Francisville

Francisville

Type	Neighborhood
Location	North Philadelphia / Center City border
ZIP code(s)	19121, 19130
Named for	Tench Francis, colonial attorney
Boundaries	Roughly Girard Avenue to Fairmount Avenue, Broad Street to 22nd Street
Adjacent	Fairmount, Spring Garden, Brewerytown, Temple University Area
Major streets	Girard Avenue, Ridge Avenue, 15th Street
Transit	Broad Street Line (Girard, Fairmount stations), trolley routes
Landmarks	Eastern State Penitentiary (nearby), emerging restaurant scene

Francisville is a neighborhood on the border between North Philadelphia and Center City, named for Tench Francis, a colonial attorney. The neighborhood has experienced significant gentrification in recent years, with new construction, restaurants, and rising property values transforming the formerly underserved area.

History

Francisville has roots dating to colonial times and developed as a residential neighborhood in the 19th century. The area declined economically in the mid-to-late 20th century but has seen rapid change since the 2000s due to its proximity to Center City and Fairmount.

Character

Rapid Change

• Gentrification ongoing
• New construction condos and apartments
• Historic rowhouse renovations
• Rising property values
• Displacement concerns

Housing

• Mix of old and new
• Renovated rowhouses
• New construction buildings
• Mix of renters and owners

Demographics

• Changing rapidly
• Young professionals moving in
• Longtime residents (declining)
• Increasingly diverse economically

Dining and Nightlife

Francisville has developed a dining scene:

• New restaurants opening
• Bars and coffee shops
• BYOB establishments
• Mix of cuisines

Living in Francisville

• Proximity to Center City
• Rising prices (but below Fairmount)
• New construction options
• Restaurant and bar scene
• Rapid change

Getting There

• Broad Street Line: Girard Station, Fairmount Station
• SEPTA buses: 48
• Walking: Close to Center City

See Also

• Fairmount
• Spring Garden
• Brewerytown
• North Philadelphia