Somerton: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 22:16, 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Template:FAQ

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 * [[Fox Chase]]
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+== Frequently Asked Questions ==
+{{FAQ
+|q1=Is Somerton still part of Philadelphia?
+|a1=Yes, Somerton is within Philadelphia city limits, though it sits at the very northern edge of the city bordering Bucks County. Residents pay Philadelphia taxes and receive city services. The suburban character often makes visitors assume it's part of the suburbs.
+|q2=What was Byberry State Hospital?
+|a2=Byberry State Hospital was a psychiatric institution that operated from 1907 to 1990 in the Somerton area. It became notorious for overcrowding and inhumane conditions, documented in exposés and lawsuits. After closing in 1990, the buildings were demolished and the site has been redeveloped for residential use.
+|q3=How far is Somerton from Center City Philadelphia?
+|a3=Somerton is approximately 15 miles from Center City Philadelphia. By car via Roosevelt Boulevard or I-95, the drive takes 30-45 minutes without traffic, but can exceed an hour during rush hour. SEPTA bus service exists but involves long travel times, making most residents car-dependent.
+|q4=Is Somerton a good place to raise a family?
+|a4=Somerton is popular with families seeking newer homes, suburban-style living, and more space while remaining within Philadelphia. The neighborhood has relatively low density, shopping amenities, and is near Bucks County. Trade-offs include limited public transit and long commutes to Center City.
+}}
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