Frankford

Frankford

Type	Neighborhood
Location	Northeast Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19124, 19135, 19137
Established	1683
Named for	Frankfurt, Germany
Boundaries	Complex; roughly Tacony Creek to the Juniata Park area
Adjacent	Juniata Park, Holmesburg, Bridesburg, Kensington
Major streets	Frankford Avenue, Torresdale Avenue, Margaret Street
Transit	Market-Frankford Line (multiple stations ending at Frankford Transportation Center)
Landmarks	Frankford Transportation Center, Frankford Avenue commercial district

Frankford is a historic neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia, serving as the terminus of the Market-Frankford Line (the "El"). Originally founded as an independent borough in 1683, Frankford is one of Philadelphia's oldest settlements. The neighborhood centers on Frankford Avenue, a major commercial corridor, and the Frankford Transportation Center, a critical transit hub.

History

Colonial Era

Frankford was settled in 1683 by German and Swedish colonists along the Frankford Creek. The settlement was named for Frankfurt, Germany, home of many early residents. Frankford became a milling and manufacturing center, using water power from the creek.

Borough Era

Frankford was incorporated as a borough in 1800 and remained independent until consolidation with Philadelphia in 1854. The town had its own character and identity, centered on Frankford Avenue.

Industrial Era

Frankford became a manufacturing center:

• Textile mills
• Arsenal (Frankford Arsenal, 1816-1977)
• Various factories
• Working-class employment

Modern Era

Deindustrialization hit Frankford hard. The closing of Frankford Arsenal in 1977 removed a major employer. The neighborhood has struggled economically while remaining a critical transit hub.

Frankford Transportation Center

The Frankford Transportation Center is the terminal station for the Market-Frankford Line:

• Major transit hub
• Bus connections
• Thousands of daily commuters
• Commercial activity around station

The El runs along Market Street in Center City, then along Front Street and Kensington, terminating at Frankford.

Frankford Avenue

Frankford Avenue is one of Philadelphia's oldest roads and the neighborhood's commercial corridor:

• Retail shops
• Restaurants
• Services
• Mix of occupied and vacant storefronts

The avenue extends from Old City through Kensington and into Frankford.

Character

Architecture

• Rowhouses (dominant)
• Some Victorian-era buildings
• Commercial buildings along Frankford Avenue
• Former industrial sites

Challenges

Frankford faces economic challenges:

• Commercial vacancies
• Poverty
• Crime concerns
• Disinvestment

Community

Despite challenges:

• Strong community organizations
• Long-term residents
• Neighborhood pride
• Revitalization efforts

Living in Frankford

Housing

• Affordable rowhouses
• Lower prices than most Philadelphia neighborhoods
• Mix of owner-occupied and rental
• Some vacant properties

Demographics

• Diverse by race and ethnicity
• Working-class
• Long-term residents
• Some newcomers seeking affordability

Getting There

Market-Frankford Line

Multiple El stations serve Frankford:

• Frankford Transportation Center (terminal)
• Arrott Transportation Center
• Church Street***
• Margaret-Orthodox

Bus Routes

Numerous bus routes connect at Frankford Transportation Center.

See Also

• Juniata Park
• Holmesburg
• Northeast Philadelphia
• SEPTA