influenced prison architecture worldwide. Famous inmates included Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton.

Today, the site offers:

• Daytime tours exploring prison history
• Terror Behind the Walls (seasonal Halloween attraction)
• Art installations and special exhibitions
• Historic preservation programs

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art sits at the neighborhood's southern edge, where Fairmount meets Logan Square. The "Rocky Steps" leading to the museum's entrance are one of Philadelphia's most visited attractions.

Fairmount Park

Fairmount borders Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban park systems in the United States. Park access provides:

• Trails for running, biking, and walking
• Historic houses (Lemon Hill, Strawberry Mansion)
• Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill
• Playgrounds and recreation facilities

Rodin Museum

The Rodin Museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway houses the largest collection of Auguste Rodin sculptures outside Paris, including "The Thinker."

Character

Architecture

Fairmount features some of Philadelphia's finest Victorian residential architecture:

• Three-story brick rowhouses with bay windows
• Queen Anne and Italianate styling
• Tree-lined streets
• Historic details including ornate cornices and ironwork

Atmosphere

Fairmount maintains a quiet, residential character despite proximity to tourist attractions. The neighborhood offers:

• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Strong sense of community
• Local shops along Fairmount Avenue
• Walkable, safe streets

Dining and Shopping

Fairmount Avenue serves as the commercial corridor:

Restaurants

• London Grill - Neighborhood staple
• Sabrina's Cafe - Popular brunch spot
• Bishop's Collar - Neighborhood bar
• Rembrandt's - Bar and restaurant
• Various cafes and casual eateries

Shopping

• Local boutiques
• Art galleries
• Antique shops
• Specialty food stores

Getting There

Public Transit

• Broad Street Line (The B): Fairmount Station
• SEPTA Bus Routes: 7, 32, 43, 48
• PHLASH: Seasonal tourist trolley connecting Fairmount attractions

Biking

The neighborhood connects to:

• Schuylkill River Trail
• Kelly Drive
• Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Driving

• I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) access nearby
• Street parking generally available (easier than Center City)
• Philadelphia Museum of Art parking lot

Living in Fairmount

Housing

• Predominantly Victorian rowhouses
• Some apartment buildings
• Increasing condo conversions
• Higher prices than many Philadelphia neighborhoods

Demographics

• Young professionals
• Families with children
• Empty nesters
• Mix of long-term residents and newcomers

Schools

Fairmount is served by the School District of Philadelphia. Nearby schools include:

• Spring Garden School
• The Science Leadership Academy @ Center City

See Also

• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Fairmount Park
• Logan Square
• Brewerytown
• Spring Garden