Somerton: Difference between revisions
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|description=Guide to Somerton, the far Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood at the city's northern boundary with suburban-style development. | |description=Guide to Somerton, the far Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood at the city's northern boundary with suburban-style development. | ||
|keywords=Somerton Philadelphia, Far Northeast Philadelphia, Byberry, Philadelphia neighborhoods | |keywords=Somerton Philadelphia, Far Northeast Philadelphia, Byberry, Philadelphia neighborhoods | ||
|type= | |type=Article | ||
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[[Category:Neighborhoods]] | [[Category:Neighborhoods]] | ||
[[Category:Northeast Philadelphia]] | [[Category:Northeast Philadelphia]] | ||
Revision as of 16:19, 23 December 2025
Somerton
| Type | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Location | Far Northeast Philadelphia |
| ZIP code(s) | 19116 |
| Boundaries | Roughly Byberry Road to Bucks County line, Roosevelt Boulevard to Pennypack Park |
| Adjacent | Bustleton, Fox Chase, Bucks County |
| Major streets | Roosevelt Boulevard, Byberry Road, Philmont Avenue |
| Transit | SEPTA bus routes |
| Landmarks | Byberry State Hospital site (redeveloped), near city boundary |
Somerton is a neighborhood in the far Northeast Philadelphia, located at the northern edge of the city near the Bucks County border. The area has the most suburban character of any Philadelphia neighborhood, with newer housing developments, shopping centers, and a car-dependent layout.
History
Somerton remained rural farmland until the late 20th century, making it one of the last areas of Philadelphia to be developed. The neighborhood attracted families seeking new construction homes with suburban amenities while remaining within city limits.
Byberry State Hospital
The former Byberry State Hospital occupied a large portion of the area:
- Psychiatric hospital operated 1907-1990
- Notorious for poor conditions
- Demolished after closure
- Site redeveloped for residential use
Character
Housing
- Newer single-family homes
- Townhouse communities
- Apartment complexes
- Suburban subdivisions
- Cul-de-sacs and planned developments
Community
- Young families
- Commuters to Center City and suburbs
- More transient than older neighborhoods
- Less dense development
Commercial Areas
- Shopping centers along Roosevelt Boulevard
- Philmont Plaza area
- Typical suburban retail
- Auto-oriented development
Living in Somerton
- Newer homes
- Suburban feel
- Near Bucks County
- Family-oriented
- Car necessary
Getting There
- SEPTA buses: 1, 14, 58
- Roosevelt Boulevard: Primary arterial
- Near: PA Turnpike, Bucks County
- Long commute: To Center City